Caffeine

A stimulant that acts on the central nervous system to speed up the messages to and from the brain. It is a substance found in the leaves, seeds or fruit of a number of plant species, such as coffee and tea plants.

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Cannabis

A depressant and a hallucinogen that comes from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Marijuana, hashish and hashish oil come from this plant. The active chemical in cannabis is THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol).

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Central nervous system (CNS)

The brain and the spinal cord.

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Chroming

The practice of inhaling vapours from volatile substances. Other modes of administration are huffing (saturated material is held against the mouth or nose) and bagging (vapours inhaled from a plastic or paper bag held over the nose or mouth).

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Coca leaves

The leaves of the coca bush Erythroxylon coca that are traditionally chewed or sucked in Andean cultures.

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Coca paste

Coca paste is the product of the first step in the process of extracting cocaine from coca leaves.

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Cocaine

A powerful central nervous system stimulant used to produce euphoria. Most commonly comes in the form of a white, odourless powder called "cocaine hydrochloride". The powder is extracted from the leaves of the coca bush.

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Codeine

Extracted from morphine and sold commercially to treat mild to moderate pain.

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Cognitive behavioural therapy

A short-term, goal-oriented psychological treatment designed to change mental images, thoughts and thought patterns. Cognitive behaviour therapy is based on the notion that if you can change the way you think (cognitions) you can change your behaviour.

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Come-down

To experience the gradual wearing off of the effects of a drug after experiencing a "high".

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Community mobilisation

Interventions that encourage a community to develop collective ownership and control over health-related choices and activities.

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Comorbidity

See dual diagnosis.

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Cone

A device into which cannabis is packed, used together with a bong.

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Controlled substance

A term that refers to a psychoactive substance that is forbidden under the international drug control treaties or limited to medical and pharmaceutical channels.

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Court diversion

A program of treatment, re-education or community service for individuals referred from criminal courts (criminal diversion) after being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (drink-driver diversion) or another drug, with the sale or use of drugs (drug diversion), or with another crime.

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Crack

A very pure form of cocaine obtained by heating cocaine salt combined with baking soda (freebasing) and sold in the form of small crystals or rocks.

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Crash

The "down" that typically follows a period of concentrated use of a stimulant drug, such as amphetamine or cocaine, over a period of several days. The "crash" begins when use is discontinued.

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Cut

To adulterate or dilute drugs with other substances.

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