What Is an 8 Ball of Cocaine? And Other Things to Know

Updated February 1, 2025

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Table of Contents

What Is an 8 Ball of Cocaine? And Other Things to Know

Cocaine is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs in the world. The term 8 ball is frequently used when talking about cocaine, but what is it and how does it affect the body and brain? This guide outlines all you need to know about cocaine and 8 balls. You’ll also learn how to get compassionate and effective treatment for stimulant addiction if you or a loved one has been buying too many 8 balls of coke. 

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a potent an illicit stimulant of the CNS (central nervous system). It comes from the coca plant leaves, native to South America [1]. People have used coca leaves for centuries to fight fatigue, but processed cocaine is much stronger and more dangerous.

Cocaine is usually sold as a white powder (cocaine hydrochloride) or solid rock (crack cocaine). Coke impacts the brain quickly, triggering an intense but fleeting burst of energy and euphoria. Many people take more and more of the drug to recreate the initial high, a pattern that often provokes the development of addiction—cocaine use disorder). 

Like all Schedule II controlled substances, cocaine has limited medical utility and a strong profile for abuse and addiction [2]. 

Cocaine Addiction Stats & Facts

Cocaine addiction is a major problem throughout the United States. The latest data from NSDUH 2023 (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) show that:

  • 5 million U.S. adults used cocaine in 2023 [4].
  • 1.8 million used the drug in the previous month.
  • 997,000 people used crack cocaine in the same year.
  • 507,000 individuals reported past-month crack use.
  • 1.2 million over-18s developed cocaine addiction in 2023, a slight decline from 1.4 million people addicted to the drug in 2022.
  • Men are more likely than women to use cocaine.
  • People who use cocaine are at increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and overdoses.

Cocaine addiction can manifest rapidly due to the swift development of tolerance and its powerful but short-lived effects.

Treating cocaine addiction usually requires professional intervention, including detox, ongoing therapy, and peer support groups. Without intervention, most cocaine addictions worsen, and the risk of severe adverse effects intensifies.

What Is an 8 Ball of Coke?

An 8 ball of cocaine is a street term for 3.5 grams of the drug. This amount is called an 8 ball because it equals one-eighth of an ounce. The term is commonly used by those who sell and consume the drug. 

An 8 ball can be used by one person or shared among a group. Some people prefer to buy an 8 ball instead of smaller amounts because it’s usually cheaper per gram.

How Much Is an 8 Ball of Coke?

The price of an 8 ball of coke varies based on location, purity, and demand. The cost of an 8 ball in the United States ranges from $120 to $300. In some areas, prices can be as high as $380. 

Prices tend to be lower in places where cocaine is produced, such as South America, because there are fewer smuggling costs. In cities or regions where cocaine is hard to get, prices are often higher.

What Does a Gram of Cocaine Look Like?

A gram of cocaine is a small amount of white powder about the size of a sugar packet or a paperclip. Cocaine is sold in tiny plastic bags, folded paper, or cling film.

The powder is usually white, but it may have a yellow or off-white tint if it contains impurities. The texture can be fine and powdery or slightly clumpy. These differences depend on how the drug was made and what it was mixed with.

What Does an Eight Ball of Coke Look Like?

An eight ball of coke looks like a small bag of white powder. It’s almost four times the size of a gram and is sold in similar packaging. 

How Much Does an 8 Ball of Coke Cost?

8 balls of coke cost from $120 to $380 or more, depending on market conditions, location, and purity. 

8 Ball of Coke Weight

An 8 ball of coke weighs 3.5 grams. It’s named 8 ball because it equals one-eighth of an ounce (28 grams). 

What Are Other Common Measurements of Cocaine?

Cocaine is sold in different amounts, such as: 

  • Bump: A tiny amount—usually 0.1 grams—used for a quick high.
  • Line: Roughly 0.1 to 03 grams, usually snorted in one go.
  • Gram: The most common amount purchased by individuals using the drug.
  • Teener or teenth: 1.75 grams, or half an 8 ball (one-sixteenth of an ounce).
  • Ounce: 28 grams.
  • Kilo: 1000 grams, a quantity purchased by drug dealers. 

Other Names for 8 Ball of Coke

An 8 ball of cocaine has many street names, including: 

  • Eight
  • Ball
  • Snowball 

8 Ball of Cocaine: Side Effects

Using an 8 ball of cocaine can provoke serious physical and mental side effects. 

Short-term cocaine effects include: 

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • High body temperature
  • Euphoria
  • Bursts of energy
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness 

Long-term cocaine effects include: 

  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Strokes
  • Heart attacks
  • Lung damage
  • Brain damage
  • Nasal perforation
  • Overdose 

5 Negative Effects of an 8 Ball of Cocaine

Using an 8 ball of cocaine can have severe consequences, including: 

  1. Addiction: Cocaine is powerfully addictive and can rapidly lead to tolerance and dependence.
  2. Heart problems: Those using cocaine long-term are at risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications.
  3. Mental health issues: Regular use can cause anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.
  4. Financial stress: Cocaine is expensive. Spending money on drugs can lead to debt or job loss.
  5. Overdose risk: An 8 ball is a large amount of coke that can lead to a deadly overdose. 

These effects can harm all areas of a person’s life. If you or someone you know is abusing cocaine, seek help—prompt intervention can streamline recovery. 

Addiction Risk Factors

The following variables can influence a person’s risk of becoming addicted to cocaine: 

  • Genetics: If addiction runs in the family, the risk is higher.
  • Peer pressure: Being around friends who use drugs can make it harder to say no.
  • Mental health complications: Conditions like anxiety or depression can lead people to use drugs to feel better.
  • Early drug use: Using drugs at a young age heightens the risk of addiction.
  • Stress: High-stress situations can lead people to use drugs as a coping mechanism.

