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What Is an 8 Ball of Cocaine? And Other Things to Know
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that was used illicitly by more than 5 million U.S. adults in 2023. [1]
One of the most common terms you may hear used to describe this drug is an 8 ball of coke. This page explores what an 8 ball looks like, and highlights the dangers involved with this illegal stimulant. You will also discover how to get compassionate and effective addiction treatment.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a potent illicit stimulant drug that comes from coca leaves – coca is a plant found mainly in South America. It’s usually sold as a white powder and is often referred to by street names like coke or blow. Cocaine is illegal in most places because of how dangerous and addictive it is. people use the drug to feel a quick rush of confidence, energy, and euphoria. These effects don’t last long, though, and people often take more to maintain the high, which can lead to health complications and addiction over time.
Chemical Makeup of Cocaine
The chemical form of cocaine is cocaine hydrochloride. [2] it’s made by extracting the alkaloid from coca leaves, which is then processed with chemicals to make the final product. Cocaine affects the brain by increasing levels of dopamine, a chemical that controls feelings of pleasure and reward.
The pure form of cocaine is a crystalline powder, but it’s often cut with substances like baking soda, cornstarch, and chemicals. Increasingly, cocaine is being cut with fentanyl, which is a deadly synthetic opioid. This increases the risk of overdose and other adverse outcomes.
How Cocaine Affects the Body & Brain
Cocaine affects the CNS (central nervous system), speeding up messages between the brain and body. When someone uses cocaine, it floods the brain with dopamine, creating a sense of intense pleasure and energy. This rush is short-lived, though, lasting from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on whether the drug is smoked, snorted, or injected. Afterward, the person usually crashes, feeling tired, anxious, or depressed.
In the body, cocaine raises heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. It can make people feel restless, jittery, and overly confident, which often leads to risky behaviors. Over time, repeated use of cocaine can damage the heart, lungs, and brain. It can cause long-term mental health issues like hallucinations, paranoia, and severe anxiety. People who use cocaine regularly may develop an addiction, needing more of the drug to feel the same effects. This makes quitting difficult without professional intervention.
Cocaine Addiction Stats & Facts
Data from NSDUH 2023 show that 5 million U.S. over-18s used cocaine in that year, a slight decrease from 5.3 million reporting cocaine use in the previous year. 1.8 million people reported past-month cocaine use in 2023.
Almost 1 million people used crack cocaine in 2023, with 500,000 individuals reporting past-month use.
Among those using cocaine, 1.2 million developed an addiction (stimulant use disorder) in the same year.
While there are no FDA-approved medications to treat cocaine, talk therapies and motivational therapies can help manage the condition and promote long-term recovery. [3]
What Is an 8 Ball of Coke?
An 8 ball is a term often used to describe a specific amount of cocaine. It refers to 3.5g of cocaine – one-eighth of an ounce. People often buy and sell the drug using nicknames to avoid drawing attention or to keep others from knowing exactly what they’re talking about. While the 8 ball weight might seem small, it’s enough for multiple uses and can be damaging to anyone who uses it.
How Much Is an 8 Ball of Coke?
The cost of an 8 ball of coke can vary depending on where you live and how pure the cocaine is. 8 balls cost anywhere from $150 to $300, although the price can increase in areas where cocaine is purer or harder to get. The price may also fluctuate due to changes in drug supply, demand, and local law enforcement activity.
What Does a Gram of Cocaine Look Like?
A gram of cocaine is usually a small amount of white powder that’s sold in small plastic bags or wrapped in paper or foil. One gram may not seem like much, but cocaine is a potent drug, and even a small amount can have significant effects on the body and brain.
What Does an Eight Ball of Coke Look Like?
An 8 ball of coke looks like a small, tightly packed bag of white or off-white powder. While 3.5g of coke is bulkier than a gram, an 8 ball can still fit in the palm. Sometimes, the cocaine is in small chunks or crystals, especially if it’s a less refined form. The color and texture can vary depending on what the cocaine has been cut with, ranging from fine white powder to slightly gritty or clumpy powder.
How Much Does an 8 Ball of Coke Cost?
The price of an 8 ball of coke ranges from $150 to $300 or more in the United States, although prices can vary.
How Many Grams Are in an 8 Ball?
An 8 ball is called that because it contains 3.5 grams of cocaine. The measurement is equal to one-eighth of an ounce, which is where the nickname 8 ball comes from.
What Are Other Common Measurements of Cocaine?
Cocaine is usually sold in small amounts, most commonly by the gram. A single gram is often enough for several uses. Another term you might hear is bump, which refers to a small amount of cocaine, usually just enough for one hit – about 0.1 grams.
Larger quantities like kilos (1000g) are sold between dealers rather than to individual users.
8 ball and gram are the most common measurements for street cocaine.
Other Names for 8 Ball of Coke
The term 8 ball is one of the more well-known nicknames, but there are several other street names used to describe cocaine or its quantities, such as:
- Blow
- Nose candy
- White
- Snow
- Cola
- Powder
8 Ball of Cocaine: Side Effects
Using an 8 ball of cocaine can lead to serious health problems, both short-term and long-term. Cocaine is a stimulant that speeds up the body’s systems, which can make you feel energetic and alert at first, but it comes with dangerous side effects. The more cocaine you use, the higher the risk of these effects becoming more intense or even life-threatening.
