What Is Crack Cocaine
Crack cocaine’s popularity is in part due to the appeal to drug users who seek an inexpensive, ultra-potent, fast-acting high.
The effects of crack cocaine are short-lived and generally wear off after five or ten minutes.
When the effects wear off, the user can feel the need to smoke more crack:
- Due to the physical and mental addictive potential of crack cocaine as a substance
- To stop agitation, paranoia, restlessness, or irritability that occurs when the addict does not use crack cocaine
Because of all of the above, there is an increased risk of developing tolerance and addiction to crack cocaine.
Negative Side Effects of Crack Cocaine
- Nausea
- Paranoia
- Anxiety and panic
- Hallucinations
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pain
- Respiratory distress/ shortness of breath
- Mood swings
- Persistent cough
(Read about hippy crack addiction here.)
Risks of Crack Cocaine
- Risky Sexual Behaviours
- Violent Tendencies
- Cardiovascular issues that could include heart attack and stroke
- Cognitive decline
- Malnutrition due to severe weight loss
- Damage to lips, mouth, and teeth
- Depression and anxiety
- Seizures
