A person who abuses cocaine uses the drug regularly. Cocaine is a strong stimulant that causes adverse effects on the heart and cardiovascular system.

Cocaine is a chemical found in the leaves of the Erythroxylum coca plant. It is extracted from the leaves and purified by a chemical process. Cocaine is generally sold as a fine, white powder. In this form, it can be snorted, swallowed, or injected into a vein. Cocaine can be easily converted to crack by a simple chemical process. Crack cocaine can be smoked.