THE FACTS ABOUT COCAINE AND YOUR HEALTH

Cocaine makes your heart beat faster, this can lead to heart attacks. The sudden increase in blood pressure caused by cocaine can also lead to blood vessels becoming weaker; this can result in a stroke. If you have any chest pains while using cocaine, see a doctor straightaway.

Cocaine makes your body temperature rise; this can lead to overheating and the risk of a seizure or fit. If you've ever had a fit while on cocaine, there's a good chance it will happen again. If you ever have a fit, stop using cocaine immediately.

Snorting cocaine damages the inside of the nose and can cause nosebleeds. This can provide an opening for viruses, such as hepatitis, which can be spread by sharing straws, banknotes or any other tube for snorting. Always use your own tube.

When alcohol is used at the same time as cocaine the body creates a third substance called cocaethylene. Cocaethylene is more toxic, lasts longer and causes more physical harm, especially to the heart, than either alcohol or cocaine used separately. Mixing alcohol and cocaine means a massively increased risk of having a seizure, stroke, heart attack or fatal overdose.

Using both alcohol and cocaine on a night out can cause you other problems too. Although cocaine may give you the impression of being in control, the alcohol still affects your judgement and reflexes. Mixing cocaine and alcohol can lead to situations that can soon get out of control, confusion, accidents, aggression and violence.