What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerful and addictive illegal drug. It is extracted from the coca plant which is native to South America. Historically, natives chewed coca leaves or brewed them into a tea. However, in the mid-1900s, the first pure form of cocaine hydrochloride was extracted, and it was used both medicinally and recreationally for several decades.
Cocaine was criminalized in 1914 after healthcare professionals saw the alarming effects of cocaine abuse. Today, it is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse but can be administered by a doctor for medical purposes, such as local anesthesia.
Cocaine usually comes in the form of a fine white powder. Powdered cocaine is typically snorted. However, a cheaper form of cocaine known as crack cocaine comes in the form of rock-like crystals that are smoked or injected. Smoking crack cocaine is just as addictive as snorting the powdered form of it.
Cocaine, a strong stimulant drug, can boost energy levels and produce a strong, euphoric high. As a result, it is widely abused and highly addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 4.8 million people reported using cocaine in 2021 and 1.4 million were addicted to it.
Despite its short-term effects of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness, cocaine is highly addictive and can have serious long-term consequences on physical and mental health. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, dependence, cardiovascular issues, neurological problems, and psychiatric disorders. Additionally, cocaine use is associated with various social and legal consequences, including financial problems, strained relationships, and legal troubles.
Slang Terms for Cocaine
Drug dealers and users may use slang terms or nicknames when referring to cocaine. Using slang terms can help them feel more discreet. Common street names for cocaine include:
- Apache
- Aunt or Aunt Nora
- Batman or Bazulco, Hubba
- Bernice, Bernie, Bernie’s flakes or Bernie’s Gold Dust
- Big bloke
- Big C
- Big flake
- Big rush
- Birdie Powder
- Blonde
- Blow
- Bouncing Powder
- Bolivian Marching Powder
- Bump
- C or Big C
- C dust
- C game
- Candy
- Coke
- Crack
- Dust
- Fish Scale
- Flake
- Florida Snow
- Girl
- Line
- Love Affair
- Mexican Percocet
- Nose Candy
- Pearl
- Rail
- Scottie
- She
- Sneeze
- Sniff
- Snow
- Speedball
- Stash
- Star
- Stardust
- Toot
- White Girl
- White Rock
- Zip
Crack Cocaine Street Names
Common slang terms for crack cocaine include:
- Black rock
- Candy
- Chemical
- Cookies
- Dice
- Gravel
- Grit
- Hail
- Hard rock
- Ice Cubes
- Jelly beans
- Nuggets
- Purple caps
- RIP
- Scrabble
- Sleet
- Snow coke
- Tornado
- Blotter
- Bopper
- Trey
- Yam
- Yay
Nicknames for Common Cocaine Drug Combinations
While many of the slang terms for cocaine and crack cocaine are based on the drug’s appearance, effects, or pop culture, there are also nicknames used to refer to specific drug combinations involving cocaine. These include:
- Cocaine mixed with PCP – Space, Spaceball, Whack, Scottie, or Space Dust
- Cocaine and heroin – Speedball, Belushi, Beach, H&C, He-She, Snowball
- Cocaine mixed with marijuana – Candy Sticks, Bazooka
- Cocaine and meth – Croak
- Cocaine and fentanyl – Dirty Fentanyl, Takeover
- Cocaine mixed with tobacco – Coolie, Geek-Joint, Primos, Woo Blunt
- Cocaine mixed with heroin, meth, benzos, and alcohol – Five way
- Cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy) – Bumping up
- Cocaine mixed with LSD and MDMA – Candy Flipping
- Cocaine mixed with heroin and tobacco – Flamethrowers
International Slang for Cocaine
Different countries may have their own unique slang terms and street names for drugs. Some common Spanish nicknames for cocaine include:
- Basuco
- Coca
- Cabello
- Yeyo
- Monos
- Polvo Blanco
- Perico
Drug Paraphernalia Associated With Cocaine Abuse
If you suspect a friend or family member is struggling with cocaine addiction, it’s helpful to not only learn the slang terms or nicknames they may use but also the types of drug paraphernalia they may have in their possession.
Some of the most common items associated with cocaine abuse are:
- Small baggies with white powder residue
- Rolled-up dollar bills, short straws, or other short tubes used for insufflation (snorting)
- Credit cards or razor blades which are used to chop and line up cocaine
- Needles and syringes (if injecting)
- Lighters
- Small glass pipes or tubes
- Small mirror or tray with white powder residue on it
Other Signs of Cocaine Abuse
Other signs of cocaine abuse include:
- Dilated pupils
- Increased energy and talkativeness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Elevated blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Restlessness or agitation
- Paranoia or hallucinations
- Financial problems
- Secretive behavior
- Track marks or injection sites
- Nosebleeds or runny nose (from snorting)
- Mood swings or irritability
- Decreased performance at work or school
- Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
Get Help for Cocaine Addiction Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and ready to begin the journey toward addiction recovery, please contact First Step Behavioral Health today. Our rehab program can help you find freedom from cocaine. To learn more about our cocaine addiction treatment programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.
