Overview

Name: Crack Cocaine

Description: Blow, C, Coke, Crack, Flake, Snow

This casebook is published and has been read 195 times.

The author of this casebook has identified the following medical topics as being highly relevant to this casebook.

• Drug Dependence -- state of heavy dependence on any drug, including alcohol; sometimes defined as physical dependence but usually also including emotional dependence, i.e., compulsive or pathological drug use.
  
  
• Addictive Behavior -- The observable, measurable, and often pathological activity of an organism that portrays its inability to overcome a habit resulting in an insatiable craving for a substance or for performing certain acts. The addictive behavior includes the emotional and physical overdependence on the object of habit in increasing amount or frequency.
  
  

Notes

Cocaine is a powerful drug that stimulates the brain. People who use it can form a strong addiction. They may have to use more and more of the drug to get high. It's sold on the street as a fine, white powder. There are two forms of cocaine: hydrochloride salt and freebase. The salt dissolves in water. People can take it in a vein or in the nose. The freebase form can be smoked. Crack is the street name of a smokable form of cocaine.

No matter how cocaine is taken, it is dangerous. Some of the most common serious problems include

• Heart problems, including heart attacks
• Respiratory effects, including respiratory failure
• Nervous system problems, including strokes
• Digestive problems

Any of these can be fatal. Using cocaine with alcohol is a common cause of drug-related death.

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