Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can lead to numerous adverse physical and mental health effects when used. Like most drugs, it’s marketed and sold in various amounts, and sometimes cocaine slang names reflect this. An 8-ball is a relatively large amount, especially for a single person to use over a short period. For this reason, an 8-ball of cocaine is typically purchased for multiple people.
If you believe you are addicted to cocaine, it is vital to seek professional treatment. The longer this habit goes unaddressed, the more difficult it may be to overcome. Guardian Recovery is a specialized substance use treatment center dedicated to helping individuals dependent on drugs and alcohol break free from addiction, prevent relapse, and sustain long-lasting health and wellness. Reach out to us to learn more about our individualized treatment plans and full continuum of care.
Start Healing Today!
Choose recovery and take control of your life, it’s the path to a brighter future filled with health, happiness, and fulfillment.
When Is Cocaine Called an 8-Ball?
The term “8-ball” is slang referring to a specific quantity of a drug, most often cocaine. (1) An 8-ball is one-eighth of an ounce or approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine. An 8-ball of powder cocaine is typically packaged in thin plastic, which, when wrapped tightly, often forms a ball-like shape.
Other Common Names for Cocaine
Cocaine is referred to by many alternate names. Street names and slang terms for cocaine are used for various reasons, such as to denote the drug’s source, brand, purity, form, appearance, quantity, and effects. (2)
Common Slang Names for Cocaine Include:
- Blow
- Bump
- C or Big C
- Charlie
- Coke
- Crack
- Dust
- Flake
- Line
- Nose candy
- Pearl
- Powder
- Rock
- Sneeze
- Snow
- Sugar
- White or white lady
- Yeyo
Are Other Drugs Called an 8-Ball?
Because “8-ball” denotes a specific measured quantity rather than a kind of drug, it is sometimes used to refer to one-eighth of an ounce of other drugs, including heroin and meth. Still, makers, dealers, and users most often use the term to describe this specific amount of cocaine.
Is an 8-Ball an Average Dose of Cocaine?
There is no “average” dose of cocaine. The amount of cocaine a user is able to consume at one time or over multiple uses varies widely based on many, including the user’s tolerance, method of administration, the drug’s purity, and its price and availability. However, the general range for a typical dose of cocaine is 20-80 mg. A low or “social” amount of cocaine is usually around 20-30 milligrams.
An 8-ball is not an amount commonly used by one person during an episode. Instead, it is typically purchased for use by multiple people on one occasion or for one person (usually by snorting or smoking) over a day or longer. In many cases, using an entire 8-ball of cocaine in a short period is likely to lead to a life-threatening overdose. However, some users with an exceptionally high tolerance report consuming five or more grams of cocaine daily.
How Much Does an 8-Ball of Cocaine Cost?
Several factors determine how much an 8-ball of cocaine costs, including purity, brand, source, and even time of year. The effectiveness of law enforcement in curtailing drug distribution and competition between cartels or gangs can also significantly impact supply and demand and cocaine prices in a given area. Furthermore, cocaine’s retail price tends to increase the farther it’s sold from its point of origin. Owing to these factors, the cost of an 8-ball varies dramatically, and from a research perspective, there is no statistical consensus regarding the price range.
Complimentary Insurance Check
Find Out Today!
"*" indicates required fields
What Effects Can an 8-Ball of Cocaine Cause?
Cocaine use can lead to strong short-term effects, both sought-after and unwanted. In contrast, long-term cocaine use has virtually no desirable effects. Instead, users tend to suffer many physical and mental consequences, which can be permanent, life-altering, or even fatal. (3)
Signs and Symptoms of Short-Term Cocaine Use Include:
- Euphoria and elevated mood.
- Increased energy and alertness.
- Increased talkativeness and sociability.
- Feelings of confidence and invincibility.
- Dilated pupils.
- Suppressed appetite.
- Constricted blood vessels.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Nosebleed.
- Headache.
- Chest pain.
- Racing heart and hypertension.
- Insomnia.
- Anxiety and panic attacks.
- Paranoia.
- Irritability and aggression.
- Restlessness.
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Include:
- Tolerance, or needing increasing doses to achieve desired effects.
- Physical and psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms when not using.
- New or worsened mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
- Cardiovascular damage.
- Increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Seizures.
- Lung damage and respiratory failure.
- Extensive and irreversible tissue damage to the nose, sinuses, and palate.
- Impaired memory, concentration, and reasoning.
- Brain damage and other organ damage.
Signs & Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose
When a user consumes an excessive amount of cocaine rapidly, it can lead to a potentially life-threatening overdose. (4) A cocaine overdose is a medical emergency and requires prompt intervention and treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing or exhibiting the below-mentioned signs or symptoms, call 911 immediately or visit your nearest emergency department.
Signs & Symptoms of a Cocaine Overdose Include:
- Rapid, pounding heartbeat.
- Irregular heart rhythm.
- High blood pressure.
- Extreme headache.
- Uncontrollable vomiting.
- Stomach pains.
- Chest pain.
- Heart attack.
- Seizures.
- Rapid breathing.
- Respiratory failure.
- High body temperature (hyperthermia).
- Confusion, agitation, disorientation.
- Hallucinations and delusions.
- Panic attacks.
- Paranoia.
- Coma.
Guardian Recovery Offers Comprehensive Treatment
Guardian Recovery offers comprehensive, evidence-based treatment tailored to the needs and goals of individuals struggling with substance misuse and addiction.
Treatment Services We Offer Include:
- Medical Detox — During medical detox, clinical staff administers medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms and improve comfort while they undergo withdrawal.
- Residential/Inpatient Treatment — This program is the most intensive, and residents will be fully immersed in treatment and receive 24/7 care and support. Individuals are provided with a wide range of evidence-based therapies, services, and activities.
- Outpatient Treatment — Outpatient programs are less intensive than residential rehab. Therapeutic sessions are held multiple times a week while individuals live in private residences. This form of treatment may be better for those with less severe substance use disorders who must manage outside responsibilities like work, school, or family.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) — Individuals are administered FDA-approved medications throughout rehab in combination with other therapies to reduce cravings and improve treatment outcomes.
- Behavioral Therapy — Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help individuals discover, understand, and alter their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors associated with substance misuse and addiction.
Aftercare Planning — Aftercare planners provide resources and ongoing support to help individuals remain drug- and alcohol-free.
Our Locations
Our Facilities & Teams Transform Lives
Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Delray Beach, Florida
Princeton, New Jersey
Denver, Colorado
Largo, Florida
Portland, Maine
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Pine Brook, New Jersey
Contact Us Today to Begin
If you have been using cocaine, the sooner you seek professional help and overcome your habit, the fewer risks you may face later. These include overdose and many long-lasting conditions that can irreversibly alter your life. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation assessment and health benefits check. In addition, you can speak to a skilled Treatment Advisor who can explain our straightforward admissions process and multiple levels of care.
At Guardian Recovery, we understand that cocaine addiction is a chronic brain disease and requires a holistic, evidence-based approach to treatment to ensure individuals have the tools and support they need to navigate a healthy and sober life.
SELF-ASSESSMENT:
Do I have an Addiction issue?
Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/8-ball/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/drug-purity
- https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/files/TrainingPackage/MOD2/PhysicalandPsychEffectsSubstanceUse.pdf
- https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/injury-and-violence-prevention/opioid-overdose-prevention
