Crack cocaine Category: Stimulants

Also known as: Freebase, Base, Rocks, Stones, Wash, Pebbles, Gravel.

How it's used

Crack cocaine is a smokeable form of cocaine which is made by chemically altering cocaine powder to form crystals or rocks (about the size of a raisin). It is called crack because it makes a crackling sound when it is being burnt. Crack is usually smoked in a pipe, glass tube, plastic bottle or in foil. It can also be injected.

Short-term effects

Crack is also a short acting stimulant drug but the effects are much stronger than cocaine
Creates an immediate intense euphoria which peaks after about 2 minutes and lasts for around 10 minutes
The “high” feeling can induce hallucinations, huge mood swings and paranoia
Aggression and violence
Users report feeling alert, energetic and confident
Dry mouth, loss of appetite, sweating, increased heart and pulse rate
Once the high has worn off (after about 20 minutes), it is followed by a long low crash which can be associated with strong cravings to take more

Long-term effects

Increased anxiety, nervousness and psychotic behaviour
Chronic coughing, cracked wheezy breathing and partial loss of voice
Breathing problems and damage to lungs
Difficulty sleeping
Weight loss
Debt

Other dangers

Risk of overdosing increases if mixed with heroin, barbiturates or alcohol
High doses can raise the body’s temperature, cause convulsions and respiratory arrest.
Problems with anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks.
Loss of sexual desire, heart problems
Damage to veins if injecting
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis transmission if injecting equipment is shared
Increased libido can lead to risky sexual behaviours

If you are pregnant

Crack cocaine use during pregnancy can induce miscarriage, premature labour, smaller babies and congenital abnormalities. Babies born to mothers who are crack users during pregnancy will show withdrawal syndrome following birth.

Addictive

Crack can quickly become both physically and psychologically additive. Tolerance increases over time and so users have to keep increasing their dose to get the same effect.

Withdrawal

Tiredness and depression.

How long does it stay in your system?

2-4 days (The length a substance is detectable depends on the test used, the levels consumed, if there are existing medical conditions and the person's own metabolism. This figure should therefore be used as a guide only).

What help is available?

• Self help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
• Counselling/ Psychotherapy
• Complimentary therapies, e.g. acupuncture
• Residential treatment programmes
• Aftercare
• One to one or group family support
• Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area

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