Cocaine is one of the most commonly used stimulant drugs in Scotland, alongside nicotine, caffeine and amphetamine. It is a white powder which is made by processing the leaves of the coca plant, which is mainly grown in South America. The average purity of cocaine has been increasing around the world. The EMCDDA's European Drug Report 2019, reports the “highest estimates of cocaine purity at retail level in a decade”. This means that the product people are buying may be stronger than they expect. In the last few years, cocaine use has increased across Scotland. The NRS’s report, Drug-related Deaths in Scotland in 2018, recorded that cocaine was “implicated in, or potentially contributed to, 273 deaths”. This is a 658% increase since 2008. With cocaine use, purity and related harms increasing, it is important people are informed. All drug use has risks. This booklet is for information only and does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have medical concerns about your drug use, please speak to a medical professional.