A highly addictive and powerful stimulant is Crack cocaine which is derived from powdered Cocaine. In mid -1980s crack emerged as a drug of abuse. Crack abuse is high primarily because the drug produces an immediate high and because it is easy and inexpensive to produce, rendering it readily available and affordable. Powdered cocaine is dissolved in a mixture of water and ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to produce crack. Until solid substance is formed the mixture is boiled. The solid is removed from the liquid, dried, and then broken into the chunks (rocks) that are sold as crack cocaine.
Crack is nearly always smoked. Smoking crack cocaine delivers large quantities of the drug to the lungs, producing an immediate and intense euphoric effect.
The Risks of Crack Abuse
Cocaine is a powerful addictive drug, smoking crack causes addiction to develop more quickly than snorting the powered cocaine. Crack users are susceptible to all the risks associated with cocaine. Crack users may experience acute respiratory problems, including coughing, shortness of breath, and lung trauma and bleeding. Crack cocaine smoking also can cause aggressive and paranoid behavior.
Crack is inhaled and rapidly absorbed through the lungs, into the blood, and carried swiftly to the brain. Chances of coma, convulsions, and death are greatly increased by overdosing and poisoning. Intense pleasure will be experience during crack’s rapid rush time of 5 to 7 minutes which later on subsides quickly, leading to depression and addiction. Chances of addiction and dependency are enhanced due to this cycle. The brief high of this drug causes the users to constantly think about devising a new way to get more cracks.
Concentration and ambition are reduced, confusion and irritability are increased, users’ professional and personal lives are weakened. Cocaine psychosis may be caused due to habitual use leading to paranoia, hallucinations, and a condition known as formication, a prickling sensation under the skin. Violent and suicidal behavior may be instigated by paranoia and depression. The potential for serious side effects increases dramatically when quinine or amphetamines are added to it.
Crack Addiction Explained
The most addictive substance that can be devised so far is crack. Intense “crash” or depression following their binges is caused due to crack addicts who take more and more crack to sustain their high. Taking only few doses of this drug causes makes the user physically and psychologically dependent on crack. Addiction is caused due to this dependence.
The body becomes immediately busy beginning the addiction process one a crack user inhales the powerful drug and experiences the first high. The mind slowly starts getting addicted by using the drug for the first few times. This grows stronger and stronger until, mentally, the addict believes that they cannot live without the drug. Now the user gets entangled in full fledged crack addiction.
Once the individual’s emotions have been overridden by cocaine, they no longer feel normal without being intoxicated. When this occurs they feel the need to use more crack just to feel normal. An immense amount of the drug is needed to get high. All areas of their life are infiltrated by crack addiction. They can no longer function physically, emotionally, or mentally without crack. Until the individual quits or dies this cycle of addiction continues.
Crack being an threatening drug wields tremendous power over its innocent prey. Stay away from drugs – be healthy!  Read more...