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Crack Cocaine Addiction

Crack is the diluted form of the drug cocaine and is made using a method known as freebasing. This involves cocaine powder being cooked with substances like ammonia or sodium bicarbonate, also called baking soda, to create small lumps or rocks that can be smoked. The crackling sound that is made when smoking the drug is what has given ‘crack’ its name.

It is an extremely addictive drug and has been made popular due to the strong and instant effects experienced when being smoked. It is commonly used by addicts through placing the drug in a glass pipe with a mesh screen under the substance. It is then heated to release vapours that the user can inhale through the lungs and into the bloodstream, arriving to the brain within 10 – 15 seconds. These sensations occur much quicker and are more intense than those experienced when snorting powdered cocaine; however the feelings of exhilaration last for far less time.

Crack is considered to be the most addictive substance around and can leave the user becoming dependant to the drug both mentally and physically after taking just a few doses. Addicts rely on crack more and more to help them avoid the extreme ‘crashes’ of depression they feel and allow them to maintain the feeling of euphoria they experience.

Addiction occurs almost immediately from the first inhalation as the body begins the craving process. After using the drug a few times more the mind slowly starts accepting the addiction and as these feelings grow stronger and stronger the addicts’ mentality allows them to believe they are unable to cope without the drug. Soon crack will take complete control of the users’ emotions leaving them unable to feel normal without being under the influence of the drugs powers. This means them using the substance more and more and with increasing amounts, eventually leading to a decline in functioning mentally, physically or emotionally. Crack becomes part of the users life and the addiction process continues until they are able to quit or until death.

Crack is a dangerously addictive and fast acting drug that can take hold of the addict and ruin their lives. Despite knowing death is their impending future, users lose all sense of regard for their well being and their own life.