Cocaine is a highly addictive, illicit stimulant drug. People may use cocaine for its stimulant and mood-boosting effects. Frequent cocaine abuse can lead to serious long-term complications. It is critical to recognize cocaine abuse and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Knowing common street names for cocaine may help you recognize cocaine abuse. This article will explore some slang terms for cocaine. You will also learn:
- The effects and risks of cocaine abuse
- How to recognize cocaine addiction
- What to expect during cocaine addiction treatment
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine abuse or other substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our holistic addiction treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug derived from the coca plant. It is available in several forms, including a white powder and a solid form called crack.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies cocaine as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high risk for misuse and addiction. People who abuse this potent drug for even short periods may become addicted to cocaine.
Cocaine’s effects happen quickly and last a short period. Once this drug enters the bloodstream, it causes the brain to release more dopamine, which affects the brain’s reward and pleasure systems.
It can be very challenging for people to stop using cocaine once they develop an addiction. Most people require comprehensive detox and rehab programs to stop using it and avoid relapse for life.
It is essential to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of cocaine abuse and addiction. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you are to have a long-lasting recovery.
Common Slang for Cocaine
Drug dealers and cocaine users may use slang terms to refer to cocaine and crack cocaine. Here are some of the most common terms people may use to describe these forms of cocaine.
Common slang terms for powdered cocaine include:
- Dust
- Snow
- Sniff
- Rail
- White rock
- Coke
- Big C
- Line
- Nose candy
- Sneeze
- Bump
- Blow
- Flake
- Pearl
Common slang terms for crack cocaine include:
- Candy
- Cookies
- Purple caps
- Rocks
- Scrabble
- Tornado
- Grit
- Gravel
- Jelly beans
- Nuggets
- Chemical
- Dice
- Hard rock
- Sleet
People may also use slang terms to refer to combinations of cocaine and other drugs. Here are some slang terms for these combinations:
- Cocaine and heroin: Dynamite
- Cocaine and marijuana: A-bomb
- Cocaine and PCP: Space dust
- Crack cocaine and heroin: Dragon rock
- Cocaine, heroin, and marijuana: El diablo
Combining cocaine and other drugs can increase the risk of severe, life-threatening complications. People who abuse multiple drugs must receive specialized detox services to help them manage complex or dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
The Effects and Risks of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine abuse can cause short and long-term effects. Some of cocaine’s effects can be dangerous.
Short-term effects of cocaine include:
- Increased energy and alertness
- Paranoia
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Dilated pupils
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
- Muscle twitches
- Vertigo
- Tremors
Some users may experience unwanted or severe side effects, including:
- Psychosis
- Violent behaviors
- Panic attacks
- Heart attack
- Seizures
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Stroke
People who use cocaine frequently or in large doses are more likely to experience unwanted or dangerous effects. However, even first-time users may have life-threatening complications.
People who use cocaine frequently may quickly develop tolerance and dependence. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of cocaine abuse.
Recognizing Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction can develop quickly. In just a short period, an addiction can become life-threatening. Recognizing the signs of cocaine addiction can help you get treatment as soon as possible.
Some of the signs of cocaine abuse and addiction include:
- Excessive energy or erratic behaviors
- Dilated pupils
- Chronic runny nose
- Quick, dramatic weight loss
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Increased isolation
- Making a new group of friends very quickly or only spending time with others who use drugs
- New legal or financial trouble related to cocaine use
- Needing to use larger amounts of cocaine to get the desired effects
- Being sneaky, dishonest, or secretive about substance use
- Doing illegal or uncharacteristic things to get cocaine or money to buy it
- Having withdrawal symptoms if they stop using cocaine
People who develop cocaine addiction typically require intensive treatment to stop using it. There are many inpatient and outpatient treatment options available to address the complex roots of cocaine addiction.
What to Expect During Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine addiction is a complex condition. People with cocaine addiction require comprehensive treatment that will help them address the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of their substance abuse.
Cocaine addiction treatment programs usually include:
- Assessments
- Medically-supported detox programs (medications, mental health treatment, supervision, holistic therapies, etc.)
- Individual, family, and group therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Holistic therapies like yoga, mindfulness, massage, and nutrition support
- Aftercare planning
Comprehensive cocaine addiction treatment programs can help people understand and address their addiction with holistic therapies and ongoing support. Participating in a treatment program can help people begin their lifelong recovery journey with the knowledge and support they need to be successful.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone in your life struggles with cocaine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our holistic approach to addiction treatment and recovery support. Reach out to our team with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
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