A word on crack!
Crack is a form of cocaine that has been chemically changed so it can be smoked. It got its name from the "crack"ling sound it makes when smoked. Crack looks like small pebbles. (That's how it got the nickname "rock.")
Specific effects of crack
Chronic sore throat
Shortness of breath
Users may see lights around objects they are focusing on
Hoarseness
Dilated pupils
Danger! Dangers common to both cocaine and crack
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Severe weight loss and malnutrition
Rise of heart attack
Risk of stroke
Overdose and death
HIV/AIDS risk [from intravenous (IV) needle use of cocaine and from increased high risk sexual behavior that often accompanies crack use]
So are crack and cocaine the same?
In some ways- yes!
They both:
Come from the coca plant
Act as stimulants
Are addictive...and illegal.
But crack is more dangerous because it gets to the brain quicker. This causes stronger effects on the brain, heart, and lungs.
"Crack" is so powerful and the high is so intense that users sometimes become addicted the first time they try it.