Drug: Cocaine
Street Names (Other names for the drug): Coke, blow, flake, candy, nose candy, “C”, snow, angel dust
What is cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that directly affects the central nervous system (CNS). Chemically, it is derived from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca), which is native to South America. Indigenous peoples have traditionally used coca leaves for their mild stimulating effects, such as increased alertness and reduced fatigue. However, the modern form of cocaine, which is extracted and refined into a concentrated substance, produces intense and short-lived euphoria, making it a major substance abuse worldwide. Pharmacologically, cocaine acts primarily as a reuptake inhibitor for the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Under normal circumstances, dopamine is released by neurons in response to pleasurable stimuli and then reabsorbed, or “reuptaken”, by the same neurons to terminate the signal. Cocaine blocks the reuptake process, resulting in an excessive accumulation of dopamine in the synaptic cleft, the space between neurons. This flood of dopamine overstimulates the brain’s reward pathways, particularly in areas such as the nucleus accumbens, leading to feelings of intense pleasure, energy, and confidence. Over time, the brain adapts to this overstimulation, reducing its natural dopamine production and receptor sensitivity. This adaptation contributes to the development of tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
Cocaine typically appears as a fine white crystalline powder, known as cocaine hydrochloride, which users may snort, inject, or rub onto their gums. Another form, known as “Crack” cocaine, is processed into a solid, rock-like substance that can be smoked. Crack cocaine delivers a more rapid and intense high due to its faster absorption into the bloodstream through the lungs, but this also increases the potential for addiction and harmful health effects.
The psychological effects of cocaine are diverse and often dangerous. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, while also constricting blood vessels. Prolonged use can lead to cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks, arrhythmias, and strokes. Neurologically, chronic cocaine use can cause cognitive impairments, mood disturbances, and heightened anxiety or paranoia. Furthermore, the abrupt withdrawal of cocaine after heavy use may result in symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and intense drug cravings, which reinforce the cycle of addiction.
Socially and legally, cocaine use carries severe consequences. It is classified as a Class A controlled substance in many countries, including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, due to its high potential for abuse and limited medical use. Despite its dangers, cocaine is sometimes used medically as a local anesthetic in certain surgical procedures because of its ability to numb tissue and constrict blood vessels, minimizing bleeding. However, such applications are rare and tightly regulated.
In summary, cocaine is a potent stimulant that exerts its primary effects through the manipulation of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. While it produces temporary feelings of euphoria and energy, its addictive properties and harmful impact on physical, mental, and social health make it a major public health concern. Understanding its biological mechanisms and societal effects is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for substance abuse
These are three forms of cocaine. (Erythroxylum coca), native to South America. The leaf extract is processed to produce three different forms of cocaine. (Cocaine hydrochloride) A fine white powder with a bitter, numbing taste. Cocaine hydrochloride is often mixed, or cut, with other substances such as lidocaine, talcum powder, or sugar to dilute it before being sold. (Freebase) a white powder that is purer than cocaine hydrochloride. (Crack) Crystals range from white or cream to transparent with a pink or yellow hue. It may contain impurities.
Examples of what cocaine looks like in each form:
Cocaine Hydrochloride (Powder Cocaine)
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Appearance: A fine white crystalline powder.
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Method of use: Usually snorted through the nose or dissolved and injected into a vein.
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Effects: Causes an intense but short-lived feeling of euphoria, alertness, and energy.
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Risks: Damage to the nasal passages, heart problems, stroke, addiction, and overdose.
Crack Cocaine
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Appearance: Small, hard, rock-like crystals that can be white, cream, or light brown.
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Method of use: Smoked in a pipe, producing a rapid and powerful high.
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Effects: The high comes almost instantly but only lasts a few minutes, often leading to repeated use.
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Risks: Extremely addictive, damages lungs, increases risk of heart attack, and can cause severe mood swings or paranoia.
Freebase Cocaine
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Appearance: Off-white or pale yellow crystals or chunks.
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Method of use: Smoked to produce a fast, intense high.
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Effects: Similar to crack cocaine but made using dangerous chemicals (like ether or ammonia) in a process that removes impurities.
