Although not commonly used by young people accessing support services, reports suggest cocaine use is not uncommon in the community.

WHAT

Cocaine is an illegal stimulant produced from the leaves of the coca plant.

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 is referred to as rock or wash.

HOW COMMON IS USAGE?

8.1 per cent of Australians (over age 14) had used cocaine. For young people specifically, cocaine is used far less often. Only 2.1 per cent of people 14 or older had used cocaine in the National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2013. 

APPEARANCE

Cocaine is a white powder. 
Crack appears as small lumps or rocks that make a crackling noise when burnt.
Freebase is a crystal-like powder and is less common than cocaine and crack.

USE

Cocaine is snorted or rubbed on the gums.
Crack and freebase are smoked in a pipe, glass tube, plastic bottle or foil. Powder and crack forms can be liquefied for injecting.

EFFECTS

Alertness, feelings of wellbeing and euphoria, enthusiastic talking. Appetite suppression, arrogance, aggressiveness and over-confidence leading to careless risks. The high is felt almost immediately and lasts 10-30 minutes; the comedown can last days.

OVERDOSE

Vomiting, tremors, irregular breathing, agitation, panic or delirium. An ambulance should be called if any of these symptoms occur.

COMMON MIXERS

Alcohol, producing a third chemical called cocaethylene, increasing the chance of heart attack. Injecting a mixture of cocaine and heroin, known as ‘speed-balling’.