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The information on these pages is designed to give you and idea of what drugs do and the risks involved. As a service, we accept that drug use is part of the World and Island we live in today and are here to help if you need us.

Drug use is risky, there are no regulations on illegal drugs (such as strength or content) and so you’ll never know what you’ve really bought. We want you to be safe and make informed decisions – it could affect the rest of your life. If your drugs use, or that of a friend, family member or colleague is causing you concern, don’t be ashamed or afraid to get in touch if you need help or support.
 
 
 
CRACK COCAINE
(Also known as Rocks, crack, base)
 
CLASS A DRUG which means:

Maximum sentence for possession 7 years imprisonment and fine.

Maximum sentence for supply is LIFE IMPRISONMENT and fine.

What is it? Crack is cocaine whose chemical structure has been changed from powder to a more solid form called rock’s, usually about the size of a raisin. This enables it to be ‘smoked.’

We would normally associate ‘smoking’ with cigarettes, but when crack is ‘smoked’ the vapours are inhaled, usually through tin cans, bottles, glasses, pipes etc. These all have their risks too – paint from cans, can end up in your lungs, plastic fumes, and ash in the lungs.
‘Chipping’ is flaking bits of crack rock onto the end of a cigarette or into a joint and smoking it that way.

   

Crack Cocaine Paraphernalia


What does it do? Crack is a ‘stimulant’ made from changing the chemical structure of cocaine. It gives feelings of exhilaration, well-being, alertness and confidence. Crack has a reputation of ‘one hit and you’re hooked.’ Not quite true. This has come more from the quick, intense high which is greater than that of cocaine and the effects are much shorter and only last 10-15 minutes. This is followed by a come-down where you feel lower than you did before taking crack. These feelings can include depression, paranoia, anxiety and agitation. There may be a temptation to go up again by taking more but you’ll need more to get the same high and that’s expensive – and dangerous – and can lead to continued use.

RISKS?

 Yes. Chasing a high, by continuing to use is not only expensive but over a short period of time can leave you paranoid, confused, restless and addicted. Heavy use can lead to convulsions, fatal heart problems and overdose. Like other stimulants a HIGH = a LOW.
 

INJECTING

Cocaine (and therefore Crack) is a local anaesthetic and whilst some people do inject crack, it's not advisable particularly with deep vein injection or skin popping. You are more likely to cause vein damage and or blockages through continued injecting as you won't be able to feel the needle.

Whilst mixing heroin with crack or cocaine to inject ( called a Speedball) is becoming more common, in some instances it may be the main drug of choice.  Speedballing has its problems too - as with mixing any other chemicals you will get a reaction.

  • Mixing Heroin and Cocaine /Crack is believed to increase the reinforcement capacity of cocaine. i.e you get addicted more quickly

  • Heroin is a depressant and therefore lowers your breathing rate. In high doses, so can cocaine leading to the increased risk of overdose.

  • The affects of cocaine can lead some people to forget how much heroin they have already used which increases the likelihood of overdose.

SMOKING

Smoking crack dries out your lips and are more likely to have chapped or cracked skin which can bleed. Sharing pipes to smoke crack leaves you open to the risks of Hepatitis and HIV - don't share.

Smoking crack can lead to problems with your lungs.  The paint particles and fumes from drink cans used as pipes can be inhaled into the lungs. Using aluminium foil as a burner opposed to tin foil can also lead to the release of fumes into the lungs. Makeshift pipes from water bottles can lead to the inhalation of plastic fumes.


Anyone with existing mental health problems including suffering from depression would be wise to steer well clear of CRACK & COCAINE.