These special features make it advisable for intervention and prevention to be oriented towards the lifestyles rather than the substance itself. At the same time, the interventions and prevention actions require multiple designs directed specifically towards the different situations that exist and the different risk groups. In any event, the information that is given out concerning cocaine, and the risks that can be involved in its consumption, should be presented clearly, openly and truthfully. It is as important to avoid being alarmist as it is to remove the myths from the substance and differentiate its effects. Compared to heroin, cocaine is not by definition an addictive drug, for example it is a far less straight forward drug than heroin.
Cocaine appears to be a drug with two different faces, depending on the method of use.
Sniffing can apparently be pursued without too many negative, social or personal consequences. Basing, 'chasing the dragon' and injecting are more risky methods. Basing, in particular, also occurs among non opiate users. It appears, moreover, that cocaine is not such a harmless drug as some people claim. Prevention efforts need to be targeted, i.e. the different social strata need different prevention messages.