Cocaine is an addictive drug that is snorted, injected or smoked. Crack cocaine is a street name for the form of cocaine that is processed into a rock crystal, the National Institute on Drug Abuse explains. The crystal is heated and the vapors are inhaled. Absorption into the bloodstream and brain occurs more rapidly and in higher doses than when taken as a powder, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Crack refers to the crackling sound that is heard during the heating process.
Effects
The euphoric effects from smoking crack last about five to 10 minutes, compared to about 15 to 30 minutes for snorted cocaine, according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. The initial effects include increased energy, reduced fatigue and a perception of mental clarity, which can lead to crack addiction. Because the duration of the effects is shorter for crack, more cocaine is sought to get a boost following the after-effects of depression, irritability and fatigue. Other effects from crack and cocaine include increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, loss of appetite, restlessness and anxiety.
Function
Crack can become addictive after trying it just once, the Cleveland Clinic notes. Crack addiction creates long-term effects such as paranoia and aggressive or violent behavior. Addicts become depressed when they stop using crack. Cocaine and crack can lead to sudden heart attack and death, loss of sexual function, brain seizures and stroke. Crack addiction, like any cocaine addiction, can destroy people's lives by making them lose control, attempt any activity to get the drug, spend more money than they can afford, and lose interest in friends, family and social functions.
Significance
Chemicals in the brain that monitor pleasant feelings are changed during cocaine use, causing an intense craving for the drug, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The chemical changes remain even after smoking crack. Crack addiction causes people to go through constant phases of extreme pleasure during use of the drug and deep depression during periods without the drug.
Warning
Withdrawal from cocaine includes a condition called anhedonia, an inability to experience pleasure, the Cleveland Clinic says. An addict may reach a point when life without cocaine becomes unbearable, even after overcoming the depressive period. Anhedonia can hold an effect on a crack addict for years, making the addiction hard to treat.
Treatment
Treatment begins with a detoxification process. Withdrawal symptoms can last from several hours to seven days, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms include intense cravings for cocaine, agitation, nervousness, depression and thoughts of suicide. When the detox phase is completed, counseling can begin to help addicts understand the reasons for their drug use, giving them the coping tools to stop using crack cocaine.
