Crack is a highly lethal drug for one’s health and, at the same time, widely consumed around the world. It originates from cocaine as a derivative substance and is produced by mixing cocaine paste with sodium bicarbonate. Before consumption, it must be preheated to be smoked, which produces a very characteristic sound. This fact gives the drug its name. As it is such a popular substance associated with young people, it is very common to identify it in certain spaces linked to nightlife. Today we explain how to tell if someone is smoking crack and what its main symptoms are.
People who use crack usually refer to this drug by other names that have gained relevance over time. For example, rocks, pops, stones, or “niñas.” Very often, it is also confused with bazuco, another substance derived from cocaine made from base paste. This is the residue that remains in the container where the drug is prepared before consumption. Its main components are the alkaloids from the plant the narcotic comes from, without having undergone a refinement or purification process.
How to tell if someone is smoking crack: Effects of the drug
To find the answer to the question “How to tell if someone is smoking crack,” we must first understand the symptoms it causes in the user and the effects it has on the body once ingested. Depending on the individual’s profile, whether they have engaged in abuse, or whether they suffer from drug dependency, the intensity of these symptoms and effects will be of a greater or lesser degree. Furthermore, the time factor also comes into play, which can determine the duration of these afflictions.
Crack generates an immense state of ecstasy and well-being in the person taking it immediately after consumption. However, this effect only lasts a few minutes, and after a short while, it causes the opposite effect. The individual is overcome by a negative state both psychologically and physiologically. This is characterized by the appearance of phenomena such as depression, nervous tension, and a very high craving to consume. This fact can motivate further consumption, thus increasing the intensity of its consequences and the risk factor.
In addition to the aforementioned effects, crack can also cause the person to lose their appetite and suffer from insomnia when going to bed. This hinders their ability to rest properly and translates into further health consequences.
How to tell if someone is smoking crack: Symptoms of use
If a person smokes crack regularly and/or has engaged in abuse, it will be relatively easy to detect their symptoms. Although its effects only last a few hours, physical and behavioral signs subsequently appear that evidence drug use. To identify them, one must pay attention to their appearance and attitude to see if they experience the following symptoms during or after use.
Physical signs of crack use
- Considerable increase in heart rate
- Sudden muscle spasms
- Seizures
- Dilated pupils
- Dry mouth
- Excessive sweating
Behavioral signs of crack use
- Paranoid episodes
- Restlessness
- Excessive talking
- Having a lot of energy
- Considerably elevated motor and cognitive activity
- Acute anxiety
- Generalized insomnia
- Mood swings toward negativity
- Hostile behavior
How to tell if someone is smoking crack: Consequences of the drug
The consequences of smoking crack can be classified according to their short-term or long-term impact. The fact that they exist does not mean a person must suffer from all of them. These depend on many specific factors based on their lifestyle. For example, their genetic predisposition, behavior at the time of consumption, the number of doses taken, the amount of the substance consumed, the frequency of use, the period of dependency or addiction, the method of administration, etc.
In general, the consequences of smoking crack are as follows:
How to tell if someone is smoking crack: Short-term consequences
The most common short-term afflictions derived from crack use are:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Seizures
- Respiratory failure
- Crack lip phenomenon: Burns on the lip from using a smoking pipe
- Sudden death
How to tell if someone is smoking crack: Long-term consequences
The most common long-term conditions derived from crack use are:
- Respiratory problems
- Severe cardiovascular damage
- Severe liver damage
- Severe kidney damage
- Possibility of contracting infectious diseases
- Lack of sleep and insomnia
- Malnutrition derived from loss of appetite
- Paranoid behavior
- Moody, aggressive, and hostile behavior
- Reduction of cognitive abilities, such as attention and interest
- Premature aging
- Probability of developing Parkinson’s disease
- Psychotic episodes
Crack is a highly harmful chemical substance that alters the normal functioning of the brain. Upon consumption, the cycle of substances involved in brain processes is also altered. In this way, the user cannot carry out their psychological and cognitive functions normally. This leads them to develop an insatiable need to consume increasing amounts of the drug in order to feel normal again.
CCAdicciones is one of the best addiction and dependency centers in Spain. Contact our addiction therapists and we will help you start a detoxification process.
