Its effects last only 5-10 minutes, it is more addictive than any of the other forms of cocaine. The dangers of cocaine use vary with the amount, form, method of ingestion and the individual. Cocaine use can cause restlessness, irritability, anxiety and sleeplessness, which contributes to post-use depression. Physically, the user can experience increased blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and respiration rate. These factors can cause stroke, heart attack, and respiratory failure from over-stimulation.
Cocaine use creates psychological and physical dependence.
In order to avoid the depression and fatigue that the drug can create, the user needs to take more of the drug. The more pure the form, the more quickly this dependence occurs. For example, use of crack can create dependency after only one use. A person with a cocaine problem goes through a process of denying there is a problem. It is especially important for cocaine users to seek help quickly.