Cocaine is one of the most widely used drugs in America, despite its numerous harmful side effects and consistent links to criminal activity. It has a notorious reputation for pulling people into a lifestyle they never intended to lead, and the risks associated with trafficking and dealing with this dangerous substance are well-documented. In the U.S., cocaine is often associated with addiction, danger, and a life of crime, yet millions still experiment with it, with many becoming addicted.
Since the mid-19th century, cocaine has been distilled and distributed as both a recreational and medicinal substance, and it remains one of the most popular party drugs globally. In the United States, since the 1960s, it has been linked to the deaths of numerous pop culture icons and is often associated with the downward spiral of addiction for many high-profile celebrities. The reason so many people fall victim to this dangerous drug lies in the intense and distinctive high it provides, which stimulates the brain’s reward centers in ways they were never designed to handle.
Your Brain on Cocaine
A plastic mold of the human brain. Many substances have harmful effects on the brain.
Cocaine, derived from the coca leaf found throughout South America, is known by various street names. While most cocaine is packaged as a white powder, it can also appear with a brownish tint. This drug releases a powerful surge of feel-good chemicals in the brain, leading to an intense, immediate euphoric high that often results in addiction. Common street names for cocaine include:
The high from cocaine is both intense and short-lived, causing users to crave more almost immediately after use. Some may take it before a night out, while others may engage in extended binges, consuming the drug repeatedly for days on end, often neglecting food and sleep to sustain their “coke binge.” To prolong the high, users might chain-smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, continuously snorting, smoking, or injecting cocaine to maintain the buzz and avoid the inevitable crash. Cocaine use often leads to paranoia, and in extreme cases, excessive consumption can trigger psychosis.
The form and method of ingestion can alter the drug’s effects on the body. Snorting powdered cocaine typically takes about 30 minutes to reach peak absorption levels. In its crystal form, cocaine can deliver a euphoric high within minutes. Crack cocaine can be smoked by heating it, inhaling the vapors, or dissolving it in water for intravenous injection. The body’s enzymes break down roughly half of the cocaine dose in about an hour, so users are often ready for another dose within 40 minutes of taking the drug. The safest form of consumption is chewing coca leaves, which produces significantly milder stimulating effects and carries a lower risk of abuse and overdose.
The Impact of Cocaine
As a stimulant, cocaine induces a brief but intense high characterized by euphoria. Users often experience feelings of happiness, confidence, and increased energy. However, these effects are accompanied by several physical side effects, including:
The Effects of Cocaine Abuse
While the symptoms mentioned above typically accompany a cocaine high, prolonged use can lead to additional side effects closely linked to the drug’s impact. Individuals who begin regularly abusing cocaine may start to exhibit the following behaviors:
The Effects of Cocaine Addiction
Such behavior is common in individuals struggling with cocaine addiction. Their reliance on the drug to feel functional creates a dependency, leading to the erratic behavior patterns mentioned above. Over time, this dependency manifests in other symptoms. If you spend more time with them, you may notice some of the following signs:
Cocaine addicts often experience intense mood swings, shifting from euphoria to depression. This is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that can only be corrected by abstaining from cocaine and maintaining sobriety for an extended period. Dealing with someone who has developed a cocaine addiction can be challenging, as they often withdraw from others and attempt to conceal their addiction as much as possible.
Cocaine Overdose
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), around 5,800 Americans died from a fatal cocaine overdose in 2014. This is the most recent data available for cocaine overdoses, and in that same year, there were an estimated 1.5 million active cocaine users in the United States. Some believe the actual number could be even higher than reported. Cocaine remains a popular party drug, used by individuals from all walks of life, with significant quantities trafficked from South America into the U.S.
Cocaine Epidemic
Cocaine remains a widely favored drug. In 2015, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that approximately 140 tons of cocaine, or 280,000 pounds, were seized. However, this figure likely represents only a fraction of the total amount, as it doesn’t account for the drugs that reached users, addicts, and dealers. People from all walks of life and economic backgrounds use cocaine. Regardless of the form—whether powdered or the smokable “crack” cocaine—it’s a powerful stimulant that should be avoided at all costs.
