What is it?
Cocaine is a white powder that is derived from the South American coca plant. Crack is a chemically altered smokeable form of cocaine in the form of pellets or crystalline rocks. Both are highly addictive.

How is it used?
Cocaine can either be snorted or injected and produces a high lasting about 20 minutes. Crack cocaine is smoked with effects lasting about 12 minutes.

How does it affect you?
Cocaine can increase blood pressure, heart and breathing rates and body temperature and lead to heart attacks, strokes or respiratory failure. Cocaine also lowers the body's resistance and ability to fight infection. Cocaine can also cause violent or paranoid behavior, hallucinations, confusion, anxiety or depression. Once the drug leaves the brain, the user experiences depression, irritability, and fatigue.

© Information on drugs facts comes from a number of sources, primarily the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Partnership For A Drug-Free America.