Common short-term side effects include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and a burst of energy, but they can quickly turn into anxiety, paranoia, or aggressive behavior. Over time, repeated use can lead to more severe problems, like heart attacks, strokes, and permanent damage to your brain and body. [4]
5 Negative Effects of an 8 Ball of Cocaine
These are the primary negative effects of an 8 ball of cocaine:
- Heart damage: Cocaine use raises your heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, or strokes. Even a small amount like an 8 ball can put a huge strain on your heart.
- Mental health issues: Cocaine messes with the brain’s chemicals, often leading to paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations. Chronic use may trigger mental health problems like severe mood swings and depression.
- Addiction: Cocaine is highly addictive and using an 8 ball increases the risk of developing dependence. Once addicted to cocaine, it’s tough to stop without professional help, as the body and brain become reliant on the drug to feel good.
- Overdose risk: Cocaine use can lead to overdose, which can be fatal. The more someone uses, the greater the chance of taking too much, especially if they don’t know how pure the cocaine is or if it’s mixed with other harmful substances.
- Damage to organs: Cocaine can cause long-lasting damage to essential organs like the kidneys, liver, and lungs. Long-term use can also lead to digestive problems and an increased risk of infections.
Addiction Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of becoming addicted to cocaine. Genetics play a big role – if you have a family history of addiction, you may be more likely to develop one yourself.
Mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, also make addiction more likely because some people turn to drugs like cocaine to cope with their feelings.
The environment is another factor. Growing up in an environment where drug use is common can increase the chances of addiction.
Early drug use also plays into the development of addiction – the younger you start using drugs, the greater your chances of becoming addicted later in life.
What Does a Cocaine Overdose Look Like?
A cocaine overdose can happen when someone takes more than their body can handle, and it can be life-threatening. Signs of a cocaine overdose include extreme agitation, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, or seizures. The person may also feel nauseous, vomit, or lose consciousness. Because cocaine is a stimulant, it makes the heart and brain work overtime, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If someone is overdosing, get medical help immediately, as they need emergency treatment to prevent permanent damage or death.
Cocaine’s Interaction with Other Substances
Cocaine is often mixed with other substances, either intentionally or unintentionally. When combined with alcohol, for example, the two drugs create a new chemical in the body called cocaethylene, which increases the risk of heart failure. Cocaine is also sometimes used alongside opioids like heroin or fentanyl, creating an extremely dangerous combination known as polysubstance abuse. Mixing drugs heightens the risks of overdose and can make the effects on the body and brain even more unpredictable and dangerous.
Treatment Options for Cocaine & 8 Ball Usage
If you or a loved one is fighting cocaine addiction, treatment options can help break the cycle. Treatment usually starts with medical detox, where the body is safely cleared of cocaine under medical supervision. After detox, ongoing care is essential, and there are two main types of treatment: inpatient and outpatient.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment means staying at a rehab center for a set period, where you receive 24/7 care. This is a good option for people with severe addictions or those who need to be removed from their usual environment to focus entirely on recovery. Inpatient programs provide a structured routine, medical care, therapy, and support in a safe space.
Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, allows people to live at home while attending therapy and support sessions during the day or evening. This option can work for people who have responsibilities like work or family but still need help managing their addiction. Outpatient treatment offers more flexibility but may not be as intensive as inpatient care.
Does Insurance Cover Cocaine Addiction Treatment?
Many insurance plans cover addiction treatment, but it depends on the policy and the specific services required. Most plans will cover detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, and therapy. Check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered, as some plans may require pre-authorization or only cover a portion of the treatment. Some treatment centers also offer payment plans or work with financial assistance programs to help make treatment more affordable.
How To Pick The Best Cocaine Addiction Treatment Center
Choosing the right treatment center is central to successful recovery. Look for centers that offer personalized treatment plans, which consider your specific needs and circumstances. Find a place with experienced medical staff who are trained to handle cocaine addiction. Consider the types of therapy they offer, such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), group therapy, and family therapy, as these can provide well-rounded support. Additionally, make sure the center offers aftercare services, such as support groups or sober living options, to help maintain recovery after the program ends.
Cocaine Addiction | FAQs
Is there medicine to help with cocaine addiction?
While there’s no specific medicine approved for treating cocaine addiction, doctors may prescribe medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms or cravings. These treatments are often combined with therapy and support programs for better results.
How can I prevent cocaine addiction?
Avoiding cocaine use altogether is the best way to prevent addiction. If you’re at risk, focus on building healthy habits, staying informed about the dangers of drug use, and surrounding yourself with supportive, drug-free environments.
What do I do If I can’t stop doing coke?
If you’re struggling to quit cocaine, seek professional help immediately. Reach out to a treatment center or addiction specialist who can guide you through detox and offer the necessary therapy and support to overcome addiction.
Get Compassionate Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery
If you need help for yourself or a loved one fighting cocaine addiction, reach out to Renaissance Recovery.
We offer outpatient treatment for cocaine addiction at our Florida and California rehabs, enabling you to live at home and carry on at work while getting compassionate addiction treatment during weekday sessions at Renaissance.
All cocaine addictions are different, so all our treatment plans are personalized to reflect this. Therapies may include:
- Talk therapies
- Motivational therapies
- Counseling
- Family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Group therapy
- Holistic therapies
- Aftercare
Begin your recovery from stimulant abuse today by calling 866-330-9449.
Sources
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/cocaine-hydrochloride
THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE
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