What is Crack?

Crack Overview

Crack is a smokable form of cocaine. Crack cocaine is cheaper to produce than cocaine, is extremely addictive, and widely available. Crack is made up of baking soda and cocaine. This mixture is then formed into a rock or bump. The user will then smoke the crack cocaine and feel an intense rush as the stimulating effects on the brain are felt almost immediately. In fact, the peak high from smoking crack occurs almost immediately although a user will feel high for five to fifteen minutes after that.

Crack became widely abused in the mid-eighties and was predominantly abused by inner city, poor, residents.

Crack Side Effects

• Heart attack, stroke, or seizure
• Lung damage and respiratory distress
• Malnutrition due to the fact crack addicts would rather smoke than eat
• Extreme agitation and anxiety
• Legal troubles
• Death

Crack Addiction

Crack cocaine is an extremely addictive substance and users often begin thinking about getting their next rock seconds after the last was smoked. The addiction to crack cocaine is both physical and psychological. The fact that it is smoked makes crack more addictive than cocaine. the reason for this is that crack is absorbed into the lungs and passed onto the brain in seconds. this gives the user an immediate high. The high usually only lasts for about ten minutes, however, and then another dose is needed.

Crack Treatment

There is no medication approved for treatment for crack cocaine addicts. As such the most effective treatment is a multi-pronged approach of, therapy, social support, and managing the withdrawal symptoms. This can be done while the addict is admitted to a treatment center or on an outpatient basis. A crack addict usually has to hit rock bottom before they are willing to seek help. Even then it can be difficult for someone who abuses crack to seek help. Crack cocaine is one of the more difficult addictions to treat primarily because the desire to use is so intense amongst addicts.

Crack Cocaine Links

If you would like to know more about crack cocaine use, prevention, or treatment options please visit the following web sites:

http://www.clearhavencenter.com/substance-abuse-treatment-resources/crack.php http://www.myaddiction.com/categories/crackcocaine_treatment.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crack