Cocaine is an addictive, stimulant substance originating from south america. Cocaine is derived from south american coca leaves which had a long history of being chewed for their stimulant properties before chemists isolated the cocaine itself to realize its most commonly known form as a white powder. Cocaine takes the appearance of a fine white powder and while people may think they are getting cocaine there is no way to know for sure what they are buying. The practice of “cutting” or diluting cocaine is endemic among illicit drug dealers and this introduces a strong element of risk into a practice already fraught with significant health risk.

Cocaine is most often taken through insufflation, but it can be taken orally or smoked or injected.

When a user ingests cocaine they will typically experience a sense of euphoria and alertness and focus. The onset of the drug is almost immediately and the effects can last over an hour depending on the dosage administered.

The most readily apparent effects of cocaine use are as follows:

• elevated heart rate
• dilated pupils
• increase in body temperature

Generally speaking, cocaine effects the cardiovascular system very strongly and habitual use will impact it negatively, producing heart problems and related issues.