How Is Crack Abused?
Understanding How to Shoot Crack
Damage and scarring of peripheral veins can exacerbate health harms, such as skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), and promote transitions to femoral and subcutaneous injecting. Brown heroin available in Europe requires acidification for injection preparation. In this paper, we present mixed-methods data to explore our hypothesis of a link between overly acidic injection solutions, venous damage and SSTI risk. Rather, initiation into crack injection may begin at the same young age that other drugs are first injected, such as heroin or cocaine. For instance, one injector reported injecting crack in 1990 when he was 16 years old – soon after he first began injecting cocaine. Significantly, only one injector initiated their injection drug use career with crack.
In rare instances, sudden death can occur on the first use of cocaine or unexpectedly thereafter. Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizures followed by respiratory arrest. Print out this double-sided bilingual resource to include with outreach kits/ ascorbic acid. We don’t know if using safe injection practices can prevent botulism, but injecting safely can prevent many other infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C virus infection. Reduce your chance of getting a serious illness by using clean needles and equipment and cleaning your skin before you inject.
Shooting crack is a method of using the drug that can be dangerous and harmful. It is important to understand the implications and risks involved with such actions.
You can receive 24/7 text support right away and at your convenience. There is no obligation to enter treatment and you can opt out at any time. The acute high from shooting the substance only lasts 15 to 30 minutes, however, the residual effects can last for over an hour.
Crack is the street name given to the freebase form of cocaine that has been processed from the powdered cocaine hydrochloride form to a smokable substance. The term “crack” refers to the crackling sound heard when the mixture is smoked. Crack cocaine is processed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water, and heated to remove the hydrochloride. Some people like to ‘boot’ their syringe after they’ve injected their drugs—that is, pull back the plunger, draw blood into the syringe, and re-inject it. Some injectors like to do this several times, ostensibly to rinse out any drug solution that remains in the syringe. Because of all the blood involved, you might want to refrain from booting if you know you’re going to be cleaning your needle and syringe and allowing someone else to use it.
Besides the viruses, other health issues can evolve with repeated crack injections and other drugs. Injection use of crack cocaine can lead to the increased risk of serious health effects, especially when vinegar or fruit juices are used to create a soluble form of the drug instead of citric or ascorbic acid. Crack cocaine was invented in the mid-1980s as an alternative form of cocaine suitable for smoking.
What is Crack Cocaine?
Once having tried cocaine, an individual may have difficulty predicting or controlling the extent to which he or she will continue to use the drug. Cocaine’s stimulant and addictive effects are thought to be primarily a result of its ability to inhibit the reabsorption of dopamine by nerve cells. Dopamine is released as part of the brain’s reward system, and is either directly or indirectly involved in the addictive properties of every major drug of abuse. Some symptoms of wound botulism can look like symptoms of opioid overdose, such as slurred speech or inability to talk, weakness, and trouble breathing. Opioids are painkilling drugs, such as oxycodone (“OxyContin”), oxymorphone (“Opana”), hydrocodone (as in Vicodin), and hydromorphone (“Dilaudid”), as well as heroin. Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine that has been processed to create small “rocks” that can be smoked. It provides an intense and immediate high but comes with significant health risks.
Risks and Dangers
Engaging with crack cocaine in any manner poses serious risks:
- Health Issues: Short-term and long-term health problems can arise, including cardiovascular complications, respiratory issues, and mental health disorders.
- Addiction: Crack cocaine is highly addictive, leading to severe emotional and physical dependence.
- Legal Consequences: Possession or distribution of crack cocaine is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
Understanding the Impact
It’s essential to recognize the impact of using crack cocaine:
- Family and Relationships: Drug use often strains relationships with family and friends.
- Financial Burden: The cost of maintaining a drug habit can lead to significant financial issues.
- Social Isolation: Users may find themselves isolated from their community or support systems.
Resources and Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s crucial to seek help. Here are some resources:
- Hotlines: Various hotlines provide immediate support and guidance.
- Rehabilitation Centers: Many centers offer treatment programs aimed at recovery.
- Support Groups: Engaging with groups like Narcotics Anonymous can provide community and support.
FAQs
- Injection of crack cocaine, however, is one of the most dangerous methods of use, and not simply because it offers an increased risk for overdose.
- CS and TMW conceptualized the study, performed the statistical analyses, and drafted and revised the manuscript.
- High blood pressure, history of heart disease, and long-term use increases your risk of crack overdose—control your dose, don’t inject alone, and call 911 if someone is overdosing after injecting crack.
- This section of the manual presents information on proper injection technique (intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injection).
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), out of the 70,237 drug overdose deaths that occurred in 2017 in the United States, 13,942 of them involved cocaine.
Q: What is crack cocaine made from?
A: Crack cocaine is derived from powdered cocaine through a process known as “freebasing.” It typically involves the use of baking soda and water.
Q: What are the effects of smoking crack?
A: Smoking crack leads to a rapid onset of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness. However, these effects are short-lived and often lead to a crash afterward.
Q: How does crack cocaine affect the brain?
A: Crack cocaine impacts the brain’s reward system, increasing dopamine levels, which can reinforce the desire to use the drug, leading to addiction.
Q: Can crack cocaine be detected in drug tests?
A: Yes, crack cocaine can be detected in urine, hair, and blood tests, varying based on the test type and timing of use.
Understanding the effects and consequences of crack cocaine is crucial for making informed decisions about its use. Seeking help is always the best option for those struggling with substance use.
