Crack

Crack (Benzoylmethyl Ecgonine)

Street names

Rock, Wash, Stone 

General Information

Crack is Cocaine that has been treated with chemicals turning it into small crystals. It is usually smoked but can be dissolved and injected. Users usually use crack pipes when smoking this drug. Crack is a similar drug to Cocaine and is highly addictive. Crack is a quick way of getting the effects of Cocaine to the brain. Heavy users may also take Heroin to dull the craving caused by crack.

Effects

• The initial high is very intense but the effects are short lived (as little as 10 mins). Users often “chase” the high by repeating the dose. This is known as ‘chasing the dragon’.
• If a user stops smoking crack the after-effects can last for some time.

Risks

• The physical effects can be damaged teeth, gum disease, ulcers, kidney failure, bleeding (haemorrhage), liver damage, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms inflammation of the heart muscles, respiratory collapse, serious lung damage, cardiac arrest  or strokes,
• Use can also cause, loss of sense of smell, memory loss, tiredness, paranoia, social isolation, hallucinations, obsession, repetitive behaviours or even death from overdose

Class

Class A