Crack Overview

"Crack" is a common moniker given to a type of drug made by freebasing cocaine with baking soda to form a white, powdery rock-like substance. The name "crack" comes from the cracking or crackling sound that it makes while being smoked. Due to the changes that take place in the drug when it is converted from cocaine into crack, it is much more potent in crack form and creates a much faster and more intense high when smoked.

The Canyon is a drug and alcohol rehab center that helps crack addicts fight back against their drug addiction. By providing you with a wide range of alternative and holistic therapeutic options in addition to traditional treatments and educational classes, The Canyon can help guide you down your own personal road to recovery.

How Crack is Used

Crack is generally smoked (although it can be injected) by placing it inside a glass pipe or tube with a metal screen at one end. When the rock-like substance is heated, it gives off smoke which is then inhaled, immediately filling the user's lungs which allows for quick absorption of the drug. The effects of crack can be felt in under 20 seconds and sometimes as quickly as 10 seconds. Although a crack high is intense, it does not last as long as the high provided by cocaine and will dissipate in a matter of minutes.

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Why Crack is Abused

Crack, like many other drugs, is usually abused to exploit the feelings of pleasure that accompany the initial dose. These effects can be psychological as well as physical and range from intense euphoria and grandiose feelings of power to decreased inhibitions and weight loss stemming from a loss in appetite.

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Primary Physical and Psychological Effects of Crack Abuse

Crack has many effects on the body, both physical and psychological. However, not all effects are temporary and associated with "getting high," and some effects of crack abuse can even cause serious injury or death. A few of these primary physical and psychological effects on the body from crack abuse include:

• Euphoria
• Feelings of power
• Grandiose thinking or feelings
• Paranoia
• Schizophrenic-like behavior or actions
• Terror
• Anger/violence against friends or family
• Extreme agitation
• Severe weight loss
• Heart attack
• Death

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Side Effects of Crack Abuse

Crack is never pure cocaine; the cocaine is always cut with another substance to create the solid crack rock and to increase the resale profits. Because there is no regulation of crack production and the number of substances that could be combined with the cocaine to create the drug are practically limitless, it is impossible to predict the side effects that a user might experience each time they use crack. Even if you do not overdose on crack (which can happen quite easily) the side effects you experience can cause serious injury, and in some cases, death. Some of the side effects of crack abuse include an increased heart rate, stroke, heart attack, increased blood pressure and death.

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Crack Rehab at The Canyon

The Canyon offers those who are suffering from crack addiction a way out; we call it the Healing Life Program. This treatment program uses a combination of traditional and alternative treatments, therapies, support and education to help you develop a positive relationship with yourself and reclaim your personal goals and dreams. Call us at The Canyon today at to find out more about what we can do for you.

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