Crack
Background of Crack
Crack is a type of cocaine which has been processed with ammonia. Crack is freebase and more concentrated in a form of rock. When crack is heated and smoked, it produces a crackling sound, and that is how crack got its name. Crack cocaine is considered as the strongest substance and is the riskiest.
Crack cocaine in appearance is like white or yellowish crystals and that look like rock salts. When heated, the vapor of crack as rock crystal is smoked. In the process of crack, the powder cocaine is dissolved in a sodium bicarbonate solution as well as water; the solution is boiled and the substance separates from the boiling mixture. Crack weighs from one-tenth to one-half of a gram. Crack cocaine is processed with ammonia and water. During its process, crack is heated to remove the hydrochloride.
There is a tendency for a person to become addicted in using crack. Crack cocaine brings a confidence, strong pleasure, energy, and acts as a psycho stimulant to its user.
History of Crack
By 1970, crack was discovered by American dealers when they placed heated cocaine on a tin foil to examine the purity of the cocaine. During that time, cocaine was considered as an expensive drug. Crack was the choice of users due to its cheaper price, extensive availability, and convenience.
The use of crack became wide-spread during the 1980s, because of its convenient use of being smoked. By the year 1985 to the year of 1990, there was a massive surge in the use of crack. The cities that were considered to be the most affected by the crack epidemic were composed of New York, Los Angeles and Houston. The distribution of the drug was also extensive.
Crack was considered as the strongest drug available to become addicted to, because of its powerful effects that make users experience high in less than ten minutes.
Methods of Use of Crack
Crack is cut or broken into smaller rocks or crystals. With the use of pipes or water pipes, crack is being smoked. The user heats the side of the pipe and the heat causes the drug to vaporize. The user inhales the fumes through the pipe. Crack can also be strewn in cigarettes and smoked. Furthermore, some users combine crack cocaine with other types of drugs such as heroin, marijuana, and other drugs.
Effects of Crack
Crack affects the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter formed in the brain and is important for the normal functioning of the Central Nervous System. It is also released as part of the brain’s reward system. After using crack, the user will quickly develop a strong craving for the drug.
Short-Term Effects of Crack
- Aggressive, paranoid behavior
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Constricted peripheral blood vessels
- Decreased appetite
- Depression
- Dilated pupils
- Sweating
- Intense drug craving
- Increased rate of breathing
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Intense euphoria
- Hyper-stimulation
- Sudden death
Long-Term Effects of Crack
- Aggressive, paranoid behavior
- Auditory and tactile hallucinations
- Brain seizures
- Delirium or psychosis
- Severe depression
- Irritability and mood disturbances
- Tolerance and addiction, even after just one use
- Heart attack and heart disease
- Stroke
- Respiratory failure
- Sexual dysfunction (for both men and women)
- Reproductive damage and infertility (for both men and women)
- Increased frequency of risky behavior
- Death
Other Symptoms of Crack Use
- Sweating
- Drastic weight loss
- Chronic sinusitis
- Hypersensitivity to visual and auditory stimuli
- Insomnia followed by exhaustion and oversleeping
- Appetite suppression or intense hunger
- Sexual dysfunction
- Dramatic mood changes:
- elevated self-confidence
- agitation, anxiety, depression, irritability
- paranoid, suicidal ideation
- Inability to hold a job
- Arguments and fighting with friends, family
- Financial and legal problems: rent arrears, checks are "lost or stolen"
- No food in house
- Very "chatty" and self-centered
- Highly skilled at manipulation; seduction
- Denial and lies
Abuse of Crack
Substantially, crack is more addicting than cocaine. The number of crack users continue to rise due to crack’s inexpensive and low cost. Crack has been one of the biggest problems of society nowadays. Addiction in crack affects all races, classes as well as socio-economic backgrounds.
Due to the short-term high in the use of crack, users smoke it repeatedly in order to achieve the desired effects. Smoking crack repeatedly can bring faster onset of addiction. Withdrawal symptoms such as extreme fatigue, fear, anxiety, depression, irritability and extreme craving for crack, take place when the effect of crack is gone.
Crack Rehabilitation Patients Say About Malibu Horizon
The identities of the people writing these statements in support of truths about their rehabilitation have been refrained from giving to protect their inalienable right to privacy. The foregoing names are fictional names of the author’s own choosing.
"I was addicted to it and missed almost half of my life. It was the most unacceptable experience for me. Thanks to Malibu Horizon I accept my life now and you people from Malibu Horizon gave me the most unforgettable experience." -Cynthia
"I thought life was too short for me, it was a routine and mine was never changing, until Malibu Horizon gets in the way. They made me realize that life has much to offer, that so much is in store for me. Thank you guys for giving me back my life." -Lyn
"Our son is the most precious gift we’ve ever received. We thought we almost lost him. Malibu Horizon provided us the big help. The staffs were very approachable and very accommodating. Thank you, we have our son back." -Jason and Kim
"I thought I could find happiness in using crack. I had fun and enjoyment. But it made my life worst after some time. Malibu Horizon helped me to have the happiest, and most enjoyed moments in my life, and now, I experience the feelings everyday. It was awesome man! You guys were so helpful and nice. Thank you Malibu Horizon." -Ashley