Cocaine is a drug made from the leaves of the coca shrub.

Coca leaf chewing is thought to have been common among the indigenous people of South American as long ago as 2500BC. It was first extracted from the leafs in 1855, and by 1870 was popular as a stimulant and tonic, as well as being used in various patent medicines.

It was also used as a local anaesthetic for eye surgery and dentistry. Coca Cola, which contained small quantities of cocaine until 1904, was originally marketed as ‘a valuable brain tonic and cure for all nervous afflictions’.

Recreational use was very minimal until the 1970s. By the turn of the century, concern had grown about dependence and other problems, and in 1918 cocaine became a banned substance, apart from very limited medical use.

What is the difference between cocaine and crack?
Cocaine hydrochloride is a white powder that can be sniffed or injected Crack cocaine is cocaine hydrochloride that has been chemically altered to form crystals that can be smoked.

Cocaine and crack are strong but short acting stimulants. They tend to make the user feel more alert and energetic. Users may also feel very confident, physically strong and clever.

A dry mouth, sweating, loss of appetite and increased heart and pulse rate may be experienced. Higher levels of use may result in feelings of anxiety and panic. Large or quickly repeated doses can lead to extreme anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations. The effects from snorting are felt very quickly but only last for up to 30 minutes without repeating the dose.

Smoking crack brings even quicker and even shorter lived effects. Sniffing is considered the safest method of using cocaine, but can lead to damage of the nose. Smoking crack can damage the lungs and can result in extremely compulsive behaviour.

The after effects may include fatigue and depression. Excessive doses can cause death from heart failure With regular use restlessness, nausea, hyperactivity, paranoia, insomnia and weight loss may develop.

Regular users, particularly smokers of cocaine, can develop a strong psychological dependence.

The fact that cocaine and crack are expensive means that regular users may need large amounts of money to support their habit. This could result in involvement in crime or prostitution.

The law
Cocaine and crack are controlled as Class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act. It is illegal to be in possession of them or to supply them to other people. The penalties are very severe, and the results of a conviction are long lasting.