Crack cocaine is a highly addictive and powerful stimulant that is derived from powdered cocaine in a simple conversion process. After its introduction to the illicit market in the 1980s, crack became popular for its immediate high and affordability.
Table of Contents
What is Crack?
Crack is a potent, crystallized form of cocaine that’s produced by dissolving powdered cocaine in a mixture of water and ammonia or baking soda. It’s boiled until a solid substance forms, then the solid is removed from the liquid, dried, and broken into chunks that are sold as rocks.
Because of its short-lived but intense euphoric effects, crack reinforces repeated use and has a high potential for abuse and addiction. According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, an estimated 6.2 million US residents aged 12 and older used crack at least once in their lifetime.[1]
Crack cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance because of its high potential for abuse and risk of severe psychological and physical dependence. Crack is exclusively produced illicitly and goes by the street names crack, rock, hard ball, bedrock, candy, and prime time.
Side Effects Of Crack
Crack cocaine can have significant and harmful side effects, though they can vary from person to person. Some of the side effects include:
- Euphoria
- Increased energy
- Alertness
- Dilated pupils
- Constricted blood vessels
- Increased body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Decreased appetite
- Agitation and irritability
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Poor judgment
How Is Crack Taken?
Crack cocaine is typically smoked, which produces an intense but short-lived high. Unlike powdered cocaine, which is often snorted or injected, crack cocaine is specifically processed into a crystalline form that can be smoked using a glass pipe or a makeshift pipe. Because of the rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the lungs, crack provides a faster onset of effects compared to other routes of administration.
Crack Quick Reference
| Drug Category | Commercial & Street | DEA Schedule | Administration |
| Stimulant | Rock, candy, hard ball | Schedule II | Smoked |
Learn About Specific Stimulants
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Statistics On Crack Use, Misuse, And Addiction
As mentioned, an estimated 6.2 million US residents used crack at least once in their lifetime. In addition, hundreds of thousands of teenagers and young adults use crack cocaine, approximately 150,000 individuals aged 12 to 17 and over 1 million individuals aged 18 to 25 used the drug at least once.[2] This is of particular concern, as nearly 4% of high school seniors used the drug at least once in their lifetime.[3]
Effects Of
Crack Abuse
In addition to the short-term side effects, crack cocaine abuse can lead to significant long-term effects like:
- Cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes
- Respiratory problems from smoking
- Crack lung
- Cognitive impairments like memory loss and poor concentration
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
People who use crack are susceptible to the risks of cocaine and some additional risks because of crack itself, including coughing, shortness of breath, lung trauma, and bleeding. Smoking crack can also cause aggressive and paranoia behavior.
Can You Overdose on Crack?
Yes, it’s possible to overdose on crack cocaine. This happens if someone takes a higher amount of crack than the body can handle, leading to potentially life-threatening effects. Crack cocaine overdoses can be concerning because of how the drug affects the cardiovascular system.
Signs and Symptoms of Crack Overdose
The symptoms of a crack cocaine overdose may include:
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Chest pain and discomfort
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Respiratory distress
What to do if you suspect someone is overdosing on crack:
A crack cocaine overdose is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone is experiencing a crack overdose, call 911 immediately. Prompt medical attention may be able to reverse a cocaine overdose. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Dangers of Long-Term Crack Use
Long-term crack cocaine use can have severe and lasting consequences for physical and mental health, including addiction and a higher risk of overdose. Long-term use may also contribute to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Lung damage
- Chronic bronchitis
- Respiratory infections
- Cognitive deficits
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Worsening of existing mental health conditions
Mixing Crack with Other Drugs
Mixing crack with other drugs can increase the risks associated with each substance because of unpredictable effects. As a stimulant, crack strains the cardiovascular system. Mixing it with other stimulants like amphetamines can lead to a dangerous increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Combining crack with other substances can increase the risk of overdose. In particular, cocaine and depressants like alcohol or opioids can have unpredictable effects that can lead to fatal reactions. Crack also contributes to seizures, so taking it with other drugs that lower the seizure threshold, such as hallucinogens, increases the risks.
Crack Addiction And Abuse
Crack addiction is officially known as a stimulant use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The criteria for a stimulant use disorder include:
- Using crack at higher doses or for longer periods than intended
- Trying to control or stop crack use unsuccessfully
- Experiencing cravings for crack
- Withdrawal symptom when stopping or reducing crack use
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from crack use
- Failing obligations at home, work, or school
- Continuing to use crack despite problems
- Giving up activities or hobbies because of crack
- Using crack in risky situations
- Developing a tolerance for crack
Is Crack Addictive?
