Cocaine is one of the most popular drugs across the world because of its ability to keep one awake and alert, something people are tempted to experience if they want to party longer, or perhaps complete work tasks which require more of their time.

Cocaine usually comes from South American countries such as Peru and Colombia and the Andes of Bolivia. The narcotic is made from the leaves of erythroxylon cocoa plants and can then be turned into two different types of cocaine; cocaine and crack cocaine.
The most common type used is cocaine which is absorbed by snorting it through the nose. It will also create numbness when it is in contact with any part of the body. Cocaine is usually mixed with other stimulants and usually has a purity of around 20 – 65%, depending on the quality of the drug.
A huge problem with cocaine is that the first time a person uses it they experience an extreme high, which they try to recreate over and over, although it is impossible and this only leads to overdosing.
Crack cocaine is also made from cocaine hydrochloride, but is processed with ammonia, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water and smoked rather than snorted. It gives a shorter, but more intense high.
Cocaine gets its euphoric effect by activating nerve cells in the brain which release dopamine, the chemical which is linked with pleasure and mental health.

Using cocaine can result in both long and short term effects, some more dangerous than others. A short time usage of cocaine, be it powder or crack, can lead to constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils, increased temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite and anxiety.
These effects are dangerous as most of them are not noticeable to the user and it can be fatal if not discovered.
A long time addiction of cocaine can lead to paranoia and ulceration of the mucous membrane in the nose and for some even aggressiveness, especially if using crack cocaine.
Many who stop using cocaine experience depression.

Since cocaine is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs one can find it has been classed as a Class A drug in United Kingdom, however, it is still very popular and leads to many deaths amongst users.