Cocaine is a stimulant. A stimulant speeds up the central nervous system. However, cocaine warps pain making a user believe is he invinsible.

The Australian government have made many advertisements about drugs, trying to make the youth of australia aware of the risks involved.

Protecting yourself in dangerous environments.
-To protect yourself in dangerous environments, you'll have to teach yourself to say no.
- Learn about drugs and the risks involved.
-Stop hanging around at the wrong time whilst the drugs may be apparent.

To seek help.
There is help every where, if attending school there are student welfare counsillors. However, all ages can have the addiction, you're able to call your local hospital or council for infomation.
Kids have the ability to call if they feel and believe they're in an unsafe environment.

Direct Line: 03 9416 1818
Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800

Cocaine and young people.
In 2008, Approximately 200,000 teens between the age of 12-19 had used cocaine a month before the survey was conducted. The usage of cocaine amoung young people has esculated whilst the usage of cannabis has decreased.
Why might a young person use the drug?
A young person may use a drug as they might be pressured in doing so, they may want to feel a better rush rather than using weaker drugs; like cannabis. They may have some mental health issues which they believe if they used cocaine they'd be in a better fantasy, rahter than reality.

Cocaine can cause.
With a long usage of cocaine it can cause:
-Depression
-Anxiety, Paranoia and panic attacks
-It can also trigger 'cocaine psychosis'. This is when a user has symptoms such as; hallucinations, aggressive behaviour and delusions.

Cocaine and the Law.
If someone is caught or suspected of the use, possession, manufacture or supply of cocaine the punishment does carry heavy fines and/or prison sentences. Getting convicted of either these you may recieve a fine from a $2,000 fine and/or two years in prison, up to a $100,000 fine and/or imprisonment for 25 years. Any person convicted of a drug offence will receive a criminal record. This can lead to difficulties in getting a job, or visas for overseas travel.

How Cocaine is taken

Cocaine is usually snorted or swallowed, but can be injected or smoked in the form of crack or freebase. Smoking crack or freebase is uncommon in Australia.

Short term Effects:


•Increased breathing rate.
•Increased pulse rate.
•High body temperature.
•Increased blood pressure.
•Reduced appetite.
•Anxiety.
•Increased alertness.
•Irritability.
•Feeling of wellbeing.
•Suspiciousness.
•Exaggerated feelings of confidence and energy.
•Enlarged pupils.
•Inability to sleep.

THE LONG TERM EFFECTS.





Long term effects of Cocaine are:

• A permanent irregular heart beat.

• May cause Heart attacks.

• Some Chest pain.

• May cause Respiratory failure.

• Cocaine could cause a Stroke.

• May cause seizures and headaches.

• Using cocaine for a long amount of time may also cause strange abdominal pain and nausea.