Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant made from the leaves of the coca plant. It's usually snorted, can be injected or rubbed on gums.

This is a guide only – know more, be safer.

Effects on the Brain

How Cocaine makes you feel

Depends on how you feel before you use cocaine, and the surroundings you’re in. You might feel happy, talkative, energetic, alert, anxious, paranoid, irritable and agitated. You might also have an increased sex drive, or have unpredictable, violent/aggressive behaviour.

Effects on the Body

What Cocaine does to your body

Depends on your size/weight and health, if you’re used to taking it, if other drugs are taken around the same time, amount taken, and drug strength. You might have a dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, enlarged pupils, higher blood pressure, faster heartbeat and breathing, higher body temp, reduced appetite, and insomnia.

Drug Duration Calculator
Staying Safe

How long does Cocaine last?

Effects last
30-45 minutes
Stays in your system for
In system
Saliva test: Less than 24 hours. Urine test: 2-3 days
No longer detectable in your system
Clear
3+ days

Depends on:

Depends on:

  • Your Size/Weight
  • Tolerance to the drug
  • Drug Strength
  • Type of test. These time frames are based on saliva and urine drug tests. Testing equipment can vary - this is a guide only.

How do you stay below 0.05? (This is a guide only)

Men average size: No more than 2 standard drinks in the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that.

Women average size: No more than 1 standard drink per hour.

Mixing Substances

Risks of mixing Cocaine with other substances

Mixing cocaine with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

Moderate risk icon

Moderate Risk Substances

High risk icon

High Risk Substances

Potential Side Effects

When you take too much Cocaine

Extreme anxiety

Vomiting

Chest pain

Panic

Tremors

Breathing irregularities

Kidney failure

Seizures

Heart problems

Stroke

Staying Safe

Risks when taking the substance

  • Regular use can cause or worsen mental health issues like anxiety and depression
  • Regular use increases risk of addiction
  • High doses and frequent heavy use can cause ‘cocaine psychosis’ where people experience hallucinations or paranoia – usually goes away after person stops using.


Staying Safe

Harm reduction

  • Always test small amount first
  • Don’t use bank notes to snort, have your own straw or spoon so you can avoid infection and blood borne viruses
  • Avoid regular, frequent use, snorting drugs repeatedly over time can injure the nose, remember to take breaks
  • You can snort water before and after use to reduce infection risk
  • People with mental health issues or heart problems should avoid
  • Drink water, have regular healthy meals
  • Know how long cocaine stays in your system so you’ll know when it’s safer to drive, be on site or work machinery.