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Risks: Highly flammable during preparation, very addictive, and extremely harmful to the brain and lungs.
Coca Paste (Paco, Bazuco, or Pasta Básica de Cocaína)
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Appearance: A grey, beige, or yellowish paste-like substance.
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Method of use: Usually smoked, often mixed with tobacco or marijuana.
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Effects: Produces a short, intense high but is impure and toxic.
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Risks: Very addictive, often linked with severe mental health problems, aggression, and rapid physical decline.
Coca Leaves
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Appearance: Dried green leaves from the coca plant.
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Method of use: Chewed or brewed into tea in some South American countries (legal only in certain regions).
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Effects: Mild stimulant effect similar to caffeine.
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Risks: While coca leaves themselves are less potent, they are the raw material for cocaine production and are illegal in New Zealand.
How is cocaine ingested:
Cocaine is most known for being snorted when in its powder form. However, many forms of the drug are abused in a variety of ways, all with their own negative consequences. Snorting cocaine gets the drug into the system quickly, but it’s slower to take effect compared to when it’s smoked or injected. Powder cocaine is often laid out on a clean, smooth surface and cut into lines with a fine-edged instrument, like a bank card or razor blade.
Smoking cocaine is the most common form of smoked cocaine is crack. When smoked out of a crack pipe, the cocaine vapors hit the brain almost immediately, creating an intense, short-lived high. Basuco is also almost exclusively smoked.
Cocaine that is injected, Cocaine Hydrochloride, is one of the only forms of cocaine that is soluble in water, so it can be injected directly into the bloodstream. However, this form of administration is rarely used for cocaine on its own, as it takes longer, is more invasive and difficult, and has a few additional benefits over snorting cocaine. The only time cocaine is usually injected is when the drug is taken alongside other substances, most notably heroin. Taking heroin and cocaine together, known as “speedballing”, greatly amplifies the depressive and stimulative effects of each drug, which produces a more intense high but also greatly increases the risk of overdose.
Taking cocaine anally (Referred to as “boofing” or “plugging”) often requires more than one person, as someone is required to blow the substance into the anal cavity through a tube or straw. Boofing is said to get cocaine into the system faster, as it is absorbed quickly through the lining of the rectum. This method of taking cocaine is dangerous and can lead to fatal cocaine overdose, as well as being a strong indicator of addiction.
What influences adolescents/teenagers to use drugs and why? (cover P.I.S influences)
On a personal level, curiosity, risk-taking behaviour, and the desire for excitement can lead teenagers to experiment with drugs. During adolescence, the brain’s reward system is still developing, making teens more sensitive to pleasure and less able to assess long-term consequences. Emotional struggles such as stress, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem can also drive young people to use drugs like cocaine as a way to escape or cope with negative feelings. In addition, a lack of knowledge about the harmful effects of cocaine may make it seem less dangerous than it truly is.
Interpersonal influences include relationships with friends, family, and peers. Peer pressure is one of the strongest influences; many teens try drugs to fit in, against social acceptance, or to avoid being judged by their peers. If close friends or siblings use cocaine or talk about it positively, it can normalize the behaviour. Family environment also plays a key role: lack of parental supervision, weak family bonds, or exposure to substance use at home can increase the likelihood of drug experimentation. Conversely, strong family support and open communication act as protective factors.
Societal influences at the societal level, media portrayal, social norms, and availability of drugs can all have an impact. Movies, music, or social media that glamorize drug use can create the illusion that cocaine is associated with wealth, success, or confidence. In communities where drug use is widespread or easily accessible, teenagers are more likely to encounter opportunities to try it. Broader social issues such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to mental health support can also make adolescents more vulnerable to turning to drugs as a form of relief or support.
Positives and negatives associated with the use of this drug:
- Short term
- Long term
- Personal
- Interpersonal
- Societal
How the stated impacts on wellbeing interrelate (are connected) e.g., if xxxx effects occur, what does this mean for a person’s physical and, therefore, their mental and emotional wellbeing?
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that temporarily increases alertness, energy, and feelings of euphoria. However, while the short-term effects may seem appealing, its use has serious and far-reaching negative consequences on personal, interpersonal, and societal well-being.