Yes, crack cocaine is highly addictive. A powerful and concentrated form of cocaine, crack is a potent stimulant that affects the central nervous system and brings and intense and immediate euphoria, which encourages repeated use.
How Addictive is Crack?
Crack is one of the most addictive drugs because of its effects on the brain. When crack cocaine is smoked, it rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier, leading to a quick and intense release of the pleasurable neurotransmitter dopamine.
Signs of Addiction to Crack
Recognizing the signs of addiction to crack cocaine is crucial for early intervention and seeking help. The following signs may indicate an addiction to crack:
- Inability to control drug use
- Cravings
- Compulsive drug seeking
- Failing responsibilities to home, work, or school
- Poor academic or work performance
- Social isolation
- Rapid weight loss
- Changes in sleep
- Dilated pupils
- Hyperactivity
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Lying or deceptive behaviors
- Drug paraphernalia
- Burns on the fingers or lips
Crack Addiction And
Mental Health
Crack abuse and addiction can lead to mental health problems or the worsening of existing mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. Another risk is cocaine psychosis, which has symptoms like aggression, delusion, and hallucinations.
Cutting Agents Used For Crack
Crack cocaine may be cut with other substances to increase profits, which also adds to the health risks. Sugar alcohols like inositol, baking soda, and talcum powder are common, as well as lidocaine and procaine.
Crack Addiction Treatment
Crack cocaine addiction treatment may involve a combination of behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups. The cost, length of treatment, and process of crack addiction treatment can vary by level of care, location, and the specifics of the program.
Crack Addiction Treatment Levels of Care
Crack addiction treatment may include different levels of care to address your needs. Here are some of the treatment options:
- Medical detox: The initial stages of addiction are often treated with detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and get a strong start for the rest of the treatment program.
- Inpatient treatment: Inpatient or residential treatment provides 24/7 support in a controlled environment to allow you to focus completely on your recovery in a safe, comfortable space.
- Outpatient treatment: Outpatient treatment offers ongoing support and counseling with a more flexible schedule to help you balance your treatment with your daily routine.
- Aftercare: Once your treatment program is complete, aftercare programs provide resources and support for lifelong sobriety.
Therapies Used in Crack Addiction Treatment
Crack cocaine addiction treatment may incorporate a variety of evidence-based therapies to address the complexity of addiction and support your individual goals. Some of your treatment options include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Somatic experiencing
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
- Brainspotting
- Outdoor recreation
- Experiential therapy
- Nutritional counseling
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders refer to a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder that occur at the same time. These conditions play off of each other, so they must be treated with an integrative approach to address the complexity and improve the treatment outcomes.
Crack use often co-occurs with personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depressive disorder, as well as other substance use disorders.
How to Find Crack Addiction Treatment in Orange County
If you or a loved one needs crack addiction treatment, you can check with your doctor or insurance company to see if there are approved or recommended treatment centers or modalities. Another option is using the Behavioral Health Services Locator tool from SAMHSA.
After you find some treatment options, make sure to do your due diligence and learn more about the facility through reviews and testimonials or peer recommendations.
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Crack Detox And Withdrawal Management
Crack withdrawal can be intense and uncomfortable, but it’s not often life threatening. Still, the severity of withdrawal symptoms can lead people to relapse to stop the discomfort. Detox is often recommended as the first step in treatment to offer support and guidance while managing the symptoms of withdrawal for successful recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Crack and Cocaine?
Cocaine is derived from the dried leaves of the coca plant, which comes in a powdered form that can be snorted or injected. Crack is a crystallized form of powder cocaine that’s made through a simple conversion process. Both powder cocaine and crack cocaine are highly addictive stimulants with significant health risks.
Is Crack Cocaine Illegal?
Crack cocaine is an illegal substance because of its abuse risk. It has no accepted medical uses and exists as an illicitly produced substance.
What’s Worse, Crack or Powder Cocaine?
Crack and powder cocaine are both dangerous and addictive. Though they’re similar on a chemical level, the way they’re used can affect the intensity and duration of the high. Crack cocaine has an intense and short-lived high, which encourages absue.
Sources
[1] What is crack cocaine? what does it look like? what are the risks? (n.d.-b). Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3978/3978p.pdf on 2023, November 20.
[2] What is crack cocaine? what does it look like? what are the risks? (n.d.-b). Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3978/3978p.pdf on 2023, November 20.
[3] What is crack cocaine? what does it look like? what are the risks? (n.d.-b). Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3978/3978p.pdf on 2023, November 20.
