Knowing about drugs - Cocaine
Cocaine
Other names
Coke, charlie, gak, C.
Crack (a smokeable form of cocaine): rock wash, stone.
What it looks like and how it's taken
Cocaine: white powder that is snorted up the nose, sometimes dissolved and injected.
Crack: small crystals which are smoked.
The effects
A sense of wellbeing and confidence. Effects last roughly 30 minutes. Users are left craving more crack, which has the same effect as cocaine but a more intense and shorter high.
The health risks
Cocaine and crack are addictive and leave users feeling tired and depressed for days. Can cause chest pain and heart problems. Heavy use can cause convulsions.
Legal status
Class A.
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More help and advice
- Spot the signs of teen drug use
- Talking about sex
- Aerosol abuse and what to look for
- Could your child be drinking? What should you do?
- 10 ways alcohol can affect your child
- Talk to your teens
