What Is An 8 Ball Of Cocaine? - Addiction Resource

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answered by Treatment X Evidence Based What Is An 8 Ball Of Cocaine? Written by Dr. Anjali Talcherkar, Ph.D. Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D.

Updated on November 4, 2025

An eight-ball of cocaine is about 3.5 grams, or one-eighth of an ounce of cocaine. The term “eight ball” is used in reference to illegal drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), and malt liquor.

ON THIS PAGE:
  • Why Take An 8 Ball?
  • How Much Is An 8 Ball?
  • What Else Can An Eight Ball Refer To?
  • Dangers
  • Long-Term Health Consequences
  • Treatment For Cocaine Addiction
  • Show More
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Cocaine is an illegal drug that people buy and sell on the streets. Like many drugs, it has different slang names that dealers and users know. One of the most common terms you might hear is “eight-ball.” This name comes up a lot in conversations about cocaine use and dealing.

An eight-ball refers to a specific amount of cocaine. It means one-eighth of an ounce, which is about 3.5 grams. The name comes from the black eight-ball in pool, though the cocaine itself is usually white powder. This amount is a standard measurement that dealers use when selling the drug. An eight-ball is considered a fairly large amount for personal use. The price can vary depending on location and quality, but it’s typically expensive. Knowing what this term means is important for understanding the serious nature of cocaine trafficking and use.

Why Do People Take An 8 Ball?

An eight-ball of cocaine is a dangerous amount of cocaine to take at once. However, some people who use cocaine have reported using up to an 8-ball a day.

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Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant. Snorting or injecting cocaine can cause a rapid rush of energy and euphoria (pleasure) within minutes, while smoking crack cocaine can cause intense effects within seconds. Cocaine comes from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru in South America. For centuries, coca leaves have been used for their anesthetic and stimulant effects.

Eight-balls may be purchased by drug dealers for recreational use at parties or in groups. How long an eight-ball of cocaine lasts will depend on a person’s standard dose of cocaine, how many people are using the cocaine, and how often.

How Much Does Cocaine Cost?

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the average retail price for one gram of cocaine is $96 to $160, depending on its purity.

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An 8-ball of coke is 3.5 grams of cocaine. Therefore the estimated cost, or going rate, of an eight-ball of coke would be $336 to $560.

Cocaine street pricing can vary based on:

  • where you live
  • drug source
  • drug purity

Factors related to supply, demand, and distribution can also affect illicit drug costs.

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, lockdown measures stalled coca leaf harvesting, and other difficulties trafficking cocaine have influenced drug prices in some countries.

What Else Can An Eight Ball Refer To?

The term “eight-ball” isn’t only used for cocaine. Drug dealers and users apply this same name to other substances as well. When someone talks about an eight-ball, they might be referring to 3.5 grams of crystal meth instead of cocaine. The term has also been used to describe Olde English 800, which is a specific brand of malt liquor that comes in bottles. The name works for meth because it’s the same measurement as cocaine. People in drug circles use this slang across different substances to keep their conversations less obvious to others.

Dangers Of Ingesting An Eight Ball Of Cocaine

Smoking, injecting, or snorting cocaine can cause a range of health issues, including addiction. Using cocaine can cause a rush of euphoria, energy, and other side effects due to its effects on the brain.

Cocaine may cause:

  • fast heart rate
  • irregular heartbeat
  • increased blood pressure
  • high body temperature
  • decreased appetite
  • paranoia
  • irritability
  • poor decision-making
  • muscle twitches or tremors
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)

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Do not use an eight-ball of coke all at once. Taking an eight-ball in one sitting, or over the course of a day, can have toxic effects. If you’ve never used cocaine before, or even if you have a high tolerance, using an eight ball of coke can be deadly. In general, taking too much cocaine at one time may cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizures, heart attack, and stroke. It can also lead to sudden death.

Long-Term Health Consequences Of Heavy Cocaine Use

Using an eight-ball of cocaine is a sign of cocaine abuse and addiction. This is an excessive amount of cocaine that can, over time, cause serious health consequences.

Dangers of chronic, heavy cocaine use can include:

  • psychosis (loss of touch with reality)
  • brain damage
  • changes in vision/vision loss
  • nasal damage
  • increased risk for bloodborne diseases (e.g. HIV, hepatitis C)
  • respiratory distress
  • liver and lung damage
  • heart problems
  • mood problems

Regular, heavy cocaine use can disrupt every aspect of a person’s life. Once addicted, their drug use can take top priority over work, relationships, food, and general well-being.

Using cocaine can become a costly and dangerous habit that can be difficult to kick alone.

Treatment For Cocaine Addiction

Millions of people in the United States use cocaine each year. At least one million live with a cocaine use disorder. Treatment for cocaine abuse generally begins with medically monitored detox, followed by an inpatient or outpatient rehab program.

Treatment for cocaine addiction can include:

  • detoxification
  • dual diagnosis treatment
  • counseling
  • cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • group therapy
  • behavioral therapy
  • support groups
  • medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • sober living programs
  • aftercare support

If you or someone you know is using cocaine, it’s never too soon or too late to get help. Reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or browse our directory for more helpful information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff

This page does not provide medical advice. See more Article resources

Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.

These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse—Cocaine DrugFactshttps://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine
  • United Nations Office on Drugs And Crime—COVID19 and Drug Supply Chain 2020https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/covid/Covid-19-and-drug-supply-chain-Mai2020.pdf
  • Vice News—Australian Coke Is Getting Worse: We Asked Dealers Whyhttps://www.vice.com/en/article/australian-coke-is-getting-worse-we-asked-dealers-why/
  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary—What Does ‘8 Ball’ Mean?https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/what-does-8-ball-mean
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