Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment Options
Understanding Crack Cocaine
If psychostimulant-intoxicated patients do not die as a result of cardiac or cerebrovascular complications, it is essential to prevent further morbidity by controlling hyperthermia and treating rhabdomyolysis. Cocaine is the second most popular illegal recreational drug in Europe (behind cannabis). Since the mid-1990s, overall cocaine usage in Europe has been on the rise, but usage rates and attitudes tend to vary between countries.
Most people who inject find this size ideal and would rarely need use of a larger syringe, although some drug injectors like to use 1⁄2 cc syringes. Most people who inject find that, if given the opportunity to try out different brands of needles and syringes, they will find one that they prefer over all others. Different manufacturers create needles and syringes of varying quality.
This evidence lends support to the hypothesis that chronic alterations in dopaminergic function can affect the physiology of skeletal muscle. Hyperthermia, which may also be caused by downregulation of dopamine receptors, increases the incidence of fatal excited delirium. In rat studies, long-term use markedly increased norepinephrine content of the left ventricle. This theoretically suggests that long-term cocaine users could be at increased risk of malignant arrhythmia if excess norepinephrine also accumulates in the human left ventricle.
Crack cocaine, a potent form of cocaine, is typically smoked rather than injected or ingested. This method of consumption raises a common question: can you shoot crack? This article delves into the reasons behind this question, the effects of crack cocaine, and the implications of different ingestion methods.
Let’s dive in and explore the five key differences between crack and cocaine. If you or a loved one suffer from IV crack cocaine addiction, recovery is possible. A professional addiction treatment program can help you or your loved one gain the tools you need to overcome the effects of addiction and learn how to live a healthy, sober, and happy lifestyle.
- The first few hours or days after you stop using can be hard to get through, but if you fight the cravings—and keep off the drug—you’ll soon start to feel better.
- If you’re using small, delicate veins like those in the hands, for instance, a thinner needle such as a 28G is the safest choice.
- The mission of Northeast Addictions Treatment Center is to provide the best continuum of care for not only adult men and women struggling with addiction, but also their families.
- During the process of creatingcocaine base, the cocaine alkaloid is “freed” from the salt that was addedduring the production of cocaine hydrochloride.
- Additionally, we provide data on crack injection initiation, which may help to locate the emergence of crack injection as a new form of injection drug use.
Also, new needles and syringes are sterile as opposed to simply clean, which means they’re free of all biological matter that, if present, can cause infection. Using a new, sharp, sterile needle and syringe for every injection and then disposing of it is simply the safest possible way to go. Standard insulin and tuberculin syringes are typically 1cc in size and are calibrated by .10 cc’s along the barrel of the syringe.
Crack cocaine looks like white or tan pellets (sort of like gerbil or dry cat food). Both cocaine and crack are very addictive — and very, very dangerous. Cocaine base is cocaine hydrochloride that has been reverse-engineered back to achemical base state, thereby rendering it smokeable.
What is Crack Cocaine?
In the largely Hispanic neighbourhood of Harlem in New York City, just 1.5% of those interviewed had injected crack. But a few kilometres away in New York’s mostly white Lower East Side, that figure climbed to 26.4%. New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Chicago also scored high in the practice, while Baltimore had few intravenous crack users. “It’s possible it was emerging at the time and hadn’t caught on in some sites,” says Santibanez. Cocaine is nature’s most powerful stimulant and is used by an estimated 14 million people worldwide. In powdered form, it is a hydrochloride salt and can either be snorted or dissolved in water and injected.
Crack cocaine is created by processing powdered cocaine with baking soda, resulting in hard, rock-like crystals. This form of cocaine is known for its intense and immediate effects.
Effects of Smoking Crack
When smoked, crack cocaine produces an intense high that lasts for about 10 to 30 minutes. The short duration often leads users to binge for prolonged periods. Some common effects include:
- Increased energy and alertness
- Euphoria and heightened mood
- Decreased appetite
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Can You Shoot Crack?
The question of can you shoot crack is a complex one. While it is primarily designed for smoking, some individuals might attempt to dissolve crack in water and inject it. However, this method is fraught with risks.
Why Injecting Crack is Dangerous
Injecting crack cocaine can significantly increase the risk of severe health complications, including:
- Severe vein damage
- Increased risk of infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis)
- Cardiovascular issues
- Overdose potential
Alternatives to Using Crack
For those struggling with addiction to crack cocaine, exploring healthier alternatives or seeking help is crucial. Consider the following options:
- Support groups (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous)
- Counseling or therapy
- Rehabilitation programs
FAQs
1. Can crack cocaine be ingested orally?
While it is possible to ingest crack cocaine, this method is less common due to its delayed effect and lower intensity compared to smoking.
2. What are the legal consequences of using crack?
The possession and use of crack cocaine are illegal in most jurisdictions, often resulting in severe legal penalties.
3. What are the signs of crack addiction?
Signs include increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and neglecting responsibilities related to work or family.
Conclusion
While the question of can you shoot crack may arise, it is essential to understand the severe risks associated with injecting this substance. Seeking healthier coping mechanisms and professional help is critical for anyone struggling with crack cocaine use.
