Crack Abuse
Crack, the street name for the chemically processed cocaine hydrochloride, causes a short term feeling of highness to people who use it.
Also known as rock, or paste, crack is the crystal form of cocaine that comes in powder or solid form. The crack cocaine is processed by condensing baking powder and cocaine and transforming it into a more potent form, which is smokeable or snortable.
When taken, it energizes the entire CNS and inputs damaging and destructive stresses on the lungs, heart, and the brain. It is associated with a dramatic deterioration in the quality of life of the addicted people. Smoking or snorting of the crack cocaine increases the heart beats.
The intoxication with cocaine makes a person hyperactive and demonstrates a high level of alertness. Once a person is addicted, the individual becomes agitated, uncomfortable, and irritable.
History of Crack
Today, crack cocaine is a very popular drug since it is cheap and also inexpensive to produce. According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, a lot of cocaine was being shipped in the US by the late 1970s.
By the year 1986, the use of crack cocaine had spread across almost all the states. Since this time, the use of this drug has dramatically spread across North and South America, Europe, and the rest of the world.
According tothe European Monitoring Center for Drug and Drug Addiction, crack cocaine is second most used harmful and illegal drug in most European countries.
Crack Statistics
The research notes that over 7.5 million youths in Europe have taken cocaine during their lifetime. The same study shows that 3.5 million youth took cocaine in the past year and further 1.5 million in the previous month.
In the US, The National Surveys on Drug Use reports that, in 2006, over 8.6 Million Americans, 12 years and above, confirm to have used crack cocaine in their lifetime. Of this, 6.9% of the sample tested said they had taken cocaine and crack a year ago.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse study that was done in 2006, 8.5% of the high school students in the twelfth grade have used cocaine some point during their young lives.
Medical Risks of Prolonged Crack Abuse
The long-term use of crack and cocaine results in a lot of medical complications including severe depressions, stroke, hallucinations, dilated pupils, paranoid behavior, irritability and mood disturbances.
Other effects may include psychosis, heart attack, respiratory failure, brain seizure, sexual dysfunction, infertility and even death in severe conditions.
Social Risks of Crack Addiction
Other social issues include Termination of Education, losing employment, divorce and separation, financial constraints and many other social problems.
Crack Treatment
After successful recovery in a rehabilitation center, an individual resumes back to normal life. People who are not addicted can start withdrawing step by step as they avoid provocative environments and friends.