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.
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 is a major problem throughout the United States. The latest data from NSDUH 2023 (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) show that:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
8 balls of coke cost from $120 to $380 or more, depending on market conditions, location, and purity.
An 8 ball of coke weighs 3.5 grams. It’s named 8 ball because it equals one-eighth of an ounce (28 grams).
Cocaine is sold in different amounts, such as:
An 8 ball of cocaine has many street names, including:
Using an 8 ball of cocaine can provoke serious physical and mental side effects.
Short-term cocaine effects include:
Long-term cocaine effects include:
Using an 8 ball of cocaine can have severe consequences, including:
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.
The following variables can influence a person’s risk of becoming addicted to cocaine:
A cocaine overdose can be life-threatening. Signs of an overdose include:
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.
Mixing cocaine with other substances is highly dangerous. Common combinations include:
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 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:
When seeking help for cocaine addiction, the two most common options are inpatient and outpatient treatment.
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.
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:
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.
Choosing the right addiction treatment center is central to recovery. Here are some tips to help you find the best fit:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
When you’re ready to reclaim your life from 8 balls of coke, call 888-995-4208.
[1] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine
[2] https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/schedules.html
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