Short-term and long-term effects on well-being:
In the short term, cocaine can cause intense feelings of confidence, excitement, and energy, which may enhance social interaction and performance temporarily. Physically, it increases heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, often giving users a false sense of power or capability. Emotionally, users may feel invincible or euphoric; however, these effects are short-lived and usually followed by irritability, anxiety, and depression. Interpersonally, this can strain relationships as users become unpredictable or aggressive.
Long-term use of cocaine has devastating impacts on overall well-being. Physically, it can cause severe cardiovascular problems, malnutrition, weight loss, and damage to the brain and nervous system. Mentally and emotionally, users often develop addiction, paranoia, depression, and cognitive impairment, leading to a loss of self-control and motivation. On an interpersonal level, addiction frequently results in broken relationships, job loss, and social isolation. At the societal level, cocaine abuse contributes to increased healthcare costs, criminal activity, and community instability.
P.I.S. impacts:
The effects of cocaine use are deeply interconnected across all aspects of well-being. When physical health deteriorates, such as through exhaustion, heart strain, or malnutrition, it directly undermines mental and emotional stability, leading to anxiety, mood swings, and depression. This, in turn, affects how individuals relate to others, often causing conflict, mistrust, or withdrawal from social networks. As personal and interpersonal well-being decline, the individual may struggle to contribute productively to society, creating a cycle of dependency and harm. Ultimately, the physical, mental, emotional, and social consequences of cocaine use reinforce each other, trapping the user in a destructive loop that damages both individual lives and the wider community.
Laws and restrictions on cocaine:
Legal classification
- Cocaine is a Class A controlled drug used under the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1975.
- The coca leaves (from which cocaine is derived) are also illegal; they are classed under controlled substances (in some cases, Class C) under the same act.
Offenses and penalties
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act and related laws, these are the main types of offenses involving cocaine, with their penalties.
| Offence | What it involves | Penalties (for adults, 17+) |
| Possession or use
Of cocaine (Class A drug) |
Having cocaine on your person or property, or using it. | Up to 6 months’ imprisonment and/or a NZ$1000 fine. |
| Supply, manufacture, dealing, importing/exporting cocaine (Class A drug) | This includes preparing for sale, giving/selling, making, or bringing in cocaine. | Up to life imprisonment. This seriousness varies depending on quantity, role (e.g., large-scale or commercial operation), etc. |
| Letting premsies or vehicles be used for drug offenses | If you allow your home, vehicle, or other premises to be used by someone else (or yourself) for making, using, or carrying cocaine. | For a Class A drug, the maximum penalty is 10 Years’ imprisonment. |
| Drug driving (impairment by cocaine or other illicit drugs) | Driving while impaired by illicit drugs, or having a drug limit exceeded under new drug-driving laws. | Penalties include disqualification from driving (for at least 6 months for a single drug offence), as well as fines and demerit points. For combined drug & alcohol or multiple drugs, disqualification periods are longer. |
If the offender is under age 17, then the Youth Court applies; penalties tend to be more rehabilitative, but offences remain serious.
Strategies you would suggest to a person between the ages of 13-18 about things that they could do to keep themselves safe around cocaine?
Strategies to Stay Safe Around Cocaine (Ages 13-18)
For young people aged 13-18, protecting themselves from the dangers of cocaine starts with awareness, support, and positive decision-making. Cocaine is a highly addictive Class A drug that can damage the brain, heart, and emotional well-being, even after a single use. Therefore, prevention and smart choices are key.
- Educate yourself
Understanding what cocaine is, how it affects the body, and the serious legal and health consequences of using it helps teenagers make informed decisions. Schools, youth organisations, and trusted online resources such as The Level or Drug Foundation NZ provide reliable information about the risks.
- Choose Positive Peer Groups
Surrounding yourself with friends who respect your choices and don’t use drugs creates a safer social environment. Peer pressure is one of the strongest influences during adolescence, so being part of groups that value health, sports, creativity, or community involvement helps reinforce positive habits.
- Develop refusal skills.
