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Drug: Crack

Aka: Rock, freebase, wash, gravel, stones, Charlie, washed-up, pebbles, white, bone

What is it?

Crack is a smokeable form of cocaine. It is a stimulant and is addictive. It comes in small crystals the size of small raisins. It's called crack, because it makes a sound when it’s being burnt.

Drag and drop the drug onto the scene
to see what happens when
someone takes the drug.

How is it used?

Crack is usually smoked. It is heated by using a pipe, tube, a dented can or foil and the vapour/fumes inhaled. This is known as freebasing. Crack can also be injected.

What are the effects?

Very powerful feelings very much like cocaine but much stronger.
Happiness
You feel strong and not worried about pain.
The effects are immediate.
You feel alive, awake confident and exhilarated.
You get a dry mouth, you sweat, and your heart rate increases.
The feelings last about 10 minutes, and then you experience a massive come down.
Low doses may heighten your sexual pleasure, but high doses lower it.
The come down makes you feel paranoid, tired, depressed and sick.
The come down lasts much longer than the high, and low feelings can last a couple of days.

What are the risks?

You could get a cough and have wheezy breathing and chest pains. As with smoking, it damages your lungs.
You can overdose on crack. High doses can raise the body’s temperature, cause convulsions and respiratory arrest (breathing failure).· If you use long term and frequently, you can become restless, you can’t sleep, and you lose weight.
As crack and cocaine are so expensive, and the highs last such a short period of time, chasing that high costs dearly in terms of the money it will eat up. You may turn to crime to support your habit.
If you use a lot, you may have a seizure or a fit.
You can lose your sexual desire, if you use frequently or are a heavy user.
Long term use can lead to mental health problems, including psychosis.

Treatment

Contact EVOLVE on 01865 723909. We can offer a treatment service. If you would like information, advice or just a chat, please ring 01865 723909. EVOLVE will support you through your treatment. You will not be alone.

Injecting

If you are injecting, there is a greater risk of overdosing, and injecting brings on many other problems, e.g. blood borne viruses, vein damage, ulcers and gangrene. If you use dirty needles, you are at risk from HIV and hepatitis. If you share any injecting paraphernalia, including spoons, water, filters, works and tourniquets, you are at high risk of contracting hepatitis C. Use needle exchanges to get clean equipment; phone 01865 260250 to find your local needle exchange.

Pregnancy

Using crack whilst pregnant can damage your baby. The placenta can separate and bleed, you can have a miscarriage, or your baby could be still born. Crack can cause abnormalities in your baby. Babies can be born prematurely and small and show withdrawal symptoms when born. Speak to your midwife and GP, if you have concerns.

How much is it?

A rock costs about £20, although slivers can be bought cheaper.

Crack is a Class A substance

The Law

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