Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain. Cocaine use ranges from occasional use to repeated or compulsive use, with a variety of patterns between these extremes. There is no safe way to use cocaine and any route of administration can lead to absorption of toxic amounts of cocaine, leading to acute cardiovascular or cerebrovascular emergencies that could result in sudden death. Repeated cocaine use by any route of administration can produce dependence, addiction and other adverse health consequences. Despite decades of basic and clinical research there are currently no medications approved to treat cocaine dependence, addiction, overdose or to help prevent relapse.