Crack is a derivative of the stimulant drug cocaine. Crack is created by mixing cocaine with water, ammonia, or baking soda, which is then boiled. The resulting compound is hardened and flaked off into a salt rock looking form. This form of cocaine was developed to reach more individuals, as the purer forms of cocaine tends to be much more costly.
Crack is a highly addictive drug. Smoking crack leads to an intense high that lasts only for about 5-15 minutes. Users develop a quick tolerance for the drug, which requires them to smoke even more to experience the drug’s effect.
The short term effects of crack include a euphoric sensation, hyperactivity, decreased appetite, sense of energy, increase in blood pressure and heart rate, increased breathing activity, and anxiety.
Crack addiction and long-term use can be very damaging to the users mind and body. Long-term effects of crack include aggressiveness, hallucinations, sexual problems, and loss of life. Cocaine and crack also create severe alterations to the brain’s chemical structure.With this being said, someone using crack may develop a number of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and paranoia episodes.
Common street names for Crack:
- Crumbs
- Candy
- Rock
- Dice
- Gravel
- Sleet