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Understanding the Use of Crack Cocaine
Repeated use of cocaine can also lead to cocaine use disorder, also called addiction. When someone has it, they continue to use cocaine even though it causes problems in their life. Some examples include health problems and not being able to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home. The study did not probe why people inject rather than smoke crack, but some users have reported the high after injecting it lasts longer than the 5 to 10 minutes of euphoria they derive from smoking it. Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the dried leaves of the coca plant, which is found in South America.
Because it is smoked (rather than snorted through the nose), the drug reaches the brain more quickly and produces an intense and immediate high. Some of the common signs of drug use include a loss of interest in activities and hobbies, a change in personality, constant thoughts of using and abusing drugs, and physical changes. Cocaine is a stimulant that can make people feel like they have more energy and are extra alert. But it can also make people feel restless, irritable, anxious, and paranoid.
Many individuals wonder about the various methods of consuming drugs, particularly crack cocaine. One common question that arises is, “can you shoot crack?” This question reflects a misunderstanding of the substance and its typical usage methods.
What is Crack Cocaine?
One study reports that the acute effects of injecting crack on the pulmonary system in habitual crack smokers include an increase in the cardiac index. This means that there is excess stress put on the heart for it to continue to function properly. This study theorizes that this excess stress doesn’t go away in habitual crack injectors even when they stop using the drug. Significantly, the crack preparation methods employed by injectors varied by age.
However, when a person’s brain has been reprogrammed to compulsively abuse Crack, it isn’t always easy to convince them to start treatment. According to a survey conducted in 2010, children as young as 13 have been exposed to the drug. In fact, 23% of eighth-graders, 32% of tenth-graders, and 45% of twelfth-graders reported that Crack was “fairly easy” or “very easy” to obtain. Considering that one hit can spark a lifelong addiction, these numbers help illuminate the severity of the issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), out of the 70,237 drug overdose deaths that occurred in 2017 in the United States, 13,942 of them involved cocaine.
Crack cocaine is a potent form of cocaine that has been processed to create small, hard rocks that can be smoked. It is known for its quick, intense high and rapid onset of effects, which makes it dangerous and highly addictive.
What Happens When You Inject Crack Cocaine?
- In the presence of cocaine, which diminishes sodium conductance, a severe reduction in conduction velocity may occur, increasing the likelihood of dysrhythmia production by means of reentry excitation.
- When it comes time to help a loved one, you may want to stage an intervention with other family members and friends.
- Chronic use of cocaine may cause more permanent problems with memory and brain function, and can lead to cocaine addiction, otherwise known as cocaine use disorder.
- In this study, cocaine use was detected in 69.7% of all cases of accidental poisonings, 29.2% of homicides, 15.3% of suicides, and 9.3% of accidents.
Consumption Methods
Cocaine use, determined by detection of its metabolite benzoylecgonine in urine or blood, was found in 26.7% of the above-mentioned patients, with free cocaine, indicating recent use, detected in 18.3%. D2 receptors are involved with processes that decrease core temperature. The number of D2 receptors in the temperature regulatory centers of the hypothalamus is substantially reduced in persons with excited delirium. These decreases in D2 receptors lead to unopposed increases in temperature mediated through D1 receptors, which are not affected in individuals who die from excited delirium.
Acidemia is seen in clinically significant toxicity and may play an important role in cocaine-related death. In experimental studies, calcium delivery to myofilaments is decreased and contractile proteins become less responsive in the presence of lowered intracellular pH, resulting in depression of myocardial contractility. Cocaine also potentiates platelet thromboxane production and decreases protein C and antithrombin III production, as well as the production and release of prostacyclin.
Typically, crack cocaine is consumed in several ways:
- Smoking: The most common method, where the crack is heated and inhaled through a pipe.
- Snorting: Although rare for crack, some may choose to grind it into a powder and snort it.
- Oral ingestion: Some users may swallow it; however, this is less common due to its slower onset of effects.
Can You Shoot Crack?
To address the question directly, you cannot shoot crack cocaine in the traditional sense of injecting substances. Crack, when in its rock form, is not suitable for injection. Here’s why:
- Chemical Composition: Crack is a solid and must be converted into a liquid to be injected. This process is not only complex but also dangerous.
- Health Risks: Attempting to inject crack can lead to severe physical harm, including damage to blood vessels and the risk of infection.
- Impurities: The additives in crack cocaine might not be safe to inject, posing additional health risks.
Risks Associated with Crack Cocaine Use
The risks of using crack cocaine are significant, regardless of method:
- Addiction: Crack cocaine has a high potential for dependence due to its rapid euphoric effects.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Increased heart rate and blood pressure can lead to serious health problems.
- Mental Health Effects: Users may experience anxiety, paranoia, or psychosis.
- Risk of Overdose: The intense nature of crack cocaine can lead to overwhelming effects and overdose.
FAQs About Crack Cocaine
What happens if you inject crack cocaine?
Injecting crack cocaine can result in severe health complications, such as infections, abscesses, and increased risk of overdose.
Is there any safe way to use crack cocaine?
There is no safe way to use crack cocaine, as it poses significant risks to both physical and mental health.
What should I do if someone I know is using crack cocaine?
If you are concerned about someone’s drug use, encouraging them to seek professional help or support groups is crucial.
Conclusion
While the question “can you shoot crack?” implies a misunderstanding of drug consumption methods, it’s vital to acknowledge the serious dangers associated with crack cocaine use. Solutions lie in education, awareness, and encouraging individuals to seek help.
