Crack: What You Need to Know About This Deadly Drug
Crack is a form of cocaine that is smoked and produces a powerful and short-lived high. It is also one of the most addictive and harmful drugs in the world. In this article, we will explore what crack is, how it affects the body and mind, what causes crack addiction, and how to treat it.
What is Crack?
Crack is a freebase form of cocaine that is made by processing cocaine powder with water and either ammonia or baking soda. The resulting solid crystals, also known as rocks, are heated in a glass pipe and inhaled. Crack can also be mixed with tobacco or marijuana and smoked in a cigarette or joint.
crack
Crack has various street names, such as rock, base, hard, freebase, or candy. It was first developed in the early 1980s as a cheaper and more potent alternative to cocaine powder. It quickly became popular among drug users, especially in low-income urban areas. The rapid increase in crack use and availability led to a social crisis known as the "crack epidemic" in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 1.3 million people aged 12 or older reported using cocaine or crack in the past month in 2019.
What are the Effects of Crack?
Crack has both short-term and long-term effects on the body and mind. Smoking crack delivers a large dose of cocaine to the brain very quickly, creating an intense rush of euphoria, confidence, alertness, and energy. However, this high only lasts for about 5 to 10 minutes, followed by a crash that can cause depression, anxiety, irritability, and cravings for more crack.
Some of the short-term effects of crack include:
Dilated pupils
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Increased body temperature
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Tremors
Muscle twitches
Paranoia
Psychosis
Aggression
Violence
Some of the long-term effects of crack include:
Lung damage
Asthma
Coughing
Bleeding
Infections
Chest pain
Heart problems
Stroke
Seizures
Kidney failure
Liver damage
HIV/AIDS or hepatitis from sharing pipes or needles
Tooth decay
Skin infections or abscesses from picking at imaginary bugs
Mood disorders
Cognitive impairment
Memory loss
Hallucinations
Delusions
Addiction
Overdose
Death
[assistant](#table) Short-Term Effects Long-Term Effects Dilated pupils Lung damage Increased heart rate Asthma Increased blood pressure Coughing Increased body temperature Bleeding Decreased appetite Infections Nausea Chest pain Tremors Heart What Causes Crack Addiction?
Crack addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder that is characterized by compulsive and uncontrollable crack use despite negative consequences. Crack addiction is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that influence how crack affects the brain's reward system.
The brain's reward system is a network of neurons that release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates pleasure, motivation, and learning. When a person smokes crack, the drug blocks the reabsorption of dopamine, causing a buildup of the chemical in the synapses. This creates a surge of euphoria and reinforces the behavior of crack use. However, repeated crack use also alters the brain's reward system, making it less sensitive to natural rewards and more dependent on crack to feel good. This leads to tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction.
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Some of the factors that contribute to crack addiction include:
Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to addiction or mental illness that makes them more vulnerable to crack use and abuse.
Personality: Some people may have personality traits such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, low self-esteem, or poor coping skills that make them more likely to use crack as a way of escaping or self-medicating.
Stress: Some people may experience high levels of stress due to trauma, abuse, violence, poverty, or other life challenges that make them more susceptible to crack use and addiction.
Peer pressure: Some people may be influenced by their friends, family, or social environment to try or continue using crack.
Availability: Some people may have easy access to crack due to its low cost and widespread distribution.
Some of the signs and symptoms of crack addiction include:
Craving and seeking crack despite negative consequences
Using more or longer than intended
Failing to cut down or quit
Neglecting other responsibilities or interests
Isolating from others or lying about drug use
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
Developing tolerance and needing more to get high
Suffering from physical or mental health problems
Engaging in risky or illegal behaviors to obtain or use crack
Having problems with relationships, work, school, or finances
How to Treat Crack Addiction?
Treating crack addiction is not easy, but it is possible. Quitting crack can have many benefits for the individual's health, well-being, and quality of life. However, quitting crack also involves many challenges, such as overcoming withdrawal symptoms, cravings, triggers, and relapse risks. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help and support for recovery.
The first step in treating crack addiction is detoxification, which is the process of clearing the drug from the body. Detoxification can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting, depending on the severity of the addiction and the availability of resources. Detoxification can help reduce the physical dependence on crack and prepare the individual for further treatment. However, detoxification alone is not enough to treat crack addiction. It must be followed by rehabilitation, which is the process of addressing the underlying causes and consequences of the addiction.
Rehabilitation can be done in various settings and formats, such as residential or outpatient programs, individual or group counseling, 12-step or alternative support groups, etc. The goal of rehabilitation is to help the individual develop coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, self-esteem, and motivation for change. Rehabilitation can also help the individual deal with any co-occurring mental health issues or medical conditions that may have contributed to or resulted from crack use.