Practice assertive ways to say no if someone offers drugs, such as changing the subject, walking away, or confidently saying “No thanks, I don’t do that.” Having a plan prepared makes it easier to respond under pressure.
- Reach Out for Support
If you or someone you know is feeling curious or struggling with drugs, talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, school counsellor, teacher, or youth health worker. Confidential helplines like 1737 (Need to Talk?) or Youthline (0800 376 633) offer free, non-judgmental support at any time.
- Engage in Healthy Alternatives
Keeping busy with sports, music, volunteering, or hobbies helps reduce boredom and stress, two common triggers for experimentation. Building self-confidence through positive activities strengthens mental resilience and reduces the appeal of risky behaviour.
- Stay Informed About the Law
Knowing that cocaine possession or use can lead to arrest, a criminal record, and imprisonment, even for small amounts, reinforces why it is essential. Understanding the law can also help young people influence their peers to make safer choices.
Scenario: It is the start of interval; you receive a text. The text is from your friend. Your friend tells you to meet them at the back of the field to use (insert your drug) with them.
- a. Describe what 3 options are that you have in this scenario.
- Explain in detail what the consequences are of each of these options. (Include both positive and negative consequences of each option)
- c. Explain in detail what the feelings are that a person would have based on each consequence. (Include both positive and negative consequences of each option.)
- d. Describe what the best option is to take and how it impacts on all 4 areas of Hauora?
(a) Three Options You Have:
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Go and use the cocaine with your friend.
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Refuse to use the cocaine but still meet your friend to talk.
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Refuse to go and instead tell a trusted adult, teacher, or counsellor about what is happening.
(b) Consequences of Each Option:
If you go and use cocaine, you may feel accepted by your friend or curious about how it feels. However, this decision brings serious negative consequences. You could experience dangerous physical effects such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and even overdose. It could also lead to addiction, poor school performance, and legal trouble since cocaine is a Class A drug in New Zealand. This option can damage your future, reputation, and wellbeing.
If you refuse to use cocaine but still meet your friend, you show that you are trying to support them and stay loyal. The positive side is that you maintain your values and avoid drug use. However, there are still risks. Being near drugs could get you in trouble if caught by teachers or police, and your friend might pressure you to use it anyway. You may also feel uncomfortable or unsafe in that environment.
If you refuse to go and tell a trusted adult, the positive outcomes are the greatest. You protect your health, stay out of legal trouble, and help your friend get the support they might need. You show maturity and responsibility, which builds trust with family, teachers, and peers. The only minor negative consequence could be feeling guilty or nervous that your friend might get angry, but this is outweighed by making the safest and smartest choice.
(c) Feelings Based on Each Consequence:
If you used cocaine, you might feel excited or confident for a short time, but those feelings would quickly turn into regret, guilt, fear, or shame. You might also feel anxious about being caught or worried about your health.
If you refused but still went to meet your friend, you might feel proud of saying no, but also anxious, pressured, or uncomfortable being around drugs. You could feel torn between caring for your friend and protecting yourself.
If you refused to go and told a trusted adult, you would likely feel proud, relieved, and confident for doing the right thing. You might feel slightly guilty or concerned about your friend’s reaction, but overall you would feel strong, safe, and respected for standing by your values.
(d) The Best Option and Its Impact on Hauora:
The best option is to refuse to go and tell a trusted adult or teacher about the situation. This decision positively supports all four areas of Hauora:
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Taha Tinana (Physical Wellbeing): You keep your body safe from the harmful effects of cocaine, such as heart damage, addiction, and poor sleep or nutrition.
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Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing): You remain true to your beliefs and values, showing respect for yourself and what you stand for.
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Taha Hinengaro (Mental and Emotional Wellbeing): You reduce stress, guilt, and fear, allowing you to feel calm, focused, and confident in your decision.
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Taha Whānau (Social Wellbeing): You strengthen relationships with family, teachers, and supportive friends, while encouraging your friend to seek help in a safe way.
By choosing to stay away from drugs and speak up, you protect your overall wellbeing, show leadership, and set an example that supports both your own future and the wellbeing of those around you.