Is Cocaine a Stimulant?

Common Types of Stimulant Drugs

Stimulants are a class of substances that increase alertness, attention, energy levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. In addition to cocaine, there are many other legal, illicit, and prescription stimulants.

Other Common Stimulant Drugs Include:

• Amphetamines — This class of drugs includes prescription medications for ADHD and other conditions, such as Adderall and Ritalin, and illicit drugs like methamphetamine.
• Prescription stimulants — Other non-amphetamine medications often prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta).
• MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly) — A synthetic drug sometimes referred to as a “club drug” commonly used for its stimulating and mood-altering effects.
• Caffeine — A legal, naturally occurring stimulant found in many common beverages and foods, including coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate.

Nicotine — A legal, highly addictive stimulant commonly found in tobacco products, such as cigarettes and cigars.

How Do Stimulants Affect the Body?

Stimulants can affect the body in several ways, some of which may be considered desirable and others negative. (1)

Stimulants Effects on the Body Include: 

• Elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
• Increased alertness and focus.
• Feelings of euphoria, confidence, and well-being.
• Appetite suppression and weight loss.
• Increased physical activity, such as restlessness and fidgeting.

Which Form of Cocaine Causes the Strongest Stimulating Effects?

The most stimulating forms of cocaine tend to be those that are highly pure. Any contaminants or cutting agents in cocaine will decrease purity. In addition, depressants such as heroin or fentanyl may offset or interact with some of cocaine’s stimulating effects, possibly to a dangerous degree.

Factors That Can Affect Cocaine Purity Include:

• Chemicals used in production or subsequently added.
• Cutting agents added that resemble cocaine, such as baking powder, to expand the product and thereby increase profits.
• Impurities can be introduced if cocaine is not stored or handled properly, such as by exposure to light, heat, or moisture.
• In some cases, the purity of cocaine may depend on the market and the availability of the pure drug. As a result, the quality may decrease when demand is high and supplies are low.

Cocaine Hydrochloride

The method used to produce the United States’ most popular form of cocaine is by converting coca leaves into a powder through several chemical processes. (2) Some of the chemicals used to create the final product are hydrochloric acid and potassium salt (sodium). Purity levels can be affected by the factors mentioned above, and the intensity of the effects will be based on this.

Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine is made by converting powdered cocaine into a rock-like form called “crack” that can be smoked. This process increases the drug’s potency, intensity, and addictive potential. (3) Moreover, the smoke produced from crack cocaine is absorbed into the bloodstream more rapidly than when snorted, leading to a more intense and immediate high.

Freebase Cocaine

Freebase cocaine is created by separating cocaine from hydrochloride using chemicals such as ammonia and ether. The final product’s name is derived from this process, or essentially “freeing the base.” Freebasing is relatively uncommon because crack is often equally as potent and doesn’t require ether, which is highly flammable and can cause fires and explosions. (4) However, like crack, it’s usually smoked, meaning its stimulating effects may be exaggerated compared to snorted cocaine.