AKA: Wash, rock, stone
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What is it?
Crack is a more powerful version of cocaine. Because users take crack by smoking it, the effects are felt much more quickly.
Crack comes in the form of small lumps (rocks) and is called crack because of the sound it makes when it’s smoked.
How does it make you feel?
Crack makes you feel excited, confident and dulls pain and tiredness. It’s like cocaine only more intense. The effects last for about 10 minutes after you take it.
Crack users often experience hallucinations, paranoia and become aggressive.
When the effects are wearing off, feelings of nausea, restlessness, sleeplessness and exhaustion are common. This is called crashing and can send users into a deep depression.
It can get so bad that users take more crack to make themselves feel better.
What are the health effects?
Crack is extremely addictive.
It damages your heart and lungs and reduces your appetite, so weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration often cause problems.
Long-term users often struggle with depression, anxiety, exhaustion, insomnia and paranoia.
The law
Crack is a class A drug. You could face a seven-year prison sentence just for having some (possession). If you’re convicted of supplying it (selling or giving it to other people) the maximum prison sentence is life.
Further help and advice
• Cauk.org.uk (Cocaine Anonymous)
• Talktofrank.com
• Thesite.org
• Addaction.org.uk
• Adfam.org.uk
•
Radio 1 OneLife
Or you can call Childline on 0800 1111 (free) or The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (cost of a local call) 24/7 to talk about your problems.
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