- Many places report that it’s now cheaper and easier to get illegal heroin than getting legal prescription painkillers.
- But the most significant effect is how cocaine use changes people’s brains, setting the stage for cocaine addiction (cocaine use disorder).
- Instead of water, individuals will use one of several widely available weak acidic solutions, which are also commonly used to prepare certain forms of Asian-originating heroin.
- High amounts of vitamin C in injection preparation can cause precipitation (a solid clouding in the injection solution); a potential deterrent for excess use.
- Here, a heroin injection is prepared in a laboratory setting, with small amounts of citric acid added in a stepwise process and the chemistry involved explained.
Crack cocaine, also known simply as crack, is a highly addictive form of the drug cocaine that can be smoked, snorted, or injected. While it is possible to inject crack, it is not a common method of use and is strongly discouraged due to the significant health risks involved.
The Dangers of Injecting Crack
If the plunger of your syringe is forced back by the pressure of the blood and it is bright red, frothy, and ‘gushing,’ you may have hit an artery. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug use, allow us to assist you with your healthcare needs and help you on your journey to recovery. Check out our blog posts and resource links for the latest information on substance abuse. Harm reduction practices are also common for IV use, such as offering a local needle exchange program, but this is not a replacement for effective treatments. IV crack use exposes a person to dangerous, disease-causing bacteria that can cause an abscess to form.
Long-Term Effects Of Cocaine Addiction
Injecting any drug, including crack, carries a number of serious health risks. These risks include:
- Infection at the injection site, which can lead to abscesses and other complications
- Collapsed veins, which can make it difficult or impossible to find a viable vein for future injections
- Bloodborne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, which can be transmitted through shared needles
- Overdose, which can be fatal
The drug can also cause a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, paranoia, and depression. To understand the differences between crack and cocaine, we first need to look at what each drug is, how it is made, and what effects it has on the body. Crack Cocaine is far more potent and addictive than regular Cocaine.
Clear and consistent messaging is required on all acid sachets, with pamphlets detailing optimal injecting practice and preparation in all equipment packs. While important, these initiatives must not act in isolation from structural change. An individualisation of responsibility, common to health promotion messaging, can be counterproductive in the context of constraint—acting to further stigmatise and marginalise rather than empower. There is little use, for example, informing of the need to use sterile equipment or to favour vitamin C if equipment access is constrained.
HIV And Substance Use
Why People Inject Crack
Despite the significant risks associated with injecting crack, some people may choose to do so in order to achieve a more intense high. This is due to the fact that injecting a drug allows it to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain more quickly than other methods of use. However, this increased intensity comes with a greatly increased risk of harm.
Alternatives to Injecting Crack
There are safer alternatives to injecting crack, including smoking or snorting the drug. While these methods still carry risks, they are generally less dangerous than injecting. It is important to note, however, that all forms of crack use are illegal and can result in serious legal consequences.
Collapsed Blood Vessels
Seeking Help for Crack Addiction
This position helps keep their airway open and can prevent choking in case they begin to vomit. When finding treatment for cocaine addiction, it’s essential to find the right approach for your unique case. There are many facilities in Ohio that offer substance use disorder treatment, but it’s important to consider available programs and the level of care that will best fit your circumstances. However, cocaine can cause different feelings if it is used in large doses. These include anxiety, rapid heart rate, violent behavior, a sense of paranoia and high blood pressure. Cocaine comes from the coca leaf, which is native to South America and has been used for thousands of years as a stimulant.
If you or someone you know is struggling with crack addiction, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. There are many resources available to assist with recovery, including:
- Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs
- Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous
- Individual therapy and counseling
FAQs
Can you shoot crack? While it is technically possible to inject crack, it is not a common method of use and is strongly discouraged due to the significant health risks involved.
What are the risks of injecting crack? The risks of injecting crack include infection, collapsed veins, bloodborne diseases, and overdose.
Are there safer alternatives to injecting crack? Yes, smoking or snorting crack are generally less dangerous than injecting, although all forms of crack use are illegal and carry risks.
How can I get help for crack addiction? There are many resources available to assist with crack addiction recovery, including inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, support groups, and individual therapy and counseling.
