“Rock “or “Crack” is cocaine that has been purified and looks like an off-white rock or nugget, it can have a candle wax-like appearance and purer forms resemble hard plastic in a crystal form. This form of cocaine is usually smoked using a glass pipe and gauze (fine wire mesh), it produces a short intense feeling of euphoria that lasts between 5 to 10 minutes.
Effects of Crack/Rock Cocaine:
- Increased heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Increased temperature
- Increase in blood pressure
- Constricted blood vessels
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Intense Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
The intense high from “the rock drug”, as it has become known colloquially, is produced by a rush of dopamine in the brain. As a result when the high wears off it feels like an intense drop or decline, which causes the irritability, anxiety and feelings of depression. The user needs more crack/rock to avoid these feelings in order to maintain the high. This causes a psychological addiction to the substance, manifesting in an obsession for more. As the addiction progresses the user develops a tolerance and needs more of the drug to get to the necessary “high”. It’s not unusual for users to smoke non-stop for 3-5 days. Eventually the user needs to smoke more in order to feel normal. The consequences of such, sustained, long-term “rock” usage include:
- Cardiac Arrest
- Stroke
- Lung Infections/complications
Here are some signs to look out for
- Unexplained or extended disappearances
- Large sums of money disappearing
- Burned or cracked lips (smoking from a hot pipe)
- Burned fingers
- Uncharacteristic behaviour
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Paranoia or suspicion
- Delusions
- Isolation
- Aggressive/violent behavior
Crack cocaine is highly potent and highly addictive. The user will put their next fix above everything else. If there are any concerns over “rock” use, it is important to intervene sooner rather than later. The concerns should not be taken lightly. The brain becomes dependent on the drug and cannot function without it. Recreational use often rapidly turns into addiction. Addiction is characterised by compulsive use, despite negative consequences. If someone cannot stop themselves from taking cocaine in the face of harsh consequences, there is a good chance that they are addicted. Please be aware that permanent abstinence from cocaine should always be undertaken with professional help and support.
If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to crack cocaine or other substances, sex, gambling, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.
- Photograph by Joel Saget
