Crack Shot
Understanding the Basics of Shooting Crack
Shooting crack refers to the method of consuming crack cocaine by dissolving it in a liquid and injecting it directly into the bloodstream. This method is associated with a high risk of addiction and various health complications. It is crucial to understand the implications before engaging in such practices.
Important Considerations
PWID typically used household acids, such as lemon juice and vinegar, and purchased tubs of citric acid and vitamin C through pharmacies and home brew suppliers, where available. In 2000, retail access to citric acid and vitamin C declined markedly after the Pharmaceutical Journal published a letter from a pharmacist raising concerns about the legality of acidifier supply [4]. Agreements to protect against prosecution were sought and formalised in some localities [2, 3], with PWID increasingly using lemon and vinegar in others. The use of lemon juice in injection preparation can cause the fungal eye infection Candida endophthalmitis, with outbreaks documented among PWID in the 1980s and 1990s [5]. New reports of eyesight problems and blindness among PWID prompted the development and launch of single-use citric acid sachets in 2001 and vitamin C sachets in 2003 [6]. Amendments to section 9A of the Misuse of Drugs Act legalised their supply through medical and harm reduction providers in 2003 (citric) and 2005 (vitamin C).
To prevent relapse, avoid all other mood-altering drugs (including alcohol), and continue to meet with your group or counsellor for support, for as long as you need it. For more information, see your doctor or contact one of the agencies listed below. Users heat up the rock, mix it with lemon juice or vinegar or rubbing alcohol–“soup,” it’s sometimes called–and inject the serum. This technique first appeared as early as the mid-1980s and has grown steadily in popularity. When you are addicted to crack cocaine, you will do anything to get your next fix.
Before discussing the technical aspects, consider the following:
The good news is that many treatment programs are available to recover from crack addiction, allowing you and your doctor to tailor your recovery solution to your needs. Detoxing from crack cocaine can have very serious side effects without appropriate medical supervision. It is strongly recommended to seek the guidance of a health professional to detox safely. Several of the short-term effects of crack abuse can lead to heart attack or stroke. Long-term or heavy use of any form of cocaine can increase your risk for movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive impairment, including memory loss and reduced attention span. Cocaine in any form is a powerful stimulant that can have serious effects on your heart and the rest of your body.
Therapy is a major part of treatment and recovery from a crack cocaine addiction. Factors such as the length of time crack cocaine had been used, how much was consumed, whether other drugs were involved, and the individual’s overall health can impact the rehab program that will work best for you or your loved one. A comprehensive rehab program for crack cocaine addiction will address both the physical and emotional needs of the individual seeking recovery. Crack cocaine is a processed form of cocaine (cocaine hydrochloride) that can be smoked, making it highly addictive and often deadly. Using drugs in a variety of ways can lead to polysubstance abuse, or using cocaine with other substances. One such combination involves mixing cocaine with heroin, an opioid.
- Health Risks: Injecting substances can lead to severe health issues, including infections and overdose.
- Addiction: Crack cocaine is highly addictive, and injecting it can lead to a rapid development of dependence.
- Legal Issues: Possession and use of crack cocaine is illegal in many places, which can result in severe legal repercussions.
Furthermore, this population may require broader treatment strategies. For instance, since severe mental illness may be more prevalent in crack cocaine injectors, hospitalization can be necessary for acute management of high-risk symptomatology (suicidality, aggressiveness, agitation). Crack produces an intense and immediate high that leads to a strong desire for repeated use. Users can quickly become addicted and find themselves in a cycle of intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit.
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. The process of making freebase removes impurities and additives from the cocaine and turns it into a solid, smokeable form similar to crack but far more pure. 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.
Preparation for Shooting Crack
If an individual still wishes to proceed despite the risks, proper preparation is paramount:
- Materials Needed: Ensure you have the following items:
- Crack cocaine
- Sterile water
- Syringe (preferably with a fine gauge)
- Alcohol wipes
- Swabs or cotton
- Clean Environment: Work in a clean area to minimize the risk of infection.
- People addicted to Crack Cocaine tend to ignore the negative consequences caused by their drug use.
- Once having tried cocaine, an individual may have difficulty predicting or controlling the extent to which he or she will continue to use the drug.
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- Injecting crack increases your risk of overdosing because the process of melting the drug down into a liquid makes it difficult to determine how much of the drug you are taking.
Steps to Shoot Crack
For those whose circumstances lead them to use this method, the following steps outline the process:
- Dissolving the Crack:
Break down the crack cocaine into smaller pieces and place it in a spoon. Add sterile water to the spoon, just enough to cover the crack. Gently heat the spoon to dissolve the substance, but avoid boiling.
- Filtering the Solution:
Once dissolved, use a cotton ball or filter to strain the solution into another container, removing any solid particles which can cause damage when injected.
- Drawing the Solution:
Draw the clear liquid into the syringe, ensuring that there are no air bubbles. Tap the syringe to release any trapped air, then push the plunger slightly to get rid of any remaining bubbles.
- Preparing to Inject:
Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe, allowing it to dry before proceeding.
- Injecting:
Insert the needle into the cleaned area at a shallow angle. Pull back the plunger slightly to check for blood return, which indicates you are in a vein. If you don’t see blood, remove the needle and try a different site. If blood is present, slowly push the plunger to inject the solution.
Aftercare and Safety Precautions
After injecting crack, consider the following:
- Dispose of Needles Safely: Use a sharps container for disposal to prevent needle-stick injuries.
- Monitor for Reactions: Be aware of any adverse reactions, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- Seek Help: If struggling with addiction, consider reaching out to a professional for assistance.
FAQs
Is it safe to shoot crack?
No, it is not safe. Injecting crack cocaine poses significant health risks, including addiction, overdose, and the spread of blood-borne diseases.
What should I do if I overdose?
Call emergency services immediately. Be prepared to provide information about the substance used and the amount.
Can I reverse an overdose?
Some overdoses can be reversed with medications like naloxone, but it depends on the substance used and requires immediate medical attention.
Engaging with substances like crack cocaine comes with a myriad of health and legal risks. Seeking alternative methods for coping or recreational activities is strongly encouraged.
