Cocaine

Before you start, check:

• Is now the right time? How you’re feeling when you use cocaine can impact the effects you may experience, so consider checking in with yourself and thinking about whether now is a good time for you.

• Do I know what I’m taking? Researching what you’re planning to take, what the effects can be and how to reduce harm can help to keep you safe. 

• Have I contacted a friend or family member? In case you need help while you’re taking cocaine, consider telling someone your plans.

While you're using:

Start low, go slow

Strength can vary between batches, even if you take the drug regularly, starting with a small amount and waiting at least two hours before your next dose can help to reduce the risk of overdose.

Go at your own pace

Everyone responds differently to drugs - trying to keep up with others puts you at greater risk of overdosing. 

Plan and measure doses

If you’re going out, only take what you plan to use with you as this makes it easier to set boundaries and stay in control. It’s easier to lose track of time when using drugs, so taking a screenshot of the time or setting a timer each time you have a dose can help you space out your doses.

Try not to use on your own

It's best not to use cocaine if you’re on your own or if you’re in a position where there is nobody you could call for help. A buddy system - where one person takes their dose first and waits until the peak effects have worn off before the other person uses - makes it more likely that someone can help if anyone overdoses.

Find a safe space

Where you are when you take cocaine can impact the effects you may experience, so try and find a space where you feel safe, comfortable, with people you trust.

Try not to mix

Try to take cocaine on its own, as mixing with other drugs or alcohol can increase your risk of overdose. Using cocaine and alcohol together is very dangerous, as it creates a toxic substance in the body called cocaethylene. Mixing and injecting cocaine with heroin (called ‘speedballing’) is also very dangerous.

Opt for methods that carry less risk 

Smoking crack cocaine carries less risk than injecting it.

Use your own equipment

Using your own equipment, including straws and pipes, can help to prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses (BBVS) like hep B, hep C and HIV.  You can get clean equipment from any substance misuse service and many pharmacies.

The recovery position

The recovery position helps to prevent someone unconscious from choking on vomit. If someone is unconscious, putting them in the recovery position, getting help if needed, and staying with them will help to reduce the risk of harm.

After using cocaine:

There’s a good chance you’ll experience a ‘comedown’ when the effects of cocaine wear off. Comedowns don’t last forever, but they can affect your mood, motivation, energy levels, and your mental health. Some people find comedowns very challenging, and it can sometimes take a few days to fully recover. 

• Looking after and being kind to yourself is important - get plenty of sleep and rest, and try to avoid taking any other drugs to give your body time to recover

• Refuelling will help your recovery - this includes drinking plenty of water and eating something nutritious which is soft on your stomach and not too rich

• If you think you may be at risk of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) like Hep B, Hep C and HIV, you can access free testing from any drug and alcohol service, your GP, or a sexual health centre. You can catch a BBV even if you don’t inject a drug - through unprotected sex or sharing equipment

And always remember - if you’re feeling low and feel you can’t talk to a friend or family member, contact us for help through our webchat or find your local service.