Crack cocaine is a solid, crystalline form of cocaine that can be smoked. It causes a short but intense high followed by depression and craving. Smoking crack allows the drug to reach the brain more quickly than insufflating powder cocaine. Crack use is associated with numerous severe health risks such as heart attack, seizures, respiratory failure, organ damage, malnutrition, and risky behavior. It is highly addictive due to causing tolerance after initial use and intense cravings. Crack emerged as a major street drug in the mid-1980s in major US cities and its use has expanded since.

1. By: Tyler Moore & Steven Barnard

2.  The crystal form of cocaine, which usually comes in
powder form.
 It comes in solid blocks or crystals differing in colors
(Yellow, white or red).
 Smoking crack allows it to get to the brain more quickly.

3.  Crack got its name from the cracking or popping sound it
makes when it is being heated.

4.  Crack causes a short-lived, intense high that is quickly
followed by depression, violence, and a craving for more
of the drug.
 Crack also increases the risk of a heart attack, seizure,
and/or breathing failure, which results in immediate
death.

5.  Dilated Pupils.
 Nausea.
 Hallucinations.
 Anxiety.
 Paranoia.
 Depression.
 Panic.
 Intense drug cravings.

6.  Permanent damage to blood vessels.
 Liver, kidney, and/or lung damage.
 Tooth decay.
 Disorientation.
 Increased frequency of risky behavior.
 Severe depression.
 Respiratory Failure.
 Malnutrition/weight loss.

7.  There are many reason why people use this drug, some
of which are:
 To fit in.
 To escape from their problems.
 To relax.
 To relieve boredom.
 To seem grown-up.
 To experiment.
 To rebel.

8.  It stimulates the brain and heightened euphoria, which is
a state of intense happiness and self-confidence.
 Then, the person develops a tolerance for the drug,
causing them to use it more and more.
 The first time a person does crack, they’ll reach an
intense high.When they try the drug again, they will not
be able to reach that point, causing them to keep using it
so they can try to experience it like their first use.

9.  In late 1985 to early 1986, this drug was beginning to be
sold in the streets of Florida, California, and NewYork,
and has been expanding ever since.
 In Los Angeles, the police department claims that the
crack industry is the largest employer of that city’s youth.

10.  Crack cocaine is a horrible drug that can not only
psychologically disrupt you, it can physically disrupt you
as well.
 It will change you as a person and ruin your relationships
with friends, family, and all other people around you.
 There are healthier ways to deal with problems you face
in life, doing drugs are not one of them.

11.  Snyder, Solomon. The Downside of Drugs. Chelsea House
Publishers. 1988.
 "What Is Crack Cocaine? Drug-FreeWorld." What Is Crack
Cocaine? How to Smoke Crack? Street Names for Crack -
Drug-FreeWorld. Foundation for a Drug FreeWorld, 2006.
Web. 12 May 2014.