Where Does Cocaine Come From
Cocaine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in several plant species in South America, with the most common being Erythroxylum coca, which grows in the Andes Mountains. For centuries, indigenous peoples chewed coca leaves to harness their alertness-boosting effects and to increase endurance. When the Spaniards conquered the Incans in the 16th century, they initially tried to ban the practice but ultimately allowed it when they realized it helped slaves work harder in the silver mines.
Coca was later imported to Europe, where German scientists purified it in 1860, marking the beginning of a new era of consumption. The drug gained popularity with the introduction of Vin Mariani in 1869, a drink combining wine and coca leaves that became a sensation in Europe. Its American counterpart, Coca-Cola, was created by Georgia pharmacist John Pemberton. While the original recipe remains a secret, coca leaves are no longer part of the formula.
Sigmund Freud famously advocated for its medical use to combat lethargy and as a local anesthetic. However, as more tonics and medicines began to contain large amounts of cocaine and opium, the harmful side effects of abuse and withdrawal became apparent. Cocaine, along with opium, was eventually restricted under the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914. Cocaine’s popularity surged during the 1970s and early 1980s, primarily trafficked into the United States from Mexico by the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. Today, roughly 75% of cocaine enters the United States through the southwestern states of Arizona, Texas, and California.
Celebrity Cocaine Addictions
The famous singer and guitarist Eric Clapton was a well-known cocaine and heroin addict who even wrote a song about his addiction called “Cocaine,” which became a hit in 1977. The lyrics capture the highs and lows of a cocaine-fueled lifestyle, with lines like “If the day is done, and you wanna ride on … cocaine,” reflecting the drug’s stimulating effects that allow users to binge for days, avoiding sleep.
Since achieving sobriety, Clapton has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction. According to interviews, Clapton reportedly spent as much as $16,000 a week on drugs, leading him to eventually reassess whether he was truly in control. In an interview with NPR, Clapton remarked: “Financially, it was ridiculous. The thing about that kind of addiction that’s pretty funny, on reflection, is that I always thought, ‘I’m handling this. I can handle it. I can stop anytime. I don’t want to stop right now.’” Other celebrities who have battled cocaine addiction and survived overdose include:
Unfortunately, for every celebrity story of recovery from cocaine addiction, there have been numerous fatalities related to cocaine abuse, often in combination with other drugs. Notable overdoses include:
What Is a Cocaine Overdose Like?
A cocaine overdose triggers intense and distressing effects, as the heart is pushed into overdrive and the body enters a state of panic rather than experiencing the intended high. The resulting spike in blood pressure leads to hypertension, causing the heart and body to work at an accelerated rate. This overexertion forces the body to pump blood faster, leading to an increase in body temperature. Symptoms may include sweating, a flushed face, and behaviors such as pacing or jaw clenching.
Cocaine overdoses often occur when the drug is combined with other substances. In some cases, individuals unknowingly ingest cocaine laced with heroin or another opiate. Heart attacks are also a common result of cocaine overdose, along with arrhythmias, respiratory arrest, or seizures. Typical signs of a cocaine overdose include:
The first warning signs of an overdose are often reports of chest pain or an irregular heartbeat. If someone has taken cocaine and exhibits these symptoms, they may be experiencing an overdose, and emergency medical help should be sought immediately. In such cases, the person’s life takes precedence over concerns about potential legal consequences. Prompt medical intervention significantly increases the chances of surviving an overdose.
Cocaine Laced With Dangerous Substances
One of the perilous aspects of cocaine is the ease with which it can be adulterated with other harmful substances. Dealers often “cut” their products with innocuous materials like baking soda or powdered sugar to increase their profit margins. Unfortunately, they may also mix in more dangerous chemicals that can enhance the drug’s addictive properties or lead to fatal overdoses. Common substances found in cocaine adulterants include:
Next Steps
Drug and alcohol addictions, particularly cocaine addiction, are among the most destructive forces today. Healing ourselves, our families, our communities, and the world begins with recognizing the dangers these substances pose. At Sunrise Recovery, we are committed to fostering a supportive network and providing access to resources that can help individuals break free from addiction.
