Cocaine
(coke, charlie, bag, blow)
Cocaine is made from the coca plant which grows in South America. In traditional use, the leaves are chewed to give the user a boost in energy. Now, the powder form has become the second most commonly used recreational drug in the world, second only to cannabis.
Effects | Dosage | Advice | Support
Effects
Depending on the route of administration, effects usually last between 10-90 minutes.
- Increased energy/alertness
- Talkativeness/sociability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Palpitations
- Disinhibition (especially when combined with alcohol)
Dosage
Dosage will depend on a number of factors including tolerance, gender and weight, amongst others.
| Strength | Dose |
| Threshold | 5-10 mg |
| Light | 10-30 mg |
| Common | 30-60 mg |
| Strong | 60-90 mg |
| Heavy | 90 mg |
Cocaine purity varies wildly. The best way to stay safe when using cocaine is to start low and take it slow.
Harm Reduction Advice
- Snorting drugs can be damaging to your nose, so always crush your drugs finely, alternate nostrils, avoid sharing equipment and wash your nose out at the end of the night.
- Mixing drugs, including alcohol, can be risky. When you take coke and alcohol together, they react in your body to form Cocaethylene, a substance that is more damaging to your heart than cocaine on its own. Click here for more information on drug combinations.
- Coke can be moreish, set a limit and try stick to it.
- You’re likely to feel depleted after using drugs. Hydrate, eat something nutritious and rest. Click here for more information on taking care of yourself after a session.
- If you can’t imagine going on a night out without doing cocaine, it’s probably time to take a break. If you’re struggling to control your use, contact us.
- If someone collapses or becomes unresponsive, seek immediate medical attention. You will not get in trouble for doing this. Click here to read up on drug-read up on drug-related emergencies.
- We recommend you always test your drugs, for information on testing services in Bristol, click here.
- If you’re out and about, make sure you and your mates have a safe way to get home, definitely don’t drive.
Click here to learn more about spotting the signs of a cocaine overdose, and what to do.
Access Support
The Drop is BDP’s one stop shop for support, advice and resources around party drugs.
