Cocaine info card

Apr 7

Cocaine: coke, blow, powder, soft (crack cocaine: hard, rock, candy)

Cocaine is a powerful, short-acting stimulant that can increase energy, alertness, confidence, and euphoria. Derived from coca leaves and once used in medicine, it’s now mostly used recreationally, often linked to nightlife, party scenes, and high-stress work environments.

How it hits:

Snorted (powder): Onset in about 5 min, lasts 30–60 minutes.
Smoked (crack)/Injected (powder): Hits instantly, fades in 5–15 minutes.
Because the effects fade quickly, people may use it more often, increasing the risk of binge use and related harm. Binging can cause excess dopamine release during periods of sleep deprivation, which may lead to paranoia.
Crash: Can include anxiety, dysphoria (discomfort), irritability, low mood, fatigue, sedation, especially after binge use with sleep deprivation.

Risky cocaine combos:

Mixing drugs increases the risk of serious health issues. Always check individual interactions and limit combinations:

+ Alcohol and Other Sedatives (like benzos, GHB) = Can hide the warning signs of cocaine toxicity and create unpredictable effects on the heart and breathing. As the stimulant wears off, the sedative may dominate, increasing the risk of overdose, heart problems, and sudden death.

+ Opioids (‘Speedball’) = Increases the risk of overdose and sedation when cocaine wears off, and increases the chances that you’ll be exposed to fentanyl

+ Other Stimulants (like MDMA, Adderall, meth) = Raises the risk of “overamping,” which can lead to a stroke, or a heart attack.

+ Erectile Dysfunction Drugs (like Viagra, Cialis) = Can cause dangerous swings in blood pressure, especially during sexual activity, and increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.

+ Antidepressants (like SSRIs, SNRI, TCA, MAOIs) = Can overstimulate the brain and cause severe anxiety, agitation, confusion, overheating (hyperthermia), seizures, and cardiovascular stress.

Stay safer:

Don’t share snorting tools, smoke kits, or injection supplies to prevent HIV, Hepatitis C, and other infections.
Start with a small amount if you're unsure of strength. Effects can vary by batch.
Use saline spray and switchnostrils to limit damage to your nose.
Hydrate and take breaks, especially in crowds or heat.
Pace yourself: Frequent redosing increases risk of overdose and mental strain.
If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, your health risk may be higher.
Keep naloxone nearby: there is a risk that substances sold as or mistaken for cocaine may contain opioids (such as fentanyl) or other adulterants. Having naloxone accessible can help reverse a potential opioid overdose if exposure occurs.

Look out for each other tonight:

It’s okay to say no or take a break whenever you need.

Stay alert for any signs of distress and step in to help if needed.
In an emergency, call 911 for medical services. In Pennsylvania, you are protected under the Good Samaritan Law (Act 139 of 2014, "Drug Overdose Response Immunity Act") and will not get in trouble with the police.