crack cocaine

crack cocaine

crack is a form of cocaine which can be smoked, after it has been chemically modified. crack cocaine has the same downside effects as cocaine. the other disadvantages are respiratory problems and lung disease

what is crack cocaine

crack cocaine is a more powerful drug than cocaine powder and creates a 'high' much more quickly. this is because in this form it enables the user to smoke the drug, which comes in the form of small rocks (a rock is a small square piece - see picture above), each about the size of a raisin. smoking crack is less complicated than snorting or injecting and therefore, people have switched to this form of drug taking. it is called crack because of the sound it makes when it is smoked.

crack cocaine is available in many parts of south africa, and has become more affordable to young people. thin pieces of crack are sometimes sliced off a 'rock'(a rock is a small square piece - see picture above) and sold at a lower cost. in some areas, the availability of cocaine powder has been reduced because of the amount of cocaine that is being converted to crack cocaine.

crack cocaine is similar to cocaine in its effects, although crack cocaine is much more intense and extreme in its effects. the effects of crack cocaine can be felt by the user almost immediately and last for about 10 minutes. feelings of well-being, exhilaration, a loss of appetite, increased confidence and an indifference to pain and fatigue are experienced by the user. however, the crack user often experiences hallucinations and paranoia.

after the 'high', feelings of nausea, restlessness, sleeplessness and exhaustion are common. this is referred to as 'crashing', where the user falls into a depression. the user may crave another 'hit' to overcome these feelings. heavy users sometimes take heroin to dull the craving caused by use of crack cocaine.

crack cocaine is highly addictive, however reports that crack is instantly addictive are false.

how is crack cocaine taken

as previously mentioned crack cocaine is smoked, using a holder, by sucking a naked flame onto the crystal and inhaling the fumes. as the crystal heats up it explodes, which is the cracking sound which can be heard.

effects of crack cocaine:

heart irregularities, blood pressure rises, possibility of a brain seizure, strokes, convulsions, heart attack, rise in body temperature, paranoid or violent behaviour, loss of interest with friends and family, loss of appetite, decreased sex drive, no interest in usual activities, sports, hobbies etc, headaches, dizziness, insomnia

crack babies

various media have reported stories of 'crack babies', babies born addicted to crack cocaine and lacking the will to live. however, evidence indicates that such reports are exaggerated and that a baby will recover from the addictive effects of crack cocaine within a few weeks. babies do have withdrawal symptoms and in some cases are given medication to counteract the symptoms. a more severe problem is the high incidence of birth defects associated with the use of crack cocaine. if a woman uses crack cocaine regularly while she is pregnant, the baby may be born with heart and lung problems.

overdose on crack cocaine

in rare cases, users have died from overdose. an overdose can cause spasms and the user may lose consciousness or fall into a coma, which can be fatal if medical help is not provided.

prolonged use of crack cocaine can affect the nervous system, causing constriction of blood vessels, irregular heart beat and dilation of the pupils.

bad trip

a bad trip is where the user will imagine seeing something grotesque and awful. in all instances the user will believe what's going through their mind is really happening