Cocaine Information

Cocaine may show up in some social or nightlife spaces, even though most Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder students do not use it (according to the National College Health Assessment). This page provides information to help you understand the risks, make informed choices and reduce harm if you come across it.Ìý

About Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant drug. It increases dopamine in the brain, which can cause short‑term surges of energy, alertness and confidence.Ìý

Cocaine is addictive, and its effects are brief—often lasting 30 minutes or less. Because the effects fade quickly, people may feel tempted to use more, which increases health and overdose risks.Ìý

Some people use cocaine because they believe it will:Ìý

  • Help them feel more energized or focusedÌý
  • Increase confidence or ease social situationsÌý
  • Allow them to party for longerÌý
  • Enhance nightlife or party experiencesÌý

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It’s important to know that these effects are temporary and come with real risks—especially when use escalates or substances are mixed.Ìý

Health and Safety Risks

Cocaine use can affect both physical and mental health, including:Ìý

  • Heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat or heart attack)Ìý
  • Anxiety, paranoia or agitationÌý
  • Addiction (also called cocaine use disorder)Ìý
  • OverdoseÌý

Overdose risk is higher because cocaine is often mixed with other substances, sometimes without the person knowing. This includes fentanyl, which greatly increases the risk of accidental overdose and death.Ìý

Because cocaine’s effects wear off quickly, people may experience:Ìý

  • Extreme tiredness or “crashingâ€Ìý
  • Irritability or low moodÌý
  • Anxiety or restlessnessÌý
  • Strong urges to use moreÌý

This can lead to binge use, where repeated doses are taken close together to try to maintain the feeling. Binging significantly increases health risks and the likelihood of overdose.Ìý

Ways to Reduce Risk and Stay Safer

If you or someone you know chooses to use cocaine, these strategies can help reduce potential harm.Ìý

Please note: There is no way to completely eliminate risk. These strategies help reduce harm—but do not make use safe.Ìý

Be intentional about use

Think about the experience you want and what you want to avoid. Intention matters and can help guide safer decisions.Ìý

Test for fentanyl

Cocaine can be contaminated with fentanyl without visible signs.Ìý

  • Use fentanyl test strips when availableÌý
  • Remember that testing reduces risk but does not eliminate itÌý
Carry naloxone

Even though cocaine is not an opioid, fentanyl contamination makes opioid overdose possible.Ìý

  • Have naloxone nearbyÌý
  • Use naloxone if an overdose is suspectedÌý

Free naloxone is available at Health Promotion (Wardenburg Health Center, 3rd floor).Ìý

Start small and go slow

You can always take more, but you can’t take less once it’s consumed.Ìý

  • Start with a small amountÌý
  • Avoid repeated dosing close togetherÌý
Be with people you trust

Use in a safer environment with people you trust.Ìý

  • Make sure someone can get help if something goes wrongÌý
  • Avoid using aloneÌý
Don’t share snorting supplies

Sharing straws or other supplies can spread infections and disease. Use your own supplies only.Ìý

Avoid mixing with alcohol or other drugs

Mixing substances makes effects less predictable and increases the risk of:Ìý

  • OverdoseÌý
  • Heart problemsÌý
  • Blackouts or dangerous behaviorsÌý
Support your body

Stimulants push your body into overdrive.Ìý

  • Eat foodÌý
  • Drink waterÌý
  • Get sleepÌý

Taking care of your body helps reduce strain and risk.Ìý

Recognizing an Overdose and Getting Help

Call 911 and administer naloxone if you or someone else experiences:Ìý

  • Irregular heartbeat or chest painÌý
  • ConfusionÌý
  • Seizures or convulsionsÌý
  • Hallucinations or delusionsÌý
  • Passed out or unresponsiveÌý
  • Shallow or slowed breathingÌý
  • Blue or gray lips or fingertipsÌý

Naloxone will not harm someone who is not overdosing. When in doubt, use it.Ìý

Good news: CU’s Amnesty Policy and Colorado’s can protect you from disciplinary action or prosecution if you call for help and stay with the person.Ìý

Find Support

Curious about your habits? You can get anonymous, online feedback about , or —no meeting required.ÌýÌý

If you're looking to explore your relationship with substances, get naloxone or connect with a recovery community, Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder has resources that can help:ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Free naloxone and fentanyl test strips: All students can pick up free supplies, including naloxone, fentanyl test strips and more at the Health Promotion office at Wardenburg (third floor).ÌýÌý

Free substance use workshops: Students can reflect on their relationship with alcohol and other substances. Workshops are educational, and not therapy or treatment.Ìý

Collegiate Recovery Community: Weekly support meetings, substance-free activities and connection for students considering, pursuing or in recovery from substances and other unwanted behaviors.Ìý

Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Services related to substance use include assessments, brief individual therapy, support for concerned friends and family and referrals to recovery and other community resources.Ìý

Don’t Ignore It: Learn about reporting, getting support and helping a friend. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t ignore it.Ìý