This process is known as “speedballing” and is particularly dangerous. Injecting cocaine can lead to risky behaviors such as sharing needles, a public health issue that has prompted the need for needle exchange programs and other interventions. This will result in a less painful injection and may prevent the soreness you usually feel the following day or two.
- While the white powder form of cocaine (cocaine hydrochloride) is an easy water soluble form, once it has been modified into crack cocaine this is no longer the case.
- The more you use, the greater the risk—but even taking the same or smaller amounts than you’ve used in the past can have bad effects.
- If you do not have bleach, you can substitute hydrogen peroxide, a solution of dishwashing liquid and water, or rubbing alcohol.
- While both drugs can be dangerous and addictive, crack is generally considered to be more addictive and more harmful than other forms of cocaine.
Crack cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can cause serious health problems and legal consequences. However, if you have made the decision to use crack cocaine, it is important to know how to do so safely to minimize the risks associated with its use.
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What You Need
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To shoot crack, you will need the following:
- A small piece of crack cocaine
- A glass pipe or stem
- A lighter or heat source
- A needle or “shot”
- A tourniquet or rubber band
- Alcohol or bleach for sterilization
If you have symptoms of wound botulism, see a doctor or go to an emergency room immediately. After continued use, the body and brain may only receive pleasure from the drug. Crack cocaine is generally sold as “rocks” because it can be smoked, which gets users high faster than if they had to inject or ingest it. At present, crack cocaine statistics are included alongside all cocaine statistics. Most rehab programs will offer some form of individual and/or group counseling to help those in recovery build better coping skills and overcome the emotional impact that addiction had on their lives.
In Ontario, there has been a significant increase in the number of programs distributing crack cocaine pipes since 2008. However, there are important questions our study leaves unanswered or open for future investigations. This is concerning from a public health perspective because in Canada crack cocaine use is common among street-based people who use drugs [1–3].
Preparation
Before you begin, it is important to sterilize all of your equipment to prevent the spread of infection. Use alcohol or bleach to clean the needle, pipe, and any other surfaces that will come into contact with the drug.
Next, break the crack cocaine into small pieces and place it in the pipe. Heat the pipe with a lighter or other heat source until the crack cocaine begins to vaporize. Inhale the vapor through the pipe, being careful not to burn yourself.
Shooting Up
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To shoot up crack, start by finding a vein in your arm or leg. Use the tourniquet or rubber band to constrict the vein and make it more visible. Once you have found a vein, clean the area with alcohol to prevent infection.
Next, load the needle with a small amount of crack cocaine. Insert the needle into the vein and slowly push the plunger to inject the drug. Be careful not to inject too quickly, as this can cause damage to the vein and surrounding tissue.
The Effects Of Injecting Crack Cocaine
After injecting the crack cocaine, remove the needle and apply pressure to the injection site to stop any bleeding. Dispose of the needle safely to prevent injury or infection.
Aftercare
After shooting crack, it is important to take care of yourself to minimize the risks associated with its use. This includes:
- Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Eating a healthy meal to replenish nutrients
- Resting to allow your body to recover
- Avoiding strenuous activity or heavy lifting
- Monitoring your vital signs and watching for signs of overdose or other medical emergencies
It is also important to seek help if you are struggling with crack cocaine addiction. There are many resources available to help you overcome your addiction and get your life back on track.
This condition can be painful and uncomfortable, but also incredibly dangerous if the blood clots break free and move to other vital organs in the body. These marks can exist in various stages of healing, but can eventually form open wounds with a high risk for infection. Researchers are currently exploring medications that can be used to treat cocaine addiction, however the FDA has yet to approve such a medication or effective intervention method. It is extremely difficult to tell what adulterant has been cut into cocaine, and this is a huge risk of cocaine use and addiction. DVT is especially concerning, as clots or blockages made of suspended solids inside injections may break loose and travel through the bloodstream. These solids can ultimately lodge in the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.
Conclusion
Shooting crack is a dangerous and illegal activity that can cause serious health problems and legal consequences. However, if you have made the decision to use crack cocaine, it is important to know how to do so safely to minimize the risks associated with its use. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can reduce the risks of injury, infection, and overdose.
It is also important to seek help if you are struggling with crack cocaine addiction. There are many resources available to help you overcome your addiction and get your life back on track. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
