Information about Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine is a smokeable form of cocaine which comes in small lumps or ‘rocks’. Its effects are much more intense, immediate and short-lived than snorted powder cocaine. Because of its intense effect and short duration, crack cocaine is extremely addictive. Crack cocaine can also be injected and is often used in combination with an opiate like heroin – this is called ‘speedballing’. Crack cocaine is a Class A substance. For more information about classifications and sentencing, click here.

Effects: Crack cocaine is a powerful stimulant, which creates a feeling of energy, euphoria and strength, and can make you feel powerful, talkative and ‘on top of the world’. Physical effects include a dry mouth, feeling hot, excessive sweating, increased heart rate and pulse rate, and loss of appetite. Smoking crack cocaine can damage the throat and lungs, and people who smoke it frequently often have a permanent cough and croaky voice.

Risks: Crack cocaine is highly addictive and it can be easy to use a large amount in one session or binge. Heavy or long-term use puts a lot of strain on the heart and can result in dangerously high blood pressure and heart attacks. It is possible to overdose on fairly small amounts of crack cocaine. Smoking crack cocaine damages the lungs and can cause wheezing and voice loss, and serious lung problems. Long-term use can result in eating disorders and digestive problems caused by not eating regularly or properly. Injecting any substance puts you at risk of infections, and blood borne viruses if you share injecting equipment. Long-term or heavy use can also cause anxiety, panic and sometimes psychosis (this normally disappears when the drug wears off but can develop into serious mental illness). Withdrawal after stopping use can be quite unpleasant.

Mixing crack cocaine with other drugs is even more dangerous – other stimulants like amphetamine or ecstasy can increase heart rate and increase the risk of irregular heart beats and heart attacks, as well as unpleasant psychological effects like anxiety. Mixing with alcohol, heroin (speedballing), benzodiazepines or other downers increases the risk of fatal overdose.

Minimising the risks: Crack cocaine is highly addictive and it’s easy to get into a pattern of compulsive use. If you use crack cocaine, the best thing you can do is try to cut down the amount you use or how often you use it, or if you can, stop. Avoid mixing it with other substances as they can increase the negative effects and/or increase the risk of overdosing. Avoid injecting any drug, or if you do, never share injecting equipment (clean needles, syringes and other kit can be picked up for free at Needle Exchanges – at Bolton Drug Service and some pharmacies). If you are worried about your health, speak to your doctor.