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When it comes to drug abuse, knowledge is crucial in understanding the potential harm and risks involved. In recent years, crack cocaine has gained notoriety for its highly addictive nature and devastating impact on individuals and communities. One question that often arises is, “Can you shoot crack?” In this article, we will explore the facts and risks associated with injecting crack cocaine.
The Basics: What is Crack Cocaine?
Crack cocaine is a highly potent and concentrated form of cocaine. It is typically produced by mixing powdered cocaine with baking soda or ammonia and boiling it until it forms solid chunks or crystals. These rocks are then broken down into smaller pieces, commonly referred to as crack. The name “crack” comes from the cracking sound it makes when heated.
What is cocaine (crack)?
Why Do People Consider Shooting Crack?
Powdered drugs must be dissolved into a liquid form before they can be injected—a process known as “cooking.” Different drugs dissolve differently. If you’re using something like injectable morphine or hormones that are already in liquid form, cooking is completely unnecessary. Some drugs will dissolve in water without being heated; some people cook their cocaine, for instance, while many more do not because it can clot when heated, mess up your shot, and clog your needle. Even though injection equipment might look clean to the naked eye, tiny amounts of blood can remain in the works which can result in infection. Although it is not always (and for some people ever) desirable or possible to inject with someone else present, having another person around when you get high can be a safety net, particularly in terms of surviving overdose.
Many people develop a compulsive crack habit shortly after starting use, and individuals can build up a tolerance quickly. Once a person enters recovery and physical dependence subsides, psychological dependence may still remain. People who use crack cocaine almost always smoke it in order to feel an intense euphoric effect immediately. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 657,000 people were used crack in 2020.
Injecting Prescription Drugs
Injecting drugs, including crack cocaine, can lead to a more intense and immediate high compared to other methods of consumption. This is because injecting drugs delivers them directly into the bloodstream, allowing for rapid absorption and effects. However, it is essential to note that shooting crack poses severe health risks and can have life-threatening consequences.
Some users dissolve crack in lemon juice or vinegar before injecting it intravenously, a practice that reportedly produces a more intense rush than smoking the same amount of crack. If the vein is missed, the result is pain and potential abscess formation. Drug injection is also commonly a component in HIV-related syndemics. Fragments from injection of pills are known to clog the small blood vessels of the lungs, brain, and elsewhere, potentially causing pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke, or venous embolism. A small proportion of PE is due to the embolization of air, fat, and talc in the drugs of people who inject substances.
Common Side Effects of Speedball Use
The Risks of Shooting Crack
Be sure to clean the cooker with bleach if it’s going to be shared. Wash your hands and split whatever cotton you have in two before you use it–it’s virtually impossible to clean such a filter. And remember that sharing water is one of the most efficient ways to pass on or contract a virus or other infection-causing organism. Do not use soap or dishwashing liquid that has not been mixed with water — they are too thick and will get stuck in the syringe. Get tailored information about your risk and learn how to protect yourself. In people living with HIV, substance use can hasten disease progression, affect adherence to antiretroviral therapy (HIV medicine), and worsen the overall consequences of HIV.
Participant demographics and injection practices
1. Increased Risk of Overdose: Injecting crack cocaine significantly increases the risk of an overdose. Since the drug enters the bloodstream rapidly, it can overwhelm the body’s tolerance levels, leading to an overdose and potential fatality.
2. Transmission of Diseases: Sharing needles or other injection equipment can result in the transmission of bloodborne diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. These diseases can have long-term health consequences, impacting not only the person injecting but also their sexual partners and unborn children.
3. Damage to Veins and Tissues: Injection drug use can cause severe damage to veins, leading to collapsed or hardened blood vessels. This can result in infections, abscesses, and even the need for amputations in extreme cases. Additionally, injecting crack cocaine can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of developing skin and soft tissue infections.
4. Mental and Emotional Health Effects: The rapid onset and intense high associated with injecting crack cocaine can lead to a higher risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. Prolonged use of crack cocaine can exacerbate these symptoms and contribute to the development of addiction and other psychiatric disorders.
- People who use cocaine have an increased incidence of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
- Cocaine’s effects appear almost immediately and disappear within a few minutes to an hour.
- historically dominated by outlaw motorcycle groups(3).
- Lastly, don’t re-cook a shot with a lot of blood in it as the blood can coagulate and clog your needle.
- If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine or crack addiction, it’s time to get help.
The Safer Alternatives
The risk grows as the person develops more of a tolerance to the drug because they need to take more and more of it to get the same effect. A rapid heart rate increases the amount of oxygen that the heart requires, which it receives through blood flow. However, when blood vessels are constricted, less oxygenated blood is available to supply the heart muscle. A heart attack occurs when not enough oxygen can reach the heart muscle. The median lethal dose or LD50 of cocaine, which refers to the expected lethal dose for 50% of test subjects, is 96 mg per 1 kg of weight.
While it is crucial to discourage the use of crack cocaine altogether due to its harmful effects, there are safer alternatives available for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Seeking professional help from addiction specialists, participating in counseling or therapy programs, and accessing medication-assisted treatments are effective methods for managing drug addiction and promoting recovery.
In conclusion, the act of shooting crack cocaine carries significant risks, including overdose, disease transmission, vein and tissue damage, and negative impacts on mental health. It is essential to prioritize education, prevention, and treatment options to combat the devastating consequences associated with crack cocaine abuse.
