If you notice someone overheating, get them to slow down and stop agitated movements and try to cool down with ice packs, cool water, and a fan. Make sure they are drinking water or a sports drink with electrolytes so they don’t dehydrate. Crack and cocaine differ in the onset and duration of their effects, which can affect the user’s experience and behavior. Another significant difference between crack and cocaine is how they are consumed. The method of ingestion also affects the speed at which the drug takes effect.
Can You Inject Meth?
Crack cocaine, also known simply as crack, is a potent form of the drug cocaine that can be smoked or injected. While it is possible to inject crack, it is not a common method of use and is highly dangerous.
The harm reduction information that follows is offered as a public health service. Its purpose is not to encourage or condone the use or possession of illegal drugs. It is to help people make safer choices in their use of drugs that will reduce their chance of overdosing and or getting Hepatitis A B or C and HIV.
The Dangers of Injecting Crack
Neuroleptic agents are the principal medications that cause dystonic reactions by means of their blockade of dopamine receptors in the nigrostriatal pathways. Cocaine may increase the risk of neuroleptic-induced dystonias, a problem compounded by the street marketing of substances, such as haloperidol, sold as cocaine. Crack (cocaine free base), which is generally sold in the form of “rocks,” may also be sold in large pieces called slabs. These are approximately the size and shape of a stick of chewing gum and are sometimes scored to form smaller pieces. Crack cocaine differs from cocaine salt in that it is stable to pyrolysis and can be smoked.
HRB National Drugs Library
Injecting crack cocaine is extremely dangerous and can lead to a number of serious health complications. These can include collapsed veins, infections of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, and an increased risk of HIV and hepatitis due to shared needles.
Collapsed Veins
Repeatedly injecting crack can cause the veins to become damaged and collapse. This can make it difficult or impossible to find a vein to inject into, and can also lead to serious infections.
Some who prefer to use drugs by injection may be unable to affordably source powder cocaine in their area, or crack cocaine may be substantially cheaper. Most if not all of the infection control and other safety precautions intravenous drug injectors should follow also apply to individuals who inject drugs intramuscularly. In addition, muscle-poppers are at high risk for abscess formation, especially if what they inject has any particles in it whatsoever.
The Drug
Infections of the Heart Lining and Valves
Injecting crack can also lead to infections of the heart lining and valves. These infections can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Abscesses
The solution was more difficult to inject because he often lost the vein mid-injection. Subjective effects not commonly shared with other methods of administration include a ringing in the ears moments after injection (usually when over 120 milligrams) lasting two to 5 minutes including tinnitus and audio distortion. In a study of cocaine users, the average time taken to reach peak subjective effects was 3.1 minutes.[53] The euphoria passes quickly. Aside from the toxic effects of cocaine, there is also the danger of circulatory emboli from the insoluble substances that may be used to cut the drug. As with all injected illicit substances, there is a risk of the user contracting blood-borne infections if sterile injecting equipment is not available or used. Acid is necessary to prepare brown heroin (used in Europe) and crack cocaine for injection, as these base form drugs are poorly soluble in water.
Neurologic Effects
Abscesses are pockets of pus that can form under the skin due to injection drug use. They can be painful and may require medical treatment.
- Research has shown that how quickly a drug’s effects are felt can be related to how addictive that substance is.
- Nerve cells originating in the VTA extend to the region of the brain known as the nucleus accumbens, one of the brain’s key pleasure centers.
- Injecting crack produces the strongest withdrawal symptoms since the drug is delivered faster and stronger to the brain than other methods of abuse.
- This then stimulates reward activity, which changes brain chemistry and creates an addiction.
HIV and Hepatitis
Sharing needles to inject crack can increase the risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis. These viruses can be deadly and there is no cure for either of them.
Alternatives to Injecting Crack
There are safer alternatives to injecting crack. Smoking crack is the most common method of use and involves heating the drug and inhaling the smoke. This method is still dangerous and can lead to addiction and other health problems, but it is less risky than injecting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible to inject crack, it is not a safe or recommended method of use. Injecting the drug can lead to a number of serious health complications, including collapsed veins, infections, abscesses, and an increased risk of HIV and hepatitis. If you or someone you know is struggling with crack addiction, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
