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The cocaine experience
Cocaine belongs to the group of substances known as “uppers.” Its effects are due to its stimulating impact on the central nervous system. Cocaine influences the release of dopamine and adrenaline. Generally, the effect is invigorating. However, in practice, effects can vary from person to person. For instance, people with ADHD might experience more calmness when using cocaine.
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(Base)Coke slang
Sos(a), Charlie, White, Snow – commonly used names for (base)coke
Bori – Surinamese slang for base coke
Fiado – residue of base coke that remains in the stem of the pipe
Base – smokable coke
Crack – another word for base coke prepared with baking soda
Line – dose of 0.1 grams
(Base)Coke slang
Little Ball – small portion of coke in rolling paper
CK – combination of coke and ketamine
Lala – Moroccan slang for sniffing coke
Gnome Post – small envelope with coke
Colombian Cold – runny nose after sniffing coke
Plofje/pof – cigarette laced with sniffing coke
Sealtje/pony pack – envelope with coke
Snowball – shot of heroin and cocaine
dopamine
Cocaine affects various substances in the body, with dopamine and adrenaline being the most notable.
Dopamine is a natural feel-good chemical released during activities like eating and sex. The pleasure it provides encourages the repetition of these behaviours. After the reward, dopamine is reabsorbed into its reservoir, maintaining the brain’s reward system balance.
When using cocaine, an unnatural amount of dopamine is released, making the user feel highly stimulated. Cocaine also prevents the reabsorption of dopamine, prolonging the stimulation. Prolonged cocaine use can disrupt the dopamine balance in the brain, negatively affecting mood, motivation, and planning abilities.
The dopamine system can recover, though this may take weeks or even months, depending on the frequency, amount, and duration of use. Individuals with a disrupted dopamine balance often feel apathetic, listless, derive no pleasure from activities, and may become depressed—a condition known as anhedonia. Healthy eating, sufficient sleep, exercise, and staying occupied can aid in the recovery of both body and mind.
adrenaline
Cocaine use also triggers the release of adrenaline. Adrenaline is naturally released in situations of tension or when immediate action is needed. It sharpens the senses and enhances responsiveness. Breathing quickens, blood circulation increases, more blood flows to the muscles, and less to the digestive system. Body temperature rises, and muscle tension increases. Consequently, during cocaine use, you feel more energetic and powerful, with reduced hunger and fatigue.
The elevated adrenaline levels cause the body to expend a lot of energy, drawing from its reserves. Therefore, proper nutrition and rest are crucial to avoid exhaustion when using coke.
Flash, Crash and Craving
After snorting cocaine, the effects gradually set in: awake, alert, cheerful, tireless, euphoric. The experience depends on the user’s state, the quality of the drug, and the environment. The effect lasts about 45 minutes and gradually fades.
With base coke, the effect is more intense and immediate. After inhaling the coke vapours, the coke quickly reaches the brain via the lungs, creating a burst of euphoria—flash. However, this effect lasts only a few minutes. As the effect wears off, the mood can turn gloomy—crash. The temptation to take another hit, and another, becomes strong—craving.
Cocaine does not cause physical withdrawal symptoms. Dependency on cocaine is mainly psychological. The combination of short flashes, crashes, and cravings makes base coke particularly difficult to manage. The risk of losing control is high, and resisting the craving is often a significant challenge. The urge to use can feel irresistible. It’s often not just the thought of coke that triggers the craving. Anything associated with use, from pipes, lighters, and plastic balls to white specks on the pavement, can provoke a craving.