Understanding Cocaine and Crack
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain. In the United States, the Office of National Drug Control Policy estimates that 3.6 million people are chronic users of this dangerous drug.
Cocaine generally is sold on the street as a fine, white, crystalline powder derived from the dried leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine is also known as "coke," "C," "snow," "flake" or "blow." Street dealers usually dilute it with inert substances such as cornstarch, talcum powder or sugar, with active drugs such as procaine (a chemically related local anesthetic) or with amphetamines. The powdered form dissolves in water and can be taken in a vein or in the nose.
"Crack" is the street name given to the drug's freebase form, which is processed to form a substance that can be smoked. Crack cocaine resembles white or tan pellets. The term "crack" refers to the crackling sound heard when the mixture is smoked. Because crack is smoked, the user experiences a high in less than 10 seconds. The immediate effects and crack's low cost have made it popular.
Effects of cocaine
Cocaine use ranges from occasionally to compulsively. There is no safe way to use the drug—any way it's taken can lead to a heart attack or stroke that could be fatal.
Cocaine is a stimulant. Its effects appear almost immediately after a single dose and disappear within a few minutes or hours. The drug usually makes the user feel euphoric, energetic, talkative, and mentally alert. It also can temporarily decrease the need for food and sleep. The short-term effects also include increased heart rate and blood pressure, constricted blood vessels, increased temperature and dilated pupils.
Cocaine also may cause bizarre, erratic and violent behavior.
The health consequences of long-term cocaine abuse include disturbances in heart rhythm, heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures, convulsions, and coma. Cocaine abusers, especially those who inject the drug, are at increased risk for contracting HIV/AIDS.
Treatments for abusers
If you are addicted to cocaine, see your health care provider for help in breaking your habit. Cocaine abuse and addiction is a complex problem involving changes in the brain as well as social, familial and environmental factors.