Information on Cocaine Use

Cocaine is a strongly addictive drug that users snort, inject or smoke. Regular use of cocaine may create serious health risks, including exposure to infectious diseases. Cocaine may even lead to heart failure.

Statistics

• According to a national survey on drug use and health conducted in 2008, 5.3 million Americans age 12 and over had used cocaine in the previous year. Another 2008 study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, revealed that 3 percent of 10th-graders and 4.4 percent of 12th-graders had used cocaine.

Effects

• Short-term effects of cocaine include a high temperature along with increased blood pressure and heart rate. Other effects include a loss of appetite and increased anxiety. Long-term effects include paranoia and depression once the high wears off. Sustained use may lead to ulceration of the nose's mucous membrane.

History

• Pure cocaine was used in the 1880s as an anesthetic. Doctors used cocaine during surgery on the eyes, nose and throat.