Street Names & Everything Else You Need to Know About Cocaine

Cocaine use hit a surge of recreational popularity in the 1970s and 1980s before dropping off for a little bit in the 1990s. In recent years, there has been another upswing in the number of people abusing cocaine and the number of people dying from it. In short, cocaine has affected millions of people for decades and through the years has been referred to by many different names.

Powder cocaine is the result of processing coca leaves into an illegal narcotic. However, Crack is one of the most commonly used nicknames, which references one of the various forms of cocaine. A “crack rock”’ or “crack cocaine” gets its name from the sounds made when heated. In this form, cocaine is smoked.

It’s typical for cocaine street names to be descriptive of how the drug appears like crack rock. However, if cocaine is in a white and powder-like form, similar to the look and consistency of baking soda, it may take on one of the following nicknames:

● coke

● snow white

● snow

● white

● blow

● white powder

● white fluff

● white girl

● yay or yayo

More of the widely used street names sound similar to the actual drug itself such as:

● crack

● coke

● big C

● coca

● candy

In other instances, users may call cocaine by a name that is reflective of the high they receive from doing it. For example, crystal meth (or speed) is another standard reference of the drug. Though technically, speed is a type of amphetamine, the feelings the user experiences while high on cocaine fits the “speed” description by causing a rush or sudden burst of energy to the body.

Still in other instances, cocaine users may come up with an entirely different name, if mixed with other drugs like PCP, heroin, ecstasy, LSD, or marijuana. These combinations fall into another class of street names including:

● Speedball

● Blunt

● Woolies

● Candy flipping

● Bumping up

● Snow seals

● Flamethrowers

This list doesn’t begin to cover the long and ever-growing list of cocaine street names. There is no shortage of nicknames or slang used to reference it. Although not all-inclusive, these names give a good idea of the terms used, in case you notice a friend or family member discussing or texting about it. If you hear any of them being mentioned, you should be alert to other noticeable symptoms of drug use.

How Cocaine Works

Cocaine is snorted, inhaled, or injected and is sent directly through the bloodstream to the brain. A users high can last anywhere from 5 minutes to a half hour depending on how it’s ingested. The dopamine released during cocaine use doesn’t recycle itself per the norm. Consequently, the excessive chemical release is what brings the “high” to users and is also what causes a disruption in the brain.

Side Effects of Cocaine Use and Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse:

There are signs to watch for in people who are abusing cocaine. The reference to any cocaine street names mixed with any of the following symptoms may be an indicator that a person is using:

● Restlessness or heightened energy;

● Insomnia;

● Extreme mood swings;

● Rapid speech;

● Frequent bloody nose;

● Loss of appetite

● Enlarged pupils; or

● Vomiting.

While symptoms may be visible, the internal long-term effects on a person’s health who’s using cocaine might not be immediately apparent. This can include paranoia, panic attacks, increased heart rate, or increased anxiety. More seriously, it can include seizures, stroke, cardiac arrest (heart attack), or death.

The fact is cocaine affects the brain, the cardiovascular system, and nearly every other organ in the body. Chronic use of it changes the way a person acts, thinks, and communicates with others. Even if a person stops using for a period of time, the consequences are so strong that it will continue to negatively impact a person after they are no longer using. Illicit drug use can become a downward spiral, but there are ways to quit cocaine abuse for good and set out on a new, healthier, and more positive path.

How Cocaine Users Become Dependent

Recreational users can quickly become chronic users due to the highly addictive nature of cocaine. The short length of time that any given high lasts causes users to constantly chase that feeling. They will take higher doses of cocaine over and over, in order to fulfill those briefs moments of pleasure.

This type of binge causes users to become quickly dependent on the drug, but also allows them to build a tolerance to it. As a result, the amount necessary when they first used cocaine is no longer sufficient to reach the high they want to achieve, which leads to repeated, increased use which can also increase the possibility of an cocaine overdose.

Finding Treatment for Cocaine Abuse

There’s no question about it; cocaine is addictive. The more you use it, the more you want to use it based on the euphoria that comes with taking the drug. Like all illegal drugs, despite any short-term, feel good feelings, it’s not worth the health risks or permanent damage it does to you physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Cocaine abuse damages relationships and causes internal struggles. The end result can be fatal.

What can you do?

Addiction is a sneaky problem that can creep on you if not properly acknowledged. If you are starting to ask yourself questions like “how long does crack stay in your urine”?, it may be time to seek help. Quitting can be tough and going through withdrawal can be uncomfortable, but that’s why there are treatment centers available to help you overcome cocaine addiction and it’s potential long term effects. The majority of programs offer individuals a combination of treatment starting first with detox and then entering a recovery and rehabilitation plan.

Each substance abuse treatment plan differs based on the person, their drug addiction (including alcohol), and the needs they require to achieve success with long-term recovery. Some facilities offer treatment options with inpatient residency while others work with outpatient care. There are tools available to learn how to cope with future pressures, relapses, and life after addiction. Finding treatment for cocaine abuse is a comprehensive process, and it’s important to find the place that is the right fit.

Help is available for cocaine abuse, and there are plenty of options to fit your lifestyle needs. Take the opportunity to gain back control of your life. Reach out for support; we are here to help.

Sources:

T, Buddy. “Basic Facts About Cocaine.” Verywell Mind. 12 Nov. 2018. 13 Mar. 2019. https://www.verywellmind.com/basic-facts-about-cocaine-66705

T., Buddy. “Common Street Names for Cocaine.” Verywell Mind. 9 Feb. 2018. 13 Mar. 2019. https://www.verywellmind.com/common-street-names-for-cocaine-66696

“Crack Street Names – How Slang Affects Drug Use.” Addiction Resource. 13 Mar. 2019. https://addictionresource.com/drugs/crack/street-names/