The Dangers of Using Crack Cocaine
Cocaine is well-known for creating feelings of euphoria, alertness or extra energy. It also, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, boosts the same brain chemicals that make people feel good when they drink, eat or have sex. The word “crack” comes from the distinctive sound heard when the substance heats up. When crack is heated and inhaled, the vapours are absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream, according to the U.S.
Crack cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that often raises concerns regarding its use, including the question: can you shoot crack? This article addresses this question and provides information on the risks and impacts of different methods of using crack cocaine.
Although this may occur even in patients who do not have significant coronary artery disease, spasm is most pronounced in portions of the coronary artery that are already narrowed. Therefore, in patients who do have high-grade obstruction, including patients whose stenoses were previously asymptomatic, coronary artery spasm of even modest degree can have devastating consequences. Patients with cocaine-related MI often have fixed atherosclerotic lesions. Cocaine can induce increased heart rate and BP, resulting in increased myocardial oxygen demand. The additional metabolic requirements may convert an asymptomatic obstruction into one of clinical significance. Alterations in cardiac histology may produce an arrhythmogenic anatomic substrate.
Someone seeking treatment for a Crack Cocaine addiction will experience symptoms of withdrawal within the first few hours after their last dose. The brain’s dependence on Crack causes these symptoms because it can no longer function normally without the drug. Crack inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, creating excess of the neurotransmitter which helps control the brain’s pleasure and reward centers. As early as the first time you smoke Crack, your brain has already started rewiring itself because it finds the resulting “high” pleasurable.
If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities. A few harm reduction programs have trialed hammer pipes, but they’re expensive and hard to find. Points of Distribution sells them, but Smoke Works is currently out of stock. In August, $5,000 of hammer pipe inventory was lost to a Customs and Border Patrol seizure; Duffy and his colleagues so far haven’t been able to recover it.
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.
The short-lived high is also often followed by an intense desire to use more and difficulty sleeping. Cocaine is made from hydrochloride and alkaloid, which is also known as base. Baking soda or ammonium is used to “free” the base by removing the hydrochloride. If you use it, are considering using it, or are around anyone who does, read on. We’ll cover everything you need to know, like what to expect from the high, potential risks, and what to do if things go south. To locate a Recovery Village location near you, use the location finder to see the nearest center.
The only definite way to avoid disease transmission of this sort is to never share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment. If you’re injecting in a relatively public place, like a toilet stall in a public bathroom, try to make it look like you’re changing your clothes or freshening up. Most importantly, always try to stay as calm as possible no matter where you’re injecting. If you have more questions about the effects of snorting crack cocaine or how to overcome addiction, contact a member of the Infinite Recovery team.
Understanding Crack Cocaine
Crack cocaine is derived from powdered cocaine and is typically processed into a solid form that is smoked. It produces a quick and intense high, making it appealing to users, but it comes with numerous health risks.
Can You Shoot Crack?
While it is technically possible to inject crack cocaine, it is not common practice and poses significant risks. Here are some key insights:
- Not soluble: Crack cocaine is not water-soluble, which makes it difficult to dissolve in a liquid for injection.
- Health Risks: Injecting crack can lead to severe health complications, including collapsed veins, infections, and increased risk of bloodborne diseases.
- Increased Addiction: Users are at a higher risk of developing a severe addiction due to the rapid onset of effects from injection.
The Effects Of Injecting Crack Cocaine
Methods of Consumption
Though smoking is the most common method of using crack cocaine, users may explore other forms, which include:
- **Smoking**: The most prevalent method, providing a quick, intense high.
- **Snorting**: Some users may crush the crack into a powder and snort it, but this is less common.
- **Injection**: As mentioned, injecting crack is risky and not recommended.
Health Consequences
The usage of crack cocaine, regardless of the method, leads to numerous health consequences, such as:
- Cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke.
- Respiratory issues from smoking the drug.
- Mental health disorders, such as anxiety and paranoia.
- Dependency and withdrawal symptoms that can be challenging to overcome.
FAQs
- If you get the shakes after doing a few shots, it may be helpful to have a friend inject you if you are not using alone.
- Elevations in muscle-enzyme levels are observed in asymptomatic people who use cocaine long term and in untreated persons with schizophrenia.
- Cocaine may cause generalized tonic and clonic convulsions as well as focal seizures.
- Laboratory studies modeling these observations revealed that heating a cooker introduced with HIV-1 isolates for 15 seconds or more reduced HIV-1 viability below detectable levels.
- When someone addicted to Crack is surrounded by people who care, he or she is more likely to accept treatment.
1. What happens if you inject crack cocaine?
Injecting crack cocaine can result in serious health issues, including vein damage, infections, and an increased risk of chemical overdose.
2. What is the safest way to use crack cocaine?
There is no safe way to use crack cocaine. The drug is illegal, and its use poses severe health risks and potential legal consequences.
3. Can crack cocaine affect mental health?
Yes, crack cocaine can lead to significant mental health issues, including anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
4. How can one seek help for addiction to crack cocaine?
Seeking help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist is crucial. Treatment options may include therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of can you shoot crack highlights the dangers associated with the drug. Regardless of the method of use, crack cocaine poses serious health risks and highly addictive properties. It is imperative for individuals to understand these risks and seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with substance use.
