Cocaine Facts

Cocaine facts are presented on this page so that you can make intelligent decisions regarding using or not using this substance or dealing with those who do use. The cocaine facts presented are taken from many sources including government, university and public and private research entities.

Cocaine confiscated by the D.E.A.

Some of the facts about cocaine are clearly not as important as others. For instance, one of the cocaine facts that is interesting but not particularly relevant to today's drug-using world is that the substance was used in the 1800's for anesthesia during ear, nose and throat surgeries.

Here are some of the more relevant cocaine facts:

Cocaine Fact 1: The substance can be smoked, snorted or injected.

Cocaine Fact 2: Crack is cocaine that has been processed from cocaine hydrochloride in order that it can be free-based (smoked).

Cocaine Fact 3: Over 33 million Americans, 12-years-old and over have tried the substance once in their lifetime.

Cocaine Fact 4: Cocaine is a stimulant extracted from the South American coca plant, harvested by drug cartels in Colombia and smuggled into the U. S. where a vast market exists.

Cocaine Fact 5: The use of this stimulant gives the user an initial rush or feeling of euphoria accompanied by extra energy. Sexuality is said to be enhanced by this drug in the short term.

Cocaine Fact 6: Coming down from a high can leave the user depressed and less energetic than before. Long-term use can lead to chronic depression.

Cocaine Fact 7: Long-term use can lead to loss of energy and interest in sex, paranoia, memory loss, concentration deficits and anxiety.

Cocaine Fact 8: Half a million people use this drug every week.

Cocaine Fact 9: This stimulant raises heart beat, blood pressure and body temperature. Heart palpitations and cardiac arrest are frequent occurrences for those who use this drug. Over 28-percent of all emergency room visitations for drugs involve cocaine.

Cocaine Fact 10: The drug is highly addictive and adults of 18 to 25 years use the drug more frequently than any other age group.

These are the top 10 facts about cocaine that are relevant to people today. By getting the facts about this illicit substance, one can make intelligent choices about whether to use or not or how to convince others about the merits of not using.