Crack
Also Known As: freebase, rock, hard rock, base, kryptonite, sugar block
What You Should Know
Crack is a form of cocaine that has not been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt. It comes in a rock crystal that can be heated and its vapors smoked. The name "crack" comes from the crackling sound heard when it is heated.
What's the Problem?
- Crack has wrecked millions of lives. It will wreck yours.
- No matter how often or how much you use crack — even once — you can experience a heart attack or stroke. Sudden death is a real possibility.
- Crack use can cause sexual dysfunction in men and women.
- If you use crack, you're likely eventually to alienate your family and friends, and become isolated and suspicious.
- Most of your money and time will be spent scheming to get more crack. This compulsion may become totally obsessive.
- During a "mission," which is essentially a 3-4 day crack-binge, some users may consume up to 50 rocks a day. To get more, crack addicts will often lie, cheat, steal and commit violent crimes, even against people they love.
- Crack use can lead to serious respiratory problems, including coughing, shortness of breath, lung trauma and bleeding.
- Expect severe depression, irritability and mood disturbances, aggressiveness, paranoia, delirium or psychosis, hallucinations, heart disease, brain seizures, sexual dysfunction (for both men and women), reproductive damage and infertility (for both men and women), increased frequency of risky behaviour.
