Cocaine, when boiled, creates a rock-type crystal. The crackling noise of the boiling cocaine gives this drug the term "crack cocaine," as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Crack addicts inhale vapors from the smoked crack cocaine chemical substance, giving them a short, intense high, the Office of National Drug Control Policy states. The organization indicates crack reached popularity in the middle of the 1980s because it had low production costs and caused instant gratification.
Sudden Death
As a central nervous system stimulant, cocaine in any form has negative effects on the heart, as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It can actually change the rhythm of the heart, causing cardiac arrest to occur. Because crack provides its stimulation immediately and intensely--unlike powder cocaine that can take longer to have its effect--the stimulation in the nervous system can cause a heart attack. The person fall unconscious with no heartbeat and no observed airway breathing. His chest will not rise and fall as it should with regular respiration. Cardiac arrest from crack cocaine use can cause sudden death.
Seizures
Seizures occur with use of crack cocaine and are a common causes of death in people who use this drug, the National Institute of Drug Abuse indicates. The person will display signs of uncontrollable body movements, possible foaming from the mouth, and will collapse.
Stroke
A stroke may occur as a direct response to the central nervous system stimulant. If the person already has underlying neurological issues and potential for stroke, the person may suffer a stroke. A stroke occurs when bleeding occurs in the brain or when a clot in the bloodstream suddenly blocks blood flow. The person will display signs of weakness on one side of the body followed by collapse and possible death.
Irregular Heart Rhythm
The heart is directly affected by the stimulation of its affects, the Heart Rhythm Society indicates. The heart is an electrical system and the chemical substance crack changes the course of the electrical activity, which changes the rhythm of the heart. This may cause sudden death to occur as well. People who use crack may experience atrial fibrillation, the Heart Rhythm Society reports. Any change in heartbeat can cause disruptions in the body system and classify as serious medical problems.
Depression and Paranoia
Depression along with paranoid and suicidal tendencies occur because of the strong addiction to this substance along with changes in the brain. Crack changes the chemical makeup in the brain causing the person to continually want the drug. It also causes the person to think differently causing serious psychological problems. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, crack--unlike powder cocaine--can induce paranoia and aggression.
Social Effects
Long-term use of crack cocaine can cause the disruption of family and friend relationships, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states. The addictive behaviors of the person can make the person disregard any other emotions, thoughts and behaviors than getting and using crack. He has does not care about his family, his friends and any type of social related relationship.
