Cocaine is a stimulant drug that usually comes as a fine, white powder. While cocaine delivers a euphoric rush of energy, it also has dangerous effects on the body. The drug can trigger heart attacks, strokes and sudden death — and it’s powerfully addictive.

Cocaine (which also goes by the street names coke, blow, rock, snow, toot and nose candy) causes intense feelings of pleasure and speeds up body functions. But because the drug’s high wears off relatively quickly, people may use it repeatedly to maintain that feeling. As a result, recreational cocaine use often leads to addiction. Cocaine abuse can suck people into a vicious binge and crash cycle. When they’re high on cocaine, they may feel on top of the world and invincible. But when the drug wears off, they often become fatigued, agitated and plagued by cravings.