The high you get from smoking crack cocaine is intense. The drug has a strong potential for addiction as it forces the brain to release excess dopamine, which controls reward and pleasure centers. The first time you smoke crack, you’ve already rewired your brain to associate the high with pleasure. And, if you don’t use the drug correctly, you’ll find yourself addicted in no time. In fact, Crack can cause severe mental and physical problems in the long run.
Smoking crack cocaine produces an intense euphoric effect
Smoking crack cocaine is a dangerous habit because the drug can cause severe health consequences. Users report an intense euphoric effect, and often experience an addictive, paranoid feeling after using the drug. The high lasts anywhere from five to fifteen minutes, depending on the user’s tolerance level. In addition to its negative health effects, crack cocaine can also cause serious oral problems. Users inhale a short pipe that is often contaminated with smoke, exposing their teeth to constant exposure. As a result, their teeth can develop extreme decay and erosion of the enamel.
The most common way to smoke crack cocaine is by snorting or inhaling the vapors. The cocaine is delivered to the brain almost immediately after it is smoked, causing the release of chemicals in the pleasure centers of the brain. This results in a highly stimulating euphoric effect, but the drug does not destroy the excess cocaine. Crack is also an affordable, legal way to get high.
It can impair the brain’s ability to make rational decisions about controlled use
Recent research has found that cocaine and crack users’ brains have altered in a number of ways. For example, crack has a strong association with impaired decision-making and cognitive function. In studies conducted by Dr. Robert Hester and Hugh Garavan, participants were presented with a list of letters and asked to press a button when they came across a letter that wasn’t on the list. The brain activity of these subjects was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. The researchers found that cocaine abusers’ brains were less accurate than the controls’, and that cocaine abusers’ brains were more active in areas that were linked with working memory, such as the prefrontal cortex.
Behavioral studies of cocaine users have shown that individuals with this disorder exhibit altered reaction to natural reinforcers, and their amygdala system shows increased sensitivity to drug-related stimuli. However, their decision-making abilities are impaired in both types of cases, with a decreased response to non-drug-related stimuli. These findings suggest that the brain’s functioning in the VMPFC system is critical in processing emotions and regulating decision-making.
It is a mood-altering drug
The addictive nature of crack cocaine makes it a prime candidate for abuse. Crack sends high-energy chemicals to the brain, causing a euphoric, uplifting feeling. Its effects can last for five to ten minutes, and users typically experience a temporary high. However, crack is extremely dangerous, as it can cause heart attacks, seizures, and stroke. People addicted to crack are likely to be aggressive and irrational, and may even have paranoid thoughts.
One of the first signs that someone is addicted to crack is their desire for the substance. They want the drug despite the obvious negative side effects. A person will eventually be able to stop their bad habits once the negative consequences outweigh the benefits. However, crack addicts are unable to stop using the drug, and they often either deny or rationalize the effects of the substance. Instead, they can’t stop their compulsion to use the drug, making it even harder to stay away from it.
It is highly addictive
Many addicts begin with a small dose and end up consuming more. As the high lasts for a short time, they begin to feel the need to consume more to achieve the same effects. Once addicted, users become physically dependent on crack and need specific doses to offset the symptoms of withdrawal. Crack users may exhibit symptoms like intense irritability, paranoia, restlessness, and anxiety. Some users may also exhibit bizarre behaviors or exhibit tremors and vertigo.
Because crack reaches the brain so quickly, the effects are often intense. A high from crack is short-lived, lasting anywhere from five to 15 minutes. But the euphoria can be short-lived, with the high disappearing within 10 minutes. Withdrawal symptoms such as depression and irritability can lead to increased cravings for more crack. In addition to the dangers of withdrawal, crack is highly addictive.
It can increase the risk of HIV and hepatitis C
Recent studies have shown that people who use crack cocaine have elevated rates of HIV. These rates are significantly higher than the general population, and range from 19% in Vancouver to 6% in Toronto. This risk is even higher if people who use crack cocaine have a history of injecting drugs. However, it is still not clear what causes people to get infected with HIV after using crack cocaine.
In addition to the potential for hepatitis C and HIV infection, crack use can cause open sores, burns, and cuts on the lips. Additionally, people who use crack have decreased inhibitions and may be more likely to share a cracked crack pipe with others. Because of these factors, crack smokers may also have higher risks for HIV and STIs. Therefore, men should carry condoms with them when using crack.