Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine that is reduced to a freebase state through processing, most commonly with baking soda and water. The result is a brittle compound referred to as "crack rock," which can be either snorted or smoked. Regardless of the method of consumption, crack is an extremely addictive and dangerous drug, and those who abuse it may exhibit one or more telltale signs of use or addiction.
Physical Signs of Intoxication
Immediately after smoking crack cocaine, users may exhibit dilated pupils that are 6 mm in diameter or larger, according to the National Institute on Chemical Dependency. Bad breath and dry or chapped lips and nose are other indicators that may manifest shortly after smoking. There are other physical effects that occur during crack intoxication, but they are not readily identifiable by others. They include constricted blood vessels, increased temperature, increased blood pressure and a racing heart rate. Depending on the amount smoked, how quickly it was smoked and other factors, the window of intoxication may last from five minutes to a few hours, according to Friends of Narconon. The typical window of intoxication for crack smoking, however, is very short--5 to 10 minutes.
Behavioral Signs of Intoxication
The behavioral signals of a crack high may be easier to recognize and include increased energy, lack of appetite, uncharacteristic alertness, restlessness and erratic or violent behavior, according to Friends of Narconon. The National Institute on Chemical Dependency states that a crack high may make one very talkative but that it can be difficult for the user to remain on one topic of conversation while intoxicated. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the short period of intoxication usually brings upbeat, energetic and euphoric behavior followed by a sudden and severe crash that can cause depressed, irritable and fatigued behavior.
Physical Signs of Addiction
In cases of an addiction to smoking crack cocaine, the user may exhibit a different set of signals indicative of long-term use, and these may be present even when not under active intoxicating effects, according to "Cocaine Addiction: Theory, Research and Treatment" by Jerome J. Platt. The telltale chapped lips and skin tend to be more persistent and severe, and addicted users often experience tremors, mild convulsions and compulsive scratching and fidgeting.
Behavioral Signs of Addiction
Long-term effects of smoking crack and signs of crack addiction, according to Partnership for a Drug-Free America, often include aggressive paranoia. Frequent users may carry or hide crack smoking paraphernalia including pipes and very small bags, vials or bottles, according to the National Institute on Chemical Dependency. Friends of Narconon report other common addiction signals as including irritability, unpredictable moods and auditory hallucinations.
References
- National Institute on Chemical Dependency: Signs and Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- Partnership for a Drug-Free America: Cocaine and Crack Abuse Effects and Information
- Friends of Narconon: Symptoms of Cocaine Use
- "Cocaine Addiction: Theory, Research and Treatment"; Jerome J. Platt; 1997
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Tips for Teens--The Truth About Cocaine
