What is Cocaine?

The word cocaine encompasses the drug in its common powder form (cocaine) and a crystal form (crack). The powder is usually diluted with inert substances such as corn starch, talcum powder and/or sugar or other drugs such as procaine (a chemically related local anaesthetic) or amphetamines.

Extracted from coca leaves, cocaine was originally developed as a painkiller. It is most often sniffed, with the powder absorbed into the bloodstream through nasal tissues. It can also be ingested or rubbed into other mucous tissues such as the gums.

To more rapidly absorb the drug into the body, abusers inject it, however, this substantially increases the risk of overdose. Inhaling it as smoke or vapour speeds absorption with less health risk than injection.

contributor by: Drug Rehab Necessary


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