Cocaine is very fast-acting but short-lived. The effects range from subtle to white knuckle, depending on dosage and purity of the drug.

The effects of snorted cocaine can be felt within 10-15 seconds, peaking after five minutes, and fully wearing off after 20-30 minutes.

Mentally, you feel alert, energised, buzzing. You feel a sudden burst of euphoria and self-confidence which makes you more sociable and talkative. You talk lots.

Physically, your feel 'wired' - clenched jaw, wide-eyed, dilated pupils. Your heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature all rise. If you're in poor shape, be careful. You may also feel strong and sexually aroused.

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what it does in brain
Cocaine stimulates the cells of the central nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. It works, essentially, by tricking the brain into thinking it's been furnished with something pleasurable, like sex or good food.

First it prompts nerve cells in the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and alertness. Then it prevents the dopamine from being reabsorbed, prolonging the elation for an unnaturally long time. Eventually the brain compensates and quickly re-absorbs the dopamine, leading to a rapid and abrupt come-down.

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after effects
The comedown from coke is unpleasant. After a single line, you feel dulled and restless. Coke makes you feel good in short bursts, but it's a superimposed, artificial 'good' that wears off dramatically and leaves you panting for more.

A coke binge can affect your mood for days afterwards. The hangover includes: fatigue, jammed-up or sore nose, headaches, irritability, depression, lethargy and inability to concentrate. Basically, a "zombie state".

Often, when you first start using it, these after effects are minimal. But they get worse with continued use.

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long term
Coke ceases to be quite so nice. Regular use (two or three times a week) builds up tolerance. You still get the buzz but you have to take more of it more often. With greater tolerance comes heftier come-downs. At the peak of cocaine abuse is cocaine psychosis.

Cocaine is extremely habit-forming and you should not over-estimate your ability to handle it. (see addiction & tolerance )