Some of the evidence-based therapies and medications that can help treat crack addiction include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps the individual identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that fuel crack use and addiction. CBT also helps the individual learn new ways of thinking and behaving that support recovery.
Contingency management (CM): CM is a type of behavioral therapy that uses positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from crack. CM involves providing vouchers or prizes for each drug-free urine test or other verifiable evidence of sobriety.
Motivational interviewing (MI): MI is a type of counseling that helps the individual explore and resolve ambivalence about quitting crack. MI uses open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summaries to elicit and strengthen the individual's own reasons for change.
Motivational incentives for enhancers of drug abuse recovery (MIEDAR): MIEDAR is a type of pharmacotherapy that combines motivational incentives with a medication called modafinil, which is used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. Modafinil can help reduce the fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment that often accompany crack withdrawal. MIEDAR involves providing modafinil along with vouchers or prizes for abstinence from crack.
Naltrexone: Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the effects of opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers. Naltrexone can also help reduce the cravings and rewarding effects of cocaine and crack. Naltrexone can be taken orally or as a long-acting injection.
Disulfiram: Disulfiram is a medication that is used to treat alcohol dependence by causing unpleasant reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, and headache, when alcohol is consumed. Disulfiram can also help deter crack use by inhibiting an enzyme that metabolizes cocaine, resulting in higher levels of cocaine in the blood and increased adverse effects.
Conclusion
Crack is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that can have devastating effects on the body and mind. Crack use can cause a range of physical and mental health problems, such as lung damage, heart problems, stroke, seizures, infections, mood disorders, psychosis, and overdose. Crack addiction can also ruin the individual's relationships, work, school, finances, and quality of life.
However, crack addiction is not a hopeless condition. There are effective treatments and therapies that can help the individual overcome crack addiction and achieve recovery. The first step is to seek professional help and support from a qualified health care provider or a drug treatment program. The next step is to follow a personalized treatment plan that may include detoxification, rehabilitation, counseling, medication, and aftercare. The final step is to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse by using coping skills, support groups, and healthy lifestyle changes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with crack use or addiction, do not hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources and services available to help you find the best treatment option for your needs. You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit their website at [ for free and confidential information and referrals. You can also visit the NIDA website at [ for more information on crack and other forms of cocaine.
FAQs
What is the difference between crack and cocaine?
Crack and cocaine are both derived from the coca plant, but they differ in their form, purity, method of use, and effects. Cocaine is a white powder that is usually snorted, injected, or rubbed on the gums. Crack is a solid crystal that is usually smoked in a pipe. Crack has a higher purity and potency than cocaine powder, but it also has more impurities and additives. Crack produces a more intense and shorter-lasting high than cocaine powder, but it also causes more severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
How can I tell if someone is using crack?
Some of the signs that someone is using crack include:
Burnt fingers or lips from holding the hot pipe
Cracked or blistered mouth from inhaling the smoke
Dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes
Rapid speech and movement
Restlessness and hyperactivity
Euphoria followed by depression
Anxiety and paranoia
Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions
Weight loss and malnutrition
Poor hygiene and appearance
Financial problems or legal troubles
Changes in behavior or personality
How can I help someone who is addicted to crack?
If you know someone who is addicted to crack, you may feel worried, frustrated, or helpless. However, there are some things you can do to help them, such as:
Educate yourself about crack and its effects
Express your concern and support in a non-judgmental way
Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to accompany them
Help them find a suitable treatment program and follow-up care
Provide emotional and practical assistance during their recovery process
Set healthy boundaries and avoid enabling their drug use
Take care of yourself and seek support from others
How can I prevent crack use and addiction?
The best way to prevent crack use and addiction is to avoid trying or using the drug in the first place. However, if you have already used crack or are at risk of using it, you can take some steps to prevent or reduce the harm, such as:
Avoid situations or people that may tempt or pressure you to use crack
Seek help for any underlying issues that may trigger your crack use, such as stress, trauma, depression, or anxiety
Find healthy and positive ways to cope with your emotions, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or therapy
Build a strong support network of friends, family, or peers who can help you stay sober and motivated
Seek professional help if you think you have a problem with crack or any other substance
What are the legal consequences of using or possessing crack?
Using or possessing crack is illegal in most countries and can result in serious legal consequences, such as fines, arrests, imprisonment, or criminal records. The penalties may vary depending on the amount of crack involved, the location of the offense, and the criminal history of the offender. For example, in the United States, federal law classifies crack as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Possessing 5 grams or more of crack can result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison.
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