Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Users call it by a variety of names, including coke, C, snow, blow, toot, nose candy, flake and "The Lady". It is either "snorted" through the nose or injected into the vein. Cocaine belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants, which give a fleeting feeling of energy. It can make us feel less hungry and more powerful or self-confident. Later, the user feels depressed, edgy and craving more.

Cocaine use increases the risk of:
* heart attack and emphysema,
* burns (with "free-basing" a form of smoking crack) ,
* AIDS, hepatitis, and infections of the skin, heart valves and blood (with injection) ,
* premature birth or death of infants (born to mothers who use cocaine).

The signs and symptoms of using cocaine or other stimulants include:
* agitation and irritability,
* rapid speech,
* difficulty concentrating, and
* nasal congestion or runny nose,

If you or a loved one is using cocaine, get help. Consult with your healthcare provider or with the Employee Assistance Program where you work. Call Cocaine Anonymous at 1-800-347-8998. For more information, call the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at (800) NCA-CALL.

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