In its pure form, cocaine is a white crystalline powder extracted from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Cocaine users most often inhale the powder sharply through the nose, where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Freebasing is an especially dangerous means of abusing cocaine because of the high concentrations of cocaine it introduces into the bloodstream. These high doses can overtax the cardiovascular system. Reports of sudden death while freebasing are not uncommon.
Cocaine is highly addictive, especially in the crack form.
In studies, animals addicted to cocaine preferred the drug to food, even when it meant they would starve. The addiction is both psychological and physical. Feelings of depression can become chronic. Cocaine addicts frequently turn to other drugs to relieve the down feeling when more cocaine is not available. When used together, these drugs and cocaine can prove even more deadly than when used alone.