Cocaine causes a burst of alertness, feelings of well-being and euphoria which could include enthusiastic talking.
WHAT?
Cocaine is an illegal stimulant produced from the leaves of the coca plant. It is usually grown and processed illegally overseas, smuggled to Australia and sold.
OTHER NAMES
C, coke, nose candy, snow, rack, white lady, toot, Charlie, blow, white dust, pebbles, Chang and stardust. Freebase is known as base. Crack (not usually available in Australia) is referred to as rock or wash.
SIGNS THAT SOMEONE MIGHT BE USING OR DEALING IN MY HOUSE
Cocaine is not as common in Australia as it is overseas and is extremely expensive compared to other drugs. We don’t get many inquiries about cocaine at YoDAA and when we do, young people usually report using it occasionally alongside other substances. Cocaine is most commonly sold in powdered form and snorted from a flat surface although it can be smoked in a pipe or over a piece of foil or injected.
Bleeding and irritation around the nostrils can be caused by regular snorting of any drug.
HOW COMMON IS USAGE
In 2010, 7.3 per cent of Australians (over age 14) had used cocaine (National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2010). For young people specifically use is much less frequent. Approximately 2 per cent of young people of school age had ever used cocaine according to the 2011 secondary schools drugs survey.
HOW CAN I TELL IF A YOUNG PERSON IS USING?
Cocaine causes a burst of alertness and feelings of wellbeing and euphoria which could include enthusiastic talking. Other signs that someone has recently used this drug could be heightened arrogance, aggressiveness and over-confidence leading to careless risks.
Cocaine is extremely fast acting with the high felt almost immediately and wearing off after 10-30 minutes however the ‘come down’ or crash where a young person may feel strong cravings, headache and tiredness can drag out for up to 2 days.
Didn’t find what you are looking for? We know families and carers can be pretty worried when they are looking for info so we’ve just given you the most relevant fast facts for families and carers. For a more comprehensive guide we recommend the ADF’s fact sheet. Remember, we understand how stressful it can be when you are worried about a young person. Talk to YoDAA for free, confidential info, advice and referral.
