Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Cocaine is either "snorted" through the nasal passages or injected intravenously. Users call it by a variety of different names, including, coke, blow, toot, nose candy, flake, and The Lady. Cocaine belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants, which tend to give a temporary illusion of limitless power and energy that leaves the user feeling depressed, edgy, and craving more. Crack is a form of cocaine that has been chemically altered so that it can be smoked. Cocaine and crack are highly addictive. This addiction can erode physical and mental health and can become so strong that these drugs dominate all aspects of an addict's life.

People under the influence of crack and cocaine frequently do risky things they later regret.

Cocaine and crack use has been a contributing factor in a number of drownings, car crashes, falls, burns, and suicides.

Addicts come from all walks of life. Don't assume you are immune.

WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH USING ANY AMOUNT OF COCAINE AND CRACK?

• Increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature.

• Heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory failure.

• Hepatitis or AIDS through shared needles.

• Brain seizures.

• Reduction of the body's ability to resist and combat infection.

Even first-time users may experience seizures or heart attacks, which can be fatal.

WHAT ARE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL RISKS?

• Violent, erratic, or paranoid behavior.

• Hallucinations and "coke bugs" - a sensation of imaginary insects crawling over the skin.

• Confusion, anxiety and depression, loss of interest in food or sex.

• "Cocaine psychosis" - losing touch with reality, loss oof interest in friends, family, sports, hobbies, and other activities.

Myth:

Crack and Cocaine enhance sexual pleasure.

Fact:

Addicts often become unable to function sexually.

Some users spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on cocaine and crack each week and will do anything to support their habit. Many turn to drug selling, prostitution, or other crimes. If you or someone you know has a drug problem, there is help available. Talk to a school counselor, a friend, or a parent.

QUICK FACTS

1. Know the law. Cocaine and crack are illegal substances. Depending on where you are caught, you could face high fines and jail time.

2. Get the facts right. Even one hit of crack or cocaine can be fatal.

3. Stay informed. Injecting cocaine can give you hepatitis and AIDS.

4. Be aware of the risks. Using drugs increases the risk of injury. Car crashes, falls, burns, drowning, and suicide are all linked to drug use.

5. Keep your edge. Drug use can ruin your looks, make you depressed, and contribute to slipping grades.

6. Play it safe. One incident of drug use could lead to addiction or even death.

7. Do the smart thing. Using drugs puts your health, education, family ties, and social life at risk.

8. Get with the program. Doing drugs isn't "in" anymore.

9. Face your problems. Using drugs won't help you escape your problems, it will only create more.

10. Be a real friend. If you know someone with a drug problem, be part of the solution. Urge your friend to get help.

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The Tropical Impression Racing Team is a member of the National Organization of Beat The Heat, Inc. This team is recognized as a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization by the IRS and is not part of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.