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• Drug Info:

Cocaine

Also known as:
COKE – CHARLIE – C – WHITE – PERCY – SNOW

WHAT IS IT?

Coke is a white powder that’s usually divided into lines on a smooth surface and snorted up the nose.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS.

Cocaine is a class A drug, illegal to have, give away or sell. Possession can get you up to 7 years in jail. Supplying someone else with it can get you life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

THE EFFECTS.

• Taking coke can make users feel on top of the world. It’s a bit like speed but is stronger and doesn’t last as long. People taking cocaine will feel wide-awake and confident.
• Coke is a stimulant that raises your body temperature and makes your heart beat faster.
• The hit from coke doesn’t last long – only about 20-30 minutes.
• Some people act like they are the greatest dancer / lover / comedian: Usually they’re not.
• Taking coke can make you feel like not eating.

THE RISKS.

• Cocaine users have died from overdose.
• Cocaine is psychologically addictive.
• Using cocaine can often result in the user having serious anxiety and paranoia problems.
• Because the effects of cocaine wear off so quickly and because it is very expensive, a cocaine habit can seriously damage your wallet.
• Using cocaine and alcohol together can be deadly.
• Large or frequent use of cocaine can reduce sexual desire.
• Perfectly fit young people can have a heart attack or seizure after taking too much coke.
• Snorting too much cocaine can lead the user to damaging the inside lining of their nose.
• Taking coke when you’re pregnant can damage your baby.
• Cocaine is bad news for people with high blood pressure or a heart condition.

PLAY IT SAFE.

Drugs can severely damage your physical and mental health. They can get you in to trouble with the law and even kill you.
But if you do decide to use drugs, reduce the risks by finding out as much as you can about the effects, risks, etc. and then decide if it’s really worth it.

If you do decide to use drugs keep these points in mind: – If you’re dancing wear light clothing.

The smaller you are the less drugs you need to get the same effect, but where you are and the mood you are in will also affect the way you’ll react.

Don’t score off strangers; poor quality drugs can give you bad trips.

Mixing drugs and alcohol can be fatal.

Never drive if you have had drugs.

Always carry a condom; never risk unprotected sex.

FIRST AID.
If your mate collapses call 999.
Get help to put them into the recovery position.
Tell the medics what they have taken.
IT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE.

This information leaflet has been put together by:
FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service, an initiative of the Gwent Council on Alcohol and Drug Misuse.

The information on this leaflet is correct at the time of going to press.

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