Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine

Street Names: Blow, C, Candy, Coke, Crack, Rock, Nose candy, Snow, Toot

Method of Use: Smoked, Snorted, Injected

Symptoms/Effects of Use

• Euphoria
• Increased energy and mental alertness to sights, sounds, touch
• Talkative
• Dilated pupils
• Decreased appetite
• Bizarre, erratic, violent behavior
• Restlessness/ decreased sleep
• Irritability, anxiety, panic/paranoia
• Constricted blood vessels
• Nasal tissue destruction (from snorting)
• Abdominal pain/nausea
• Malnourished
• Increased body temperature
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Heart attack/respiratory failure
• Stroke
• Seizure
• Death (mostly due to cardiac arrest or seizures)

What to Look For

• Bloodshot eyes
• Dilated pupils (especially in low lighting - difficult to see any eye color around the pupil)
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Frequent mood swings
• Nosebleeds
• Nervousness, anxiety attacks, paranoia
• Weight loss
• Sweating
• Quick thoughts/movements with abnormally high energy

Withdrawals Symptoms

• Depression ( “Crash”, rest/recuperation for several days)
• Fatigue/sleepiness
• Anxiety
• Cravings
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams
• Increased appetite

Note: Each person may experience different symptoms/effects. This list is not inclusive. For more information, visit www.drugabuse.gov