Crack Cocaine
Drug: Crack cocaine
Street names: Rock, Stone, Freebase, Wash,
Gravel
Drug type: Stimulant
Legal status: Crack cocaine is a class A drug. You
could go to prison for seven years for possessing it and for life
for dealing it, plus receive a hefty fine.
What is it? Crack is cocaine powder that has been
chemically altered and processed to forms crystals or 'rocks' that
you then smoke.
You can smoke crack using various kinds of pipes.
How it can make you feel: You typically get a quick
and intense high. You'll feel more energetic, alert and
confident (sometimes overconfident). The effects are similar to
using cocaine, but more intense. However, they are very
short-lived, lasting only around seven to 10 minutes.
Crack cocaine will make your eyes more sensitive to light and
your pupils dilate. Your heart rate, blood pressure and body
temperature will increase too, and your appetite will be
suppressed.
The risks: Smoking crack can cause chest pains,
breathing problems and lung damage. The drug can also cause cardiac
arrest, as well as causing you to lose extreme amounts of
weight.
Crack can make you become agitated, aggressive and sometimes
paranoid. You can have mood swings and hallucinations too and
there's a risk of future mental health problems.
Crack is extremely addictive - cravings for more can mean you
get into debt - or commit crimes - to pay for the drug.
Crack Cocaine image courtesy of Talk to Frank, Crown
Copyright.
Cocaine
Ecstasy/MDMA