Content
Straight Talk – Crack
Understanding the Process
Shooting crack refers to the method of consuming crack cocaine in a way that allows for a rapid onset of effects.
- Oftentimes, it can be difficult for people who are amid their addiction to obtain clean needles.
- In terms of study limitations, our findings may not be generalizable across all programs in Canada.
- The speed and intensity of cocaine’s effects following IV injection are faster-acting and greater than smoking, which makes intravenous drug use more habit-forming relative to other forms of drug abuse.
This article aims to provide information on the techniques related to this method, the risks involved, and harm reduction strategies.
Skin-popping can be uncomfortable, and the bump you create may hurt a bit. If you skin pop where the skin is loose, pinch the skin between your thumb and forefinger and put the needle into the skin you’ve pulled up. This section of the manual presents information on proper injection technique (intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injection). Crack is a highly addictive stimulant and an addiction to crack cocaine can be extremely dangerous. Because crack cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs out there, it is not uncommon for people who use it to try shooting it at some point.
What is Crack Cocaine?
Crack cocaine is a potent form of cocaine that can be smoked. It is processed into a solid, crystalline form, making it more accessible for certain consumption methods, including shooting crack.
Always be careful to avoid nerves, blood vessels, or bones, and rotate injection sites to avoid bruising, abscess formation, and the like. It is not uncommon for your muscle to be sore for a few days after an injection. Harm reduction practices are also common for IV use, such as offering a local needle exchange program, but this is not a replacement for effective treatments. Freebase can also be dissolved and injected in order to experience an especially fast and intense high.
Methods of Consumption
While we may not always be aware of it, where we use, who we use with (if anyone), and our state of mind when we’re getting high can all have an impact on injection safety. The late comedian Richard Pryor, who co-wrote the movie Blazing Saddles, was at one point probably the most famous crack smoker in the world. In 1980, Pryor was freebasing cocaine, a highly flammable version of crack, when he set himself on fire and almost died.
Some examples include health problems and not being able to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home. Other long-term effects of cocaine use may include malnutrition and movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Whether Kirsty’s partner would be open to modifying his practice in relation to ‘expert guidance’ (for example, information printed on each sachet packet) is unknown. Most people think a sachet is for a bag … but see what the problem is, see all the crap that goes into smack, me and a lot of people, see when you cook up you’re trying to get that to dissolve because you don’t know what it is, yeah. You put more fucking citric in it and in reality, it’s not going to dissolve, but it could be anything, do you know what I mean, so that’s how people use loads of citric. When you’re doing snowballs [heroin and crack] you have to have a bit more citric … like the white won’t dissolve if you don’t have enough citric in it.
Cocaine is most commonly snorted, although it can also be smoked or injected. People with cocaine use disorder may benefit from community-based programs. Researchers are evaluating drug treatments that help people stop using cocaine. For example, it affects the amount of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that sends messages between nerve cells in the brain. Long-term cocaine use dulls thinking processes and the ability to remember information. Cocaine use may make the brain’s stress receptors more sensitive to stress, so people react more strongly to stressful situations.
A person may be having an opioid overdose if they are unresponsive or unconscious, have slow or no breathing, are snoring or making choking or gurgling sounds, have cold or clammy skin, and/or have blue or grey lips and nails.
There are various methods for consuming crack cocaine, each with different levels of intensity and risks. The most common methods include:
- Smoking: This method involves inhaling the vapors of the drug.
- Shooting: This refers to injecting crack dissolved in liquid form into the bloodstream.
- Snorting: Involves inhaling the powder through the nose.
How to Shoot Crack: The Process
For those who may be interested in the process of shooting crack, it’s critical to note that this method carries significant health risks. If you choose to pursue this, being informed is essential. The steps generally include:
- Preparation: Gather all necessary supplies, including the crack, a suitable solvent (like water), a syringe, and a heat source.
- Mixing: Crush the crack into powder and dissolve it in a small amount of the solvent.
- Heating: Use a heat source to warm the solution to help it dissolve the crack completely.
- Drawing into the Syringe: Use a filter to draw the liquid into the syringe carefully.
- Finding a Vein: Clean the injection site and locate a vein for injection.
- Injecting: Slowly inject the solution into the bloodstream.
Potential Health Risks
Shooting crack can lead to numerous severe health issues, including:
- Infection: Sharing needles can transmit diseases, including HIV and hepatitis.
- Overdose: Using high doses can lead to fatal overdoses.
- Damage to Veins: Repeated injections can cause scarring and collapsed veins.
- Respiratory Issues: Injection can lead to respiratory collapse and other lung-related problems.
Harm Reduction Strategies
If you choose to use crack, consider adopting harm reduction strategies to minimize risks:
- Always use sterile needles.
- Never share injection equipment.
- Consider testing for diseases regularly.
- Have naloxone on hand for overdose situations.
- Seek professional help when needed.
FAQs
Is shooting crack different from other forms of consumption?
Yes, shooting crack leads to a more intense and immediate high compared to smoking or snorting, increasing the potential for addiction and overdose.
What should I do if someone is overdosing?
Call emergency services immediately and, if available, administer naloxone while waiting for help.
Can I seek help for crack addiction?
Yes, numerous treatment options are available, including therapy, support groups, and rehabilitation centers.
Are there safe methods for using crack?
While no method of use is completely safe, practicing harm reduction techniques can mitigate some risks. Always prioritize your health and safety.
