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The facts about Cocaine and Crack Cocaine

Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Cocaine is either snorted through the nasal passages or injected intravenously. Cocaine belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants, which tend to give a temporary illusion of limitless power and energy that leave the user feeling depressed, edgy and craving more. Crack is smokable form of cocaine that has been chemically altered. cocaine and crack are highly addictive. This addiction can erode physical and mental health and can become so strong that drugs dominate all aspects of an addict's life.

Physical risks associated with using any amount of cocaine and crack include:

increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature
heart attacks, strokes and respiratory failure
hepatitis or AIDS through shared needles
brain seizures
reduction of the body's ability to resist and combat infection

Psychological risks include:

violent, erratic or paranoid behavior
hallucinations and "coke bugs"--a sensation of imagery insects crawling over the skin
confusion, anxiety and depression, loss of interest in food or sex
:cocaine psychosis"--losing touch with reality, loss of interest in friends, family, sports, hobbies, and other activities

Some users spend hundred or thousands of dollars on cocaine and crack each week and will do anything to support their habit. Many turn to drug selling, prostitution or other crimes.