Cocaine is a euphoric stimulant. It is energizing both physically and psychologically. This very popular street drug is often cooked and converted into crack cocaine, another addicting and dangerous drug. Street names for cocaine include nose candy, snow and blow. Cocaine is extremely dangerous and poses risks both in the short and long term. Overdose, heart and kidney problems are risks that individuals may face when taking the drug.

Cocaine is derived from the cocoa plant and is a very significant cash crop in South America. It is often white in color and can be injected, taken orally, smoked and snorted.

Cocaine wasn’t always illegal. At one time it was included in a number of over-the-counter medications and everyday products. It wasn’t until the early 1900’s, particularly 1914, when the drug was made illegal in the United States. Prior to that, it was included in wine, drinks and even used as a pain reliever.

Cocaine will affect individuals differently. The most common effects include a decreased desire to eat, feelings of euphoria, the ability to focus and sexual arousal. Individuals may also be able to stay up for much longer periods of time then normal.

There is no correct dosing for cocaine. The amount required for a person to get high will vary. It will dependend upon their experience with the drug, their weight, its purity, their metabolism and whether or not they are male or female. It is also very hard to determine what might be a lethal dose. What is considered safe to use, may vary greatly from one person to the next. It is not un-heard of for individuals to die after only trying cocaine once. Len Bias, a superstar basketball star from the University of Maryland, died before joining the Boston Celtics, after taking cocaine for the first time.

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that is very popular and whose use, is widespread. Cocaine can also be used to make crack cocaine, another widely used and very dangerous drug. Both are extremely addicting, illegal and pose great dangers when mixed with other drugs.