What Does a Cocaine Overdose Look Like?

A cocaine overdose can be life-threatening. Signs of an overdose include: 

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Extreme anxiety or panic
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures 

In severe cases, a person may have a stroke, heart attack, or go into a coma. An overdose can happen suddenly, especially when using large amounts like an 8 ball. The risk is even higher if the cocaine is mixed with other substances. 

If you see someone showing these signs, call 911 immediately. Quick medical help can save a life. After recovery, professional addiction treatment can help prevent future overdoses—more on this below. 

Cocaine’s Interaction with Other Substances

Mixing cocaine with other substances is highly dangerous. Common combinations include:

  • Alcohol: Mixing cocaine and alcohol creates a toxic substance called cocaethylene, which can damage the heart and liver [5].
  • Heroin: Known as a speedball, this mix can cause a deadly overdose because the drugs have opposite effects on the body.
  • Prescription drugs: Cocaine can react badly with medications, provoking heart problems or seizures. 

These combinations raise the risk of overdose and long-term health problems. Mixing drugs is unpredictable and can lead to dangerous side effects. If someone is using multiple substances, professional treatment can help them recover safely. 

Treatment Options for Cocaine & 8 Ball Usage

Treatment for cocaine addiction usually starts with detox. This helps the body clear the drug safely. Following detox, therapy helps people learn how to avoid using the drug again. Common options include:

  • CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy): Talk therapy helps people change harmful thoughts and behaviors.
  • Motivational interviewing: Helps people find their motivation for staying drug-free long-term.
  • Group therapy: Provides support from others experiencing similar issues. 

Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment

When seeking help for cocaine addiction, the two most common options are inpatient and outpatient treatment. 

  1. Inpatient treatment: Inpatient treatment means staying at a rehab center full-time. You live there while receiving care and support. This type of program offers a safe, drug-free environment and 24/7 medical care. It’s a good option if your addiction is severe or you need to stay away from triggers at home.
  2. Outpatient treatment: This form of rehab allows you to live at home while attending therapy and counseling sessions during the day or evening. This approach works well if you have a job, school, or family responsibilities. That said, it requires strong self-control and support at home. 

Choosing between inpatient and outpatient treatment hinges on your needs. Talk to a healthcare professional to decide the most effective pathway for your recovery from cocaine addiction.

Does Insurance Cover Cocaine Addiction Treatment?

Most health insurance plans cover cocaine addiction treatment. Thanks to the ACA (Affordable Care Act), insurance companies must provide coverage for addiction and mental health services. This means that if you have insurance, you may get help without paying the full cost out of pocket. 

Different types of insurance, like private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare, can help pay for: 

  • Detox programs
  • Inpatient rehab
  • Outpatient programs
  • Counseling
  • Therapy 

However, coverage depends on your insurance plan. Some plans cover more services than others, and you may have to pay a deductible or co-pay. Contact your insurer to determine what’s covered and what your costs will be. 

If you don’t have insurance, many treatment centers offer payment plans or sliding scale fees based on your income. Help is available regardless of your financial situation. 

If you don’t have insurance, many treatment centers offer payment plans or sliding scale fees based on your income. Help is available, no matter your financial situation. 

How To Pick the Best Cocaine Addiction Treatment Center

Choosing the right addiction treatment center is central to recovery. Here are some tips to help you find the best fit:

  • Check accreditation: Make sure the center is licensed and accredited. This means it meets high standards for care.
  • Look at treatment options: Find a center with experienced doctors, therapists, and counselors.
  • Qualified staff: Choose a center with experienced doctors, therapists, and counselors.
  • Specialized programs: Some centers offer programs for specific needs, like mental health issues, family therapy, or gender-specific care.
  • Location: Decide if you want a center close to home or farther away for a fresh start.
  • Insurance coverage: Make sure the center accepts your insurance or offers payment options.

Taking the time to research and ask questions can help you feel confident in your choice. The right center can give you the support you need to begin your recovery journey. 

Cocaine Addiction | FAQs

Is there medication to help with cocaine addiction?

There are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating cocaine addiction. However, doctors may use some medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Behavioral therapies are often the most effective approach.

How can I prevent cocaine addiction?

The best way to prevent addiction is to avoid using cocaine in the first place. Learning about the dangers of cocaine and building healthy coping skills can help you stay away from the drug. Surrounding yourself with positive influences and a robust support system makes a major difference. 

What do I do If I can’t stop doing coke?

If you can’t stop using cocaine, reach out for help. Talk to a trusted person, whether a family member or counselor, and consider contacting a treatment center. Professional support can give you the tools you need to recover.

Get Compassionate Cocaine Addiction Treatment at California Detox

If you or someone you care about is addicted to cocaine, we can help you get back on track at California Detox. We have a luxury beachside facility in California dedicated to your whole-body recovery. 

When you choose medical detox with our compassionate staff, you get access to medications and continuous emotional and clinical care as you walk through cocaine withdrawal. After a week of detox, you can easily transition to our inpatient treatment program to address the real causes of substance abuse head-on.  

All stimulant addictions are unique, so all treatment plans are tailored to your individual needs. Therapies may include: 

  • Counseling
  • Talk therapies
  • Motivational therapies
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Holistic treatments
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Aftercare planning

When you’re ready to reclaim your life from 8 balls of coke, call 888-995-4208.

Sources 

[1] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine 

[2] https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/schedules.html

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2851032 

[4] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt47100/NSDUHDetailedTabs2023/NSDUHDetailedTabs2023/2023-nsduh-detailed-tables-sect1pe.htm

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8956485/

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