A 26-year-old American man was referred to our service for methadone replacement therapy and treatment of crack/cocaine addiction. His addiction history started with use of opioids in early adolescence. He fulfills DSM-5 diagnosis criteria for severe dependence on both opioids and cocaine.
Healthy veins and blood flow are essential to the body’s healing processes, and without them the body can develop sores, ulcers, and even necrosis (tissue death). Commonly called “track marks”, people who shoot drugs will have scabs and scars on their arms from repeated injections in the same spot. Vinegars and fruit juices, however, were never meant to be injected directly into blood vessels in this manner, and can cause additional health dangers and damage. While not the most common method for using crack, it is possible to inject crack intravenously if the proper tools and preparation methods are available. As cocaine starts to wear off, a person may feel irritable, paranoid or anxious.
Crack cocaine is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that can cause serious health problems and legal consequences. However, if you have made the decision to use crack, it is important to know how to do so safely to minimize the risks. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to shoot crack.
Freebasing can be even more addictive because it results in effects that are more immediate and more intense. Freebasing is a process that can increase the potency of a substance. The term is typically used in reference to cocaine, though it’s possible to freebase other substances, including nicotine and morphine. Substance abuse treatment for cocaine addiction can include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and detox support services. On top of these serious side effects caused by crack cocaine, there are other dangers of abusing the drug, including engaging in high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex. Slide the needle under your skin at a shallow angle, 15° to 45° at the most.
- Besides the viruses, other health issues can evolve with repeated crack injections and other drugs.
- There’s no shame in seeking help, and there’s lots of support and advice available.
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- This happens because Crack Cocaine sets off excess amounts of the happiness-inducing chemical, dopamine, in the brain.
- Join the thousands of people that have called a treatment provider for rehab information.
What You Will Need
Snorting Or Injecting Cocaine
Smoking can cause burns, cuts, and open sores on your lips and transfer blood to a pipe. If you share a pipe with someone, this increases your risk for bloodborne infections, including hepatitis C and HIV. Freebasing carries almost all of the same risks as snorting or injecting cocaine.
To shoot crack, you will need the following:
- Crack cocaine
- A pipe or a glass stem
- A lighter or a heat source
- A needle or a syringe
- Alcohol or bleach for sterilization
- Water
If you’re going to freebase or be around people who are, make sure you know how to recognize when things go wrong. It’s possible to overdose on cocaine, regardless of how you take it. After that initial rush, the effects feel fairly similar to those of snorted coke.
Preparing the Crack
Before you can shoot crack, you need to prepare it. Here’s how:
- Break the crack into small pieces.
- Place the crack in the pipe or glass stem.
- Heat the crack until it melts and produces smoke.
- Inhale the smoke through the pipe or stem.
Preparing the Needle
Base Vs Salt Forms
Once you have prepared the crack, you need to prepare the needle. Here’s how:
- Sterilize the needle or syringe with alcohol or bleach.
- Draw water into the needle or syringe.
- Add the melted crack to the water in the needle or syringe.
- Mix the crack and water thoroughly.
Why Do People Shoot Crack?
Shooting the Crack
Now that you have prepared the crack and the needle, you are ready to shoot the crack. Here’s how:
- Find a vein in your arm or leg.
- Insert the needle into the vein.
- Slowly push the plunger to inject the crack into your bloodstream.
- Remove the needle from your vein.
We invited 125 NSP managers from across Canada to complete the online survey. A filter question identified eight managers who were not eligible to participate because their program did not actively distribute needles at that time (our only study eligibility criterion). Of the remaining 117 potential participants, 104 initially responded to the survey; upon reviewing the data, we removed 24 surveys because of incomplete data, leaving 80 surveys for these analyses. Throughout our results, we report the proportion of programs reporting each characteristic or practice.
FAQs
Q: Is shooting crack safer than smoking it?
NC Harm Reduction Coalition
A: No, shooting crack is not safer than smoking it. Both methods of using crack are dangerous and can cause serious health problems.
Q: Can I reuse a needle to shoot crack?
A: No, you should not reuse a needle to shoot crack. Reusing needles can increase the risk of infection and other health problems.
Q: What should I do if I miss my vein while shooting crack?
A: If you miss your vein while shooting crack, do not try to inject the drug again. This can cause serious injury or infection. Instead, seek medical attention immediately.
Q: Is there a safe way to use crack?
A: No, there is no safe way to use crack. The drug is highly addictive and can cause serious health problems and legal consequences.
