DID YOU KNOW? - COCAINE: REWARD, CRASH & RISK
Cocaine can produce an intense but relatively short-lived stimulant effect. For some people, that short duration can contribute to repeated use in a single session as they try to maintain the feeling or avoid the crash that follows.
This downloadable fact sheet explains the reward-and-crash cycle in straightforward language. It looks at dopamine and craving, repeated dosing, dependence and the physical and emotional changes that may appear as cocaine wears off, including tiredness, low mood, irritability, anxiety, sleep changes and strong urges to use again.
The resource also explores important physical risks. Cocaine can increase heart rate and blood pressure and is associated with serious complications including abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, stroke and seizures. A dedicated section explains why combining cocaine with alcohol adds further risk through the formation of cocaethylene.
There are clear emergency warning signs, including chest pain, collapse, seizures, severe breathing difficulties, extreme overheating and severe confusion, alongside guidance to call 999 when somebody becomes seriously unwell.
The fact sheet also helps people notice patterns that may indicate cocaine is becoming difficult to control and explains that confidential drug and alcohol support can help with cravings, triggers, relapse prevention and wider wellbeing.
A visual, non-judgemental resource designed to increase understanding of cocaine without shame or scare tactics and to make it easier to recognise when additional support may be needed.
