Crack Cocaine

Crack, a form of freebase cocaine that is smoked, became an epidemic in the inner cities during the 1980’s. More addictive than cocaine in its powder form, the drug has stronger effects on the users body and mind.

History

Cocaine became more widely available in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Drug dealers began to “cook” large quantities of cocaine down to a purer rock form and selling it at $5 to $10 a hit. Intense cravings followed the first hit a user took, and resulted in doing almost anything to get more of the drug. Violence erupted around the crack cocaine business, enough so for crack cocaine to be declared an “epidemic” in the late 80’s. This time period also saw more pregnant women abusing the drug and giving birth to “crack babies”, children who were born physically dependent on the drug.

Effects

- Elevated levels of confidence
- Feelings of euphoria
- Alertness
- Increased energy

Side Effects
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Extreme paranoia
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Delusional parasitosis (a belief there are parasites or bug crawling on ones skin)
- Increased irritability and restlessness

After Effects

Psychological
- Lasting paranoia
- Lasting depression
- Lasting anxiety
- Extreme cravings
- Cocaine induced psychosis

Physical
- Increased blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate
- Headaches
- Vertigo
- Insomnia
- Muscle twitches
- Increased tolerance

The most dangerous effect of using crack cocaine is the intense desire for more crack that immediately follows use. It is not uncommon for crack users to steal or act out in violence when attempting to “score” more of the drug.

Today

There is an extremely negative stigma attached with using crack cocaine. It is seen as a “dirty” and “ghetto” drug. But that doesn’t mean that people aren’t using it. Crack cocaine is still a huge problem in America, especially in urban and rural areas.