Crack (drug):This is the term used for a form of cocaine that has been transformed from cocaine hydrochloride into a smokeable free base. Instead of utilizing the more hazardous process involving ether, this type of cocaine is made using baking soda and water. The mixture is heated to eliminate the hydrochloride, resulting in a variant of cocaine suitable for smoking. The name "crack" comes from the crackling noise produced when the mixture is heated, likely due to the presence of sodium bicarbonate.In the illegal drug market, crack, also known as "rock," is distributed in small, affordable doses. Smoking crack allows large amounts of cocaine to reach the bloodstream quickly, producing effects similar to those experienced through intravenous use. These effects are immediate, intensely powerful, and short-lived.Cocaine is the most powerful stimulant found in nature, known for its bitter taste and addictive properties. It acts as a pain blocker and is derived from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylon coca), native to the Andean highlands of South America. The plant's name inspired the name "cocaine" and its street names, such as "coke" or "Coca-Cola," which once contained the substance.The use of cocaine carries significant risks, whether it is snorted, injected, or smoked. High doses can cause seizures and death due to respiratory failure, cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), or other complications.There is no specific antidote for a cocaine overdose. Research indicates that individuals who smoke or inject cocaine might face a higher risk than those who snort it. Cocaine smokers often experience acute respiratory issues, such as coughing, shortness of breath, severe chest pain, lung damage, and bleeding. Additionally, addiction to cocaine may develop more quickly when the drug is smoked rather than snorted.
