Cocaine is an addictive substance which is available in various forms for recreational use. Also known as charlie, snow, coke and white, it is a fine white powder which is generally snorted into the nose. However, it is also obtainable in crystalline form, in which case it is known as 'crack'.

The two forms of cocaine differ not only in terms of appearance but also in how they are used and how quickly they affect the body. Powdered cocaine ingested through the nose must be absorbed into the bloodstream before it can begin to take effect. Crack cocaine is often smoked and therefore enters the bloodstream more quickly than powder. Cocaine can also be injected into the bloodstream; this results in the rapid onset of it's effects.