Cocaine is becoming a huge problem for parents,
teachers, and medical personnel today. The drug is also gaining in popularity
with teenagers today. But, like all other illegal drugs, cocaine is very
dangerous, so before you try it...
Get the Facts...
Cocaine affects your brain.
The word "cocaine" refers to the drug in both a powder (cocaine)
and crystal (crack) form. It is made from the coca plant and causes a
short-lived high that is immediately followed by opposite, intense feelings
of depression, edginess, and a craving for more of the drug. Cocaine may
be snorted, converted to a liquid form for injection with a needle, or
processed into a crystal form to be smoked.
Cocaine affects your body.
People who use cocaine often don't eat or sleep regularly. They can experience
increased heart rate, muscle spasms, and convulsions. If they snort cocaine,
they can also permanently damage their nasal tissue.
Cocaine affects your emotions.
Using cocaine can make you feel paranoid, angry, hostile, and anxious,
even when you're not high.
Cocaine is addictive.
Cocaine interferes with the way your brain processes chemicals that create
feelings of pleasure, so you need more and more of the drug just to feel
normal. People who become addicted to cocaine start to lose interest in
other areas of their life, like school, friends, and sports.
Cocaine can kill you.
Cocaine use can cause heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and respiratory
failure. People who share needles can also contract hepatitis, HIV/AIDS,
or other diseases.
Before You Risk It...
Know the law.
Cocaine, in any form, is illegal.
Stay informed.
Even first-time cocaine users can have seizures or fatal heart attacks.
Know the risks.
Combining cocaine with other drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous.
The effects of one drug can magnify the effects of another, and mixing
substances can be deadly.
Be aware. Cocaine
is expensive. Regular users can spend hundreds even thousands of dollars
on cocaine each week.
Stay in control.
Cocaine impairs your judgment which may lead to unwise decisions around
sexual activity. This can increase your risk for HIV/AIDS, other diseases,
rape, and unplanned pregnancy.
Look around you.
The vast majority of teens aren't using cocaine. According to a 1998 study,
less than 1 percent of teens are regular cocaine users. In fact, 98 percent
of teens have never even tried cocaine.
Know the Signs...
How can you tell if a friend is using cocaine?
Sometimes it's tough to tell. But there
are signs you can look for. If your friend has one or more of the following
warning signs, he or she may be using cocaine or other illicit drugs:
Red, bloodshot eyes
A runny nose or frequently sniffing
A change in groups of friends
Acting withdrawn, depressed, tired, or careless
about personal appearance
Losing interest in school, family, or activities
he or she used to enjoy
Frequently needing money
What can you do to help a friend who is using
cocaine? Be a real friend. Save a life.
Encourage your friend to stop or seek professional help.