Crack cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug. It’s derived from powder cocaine but processed to create a rock crystal that can be smoked. The term “crack” refers to the cracking sound heard when the rock is heated. Emerging in the mid-1980s, crack became popular due to its intense, immediate high and lower cost compared to powder cocaine, making it unfortunately accessible.
Crack Cocaine Production: How Is It Made?
The production of crack cocaine is a relatively simple chemical process. It starts with powdered cocaine, which is then dissolved in a mixture of water and either ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (common baking soda). This mixture is then boiled. The boiling process continues until a solid substance begins to form and separate from the liquid. This solid is collected, carefully removed from the liquid, and allowed to dry. Once dried, it is broken down into smaller, uneven chunks known as “rocks.” These rocks are what is sold and used as crack cocaine.
What Does Crack Cocaine Look Like?
Crack cocaine is easily identifiable by its rock-like appearance. These “rocks” are typically small, varying in size and shape, and are usually off-white to white in color. The texture is hard and brittle, which is how it gets its name from the cracking sound when heated.
How is Crack Cocaine Abused? The Method of Use
Crack cocaine is almost exclusively abused by smoking. This method is preferred because smoking rapidly delivers a large dose of the drug to the lungs. From the lungs, it’s quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the brain, producing an almost instantaneous and very intense euphoric high. This rapid and intense effect is a primary reason for crack cocaine’s high addiction potential.
Who Uses Crack Cocaine? Demographics and Prevalence
Crack cocaine use affects individuals across all age groups and demographics. According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, millions of Americans have tried crack cocaine at some point in their lives. This includes a concerning number of young people. Surveys indicate that hundreds of thousands of teenagers and young adults have experimented with crack cocaine, highlighting a significant public health issue within younger populations. Specifically, high school students are also at risk, with a percentage having reported using crack cocaine, according to the Monitoring the Future Survey.
Health Risks and Effects of Crack Cocaine Use
Crack cocaine, like all forms of cocaine, is highly addictive. However, addiction can develop more rapidly with crack cocaine compared to snorted powder cocaine due to the faster and more intense high achieved through smoking. Beyond the general risks associated with cocaine use, such as constricted blood vessels, increased body temperature, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and the dangers of cardiac arrest and seizures, crack users face additional severe health problems. Smoking crack cocaine can lead to serious acute respiratory issues, including chronic coughing, shortness of breath, severe lung trauma, and bleeding. Furthermore, crack cocaine use is strongly linked to aggressive and paranoid behavior, posing significant mental health risks.
Street Names for Crack Cocaine
Crack cocaine is known by many different street names, often used to avoid detection and to communicate in code. Some common street terms include:
| 24-7 | Badrock | Beat Candy | Chemical Cloud | Cookies | Crumbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunch & Munch | Devil Drug | Dice | Electric Kool-Aid | Fat Bags | French Fries |
| Glo | Gravel | Grit | Hail | Hard Ball | Hard Rock |
| Hotcakes | Ice Cube | Jelly Beans | Nuggets | Paste | Piece |
| Prime Time | Product | Raw | Rocks | Scrabble | Sleet |
| Snow Coke | Tornado | Troop |
Is Crack Cocaine Illegal? Legal Status
Yes, crack cocaine is illegal in the United States and in many countries worldwide. In the U.S., crack cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II drugs are recognized as having a high potential for abuse, and abuse can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. This legal classification reflects the serious dangers and addictive nature of crack cocaine.
Further Resources on Drug Abuse
For more information on substance abuse and related topics, you can explore resources on other dangerous drugs and the impact of drug abuse. Topics such as methamphetamine, heroin, inhalants, and prescription drug abuse are also critical areas of concern. Organizations like the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) provide valuable information and resources.
For further information on illicit drugs, resources are available online. You can also contact the provided addresses for more specific inquiries or to request materials.
Contact Information:
National Drug Intelligence Center
319 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Johnstown, PA 15901-1622
Telephone: 814-532-4601
FAX: 814-532-4690
NDIC Washington Liaison Office
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001
McLean, VA 22102-3840
Telephone: 703-556-8970
FAX: 703-556-7807
NDIC publications are accessible through various online platforms.
