Crack Detox in Illinois

Crack cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant drug. It is a concentrated form of cocaine that’s more easily smokeable. Ingesting crack cocaine produces rapid onset of intense euphoria, among other stimulating effects. The effects are incredibly short-lived, lasting only minutes at most.

Crack cocaine is an off-white to yellowish substance with a waxy texture. It is often found in the form of “rocks,” dense clumps of the oily product that resemble small chunks of soap. It’s most commonly referred to as “crack” due to the crackling sound produced when the substance is burned to smoke.

Crack cocaine and cocaine stay in the system for roughly one to three days at detectable levels in the urine. The range is influenced by how heavily the drug is consumed before cessation and the person’s unique body type and habits.

Crack is highly addictive due to the rapid onset and strength of its effects and how they’re brought about. Crack functions the same way as cocaine, sharply increasing dopamine uptake and producing a near-immediate and intense euphoria. Crack cocaine is one of the most addictive substances known to man, not for its physical effects but its ability to enslave a person mentally. The “crash” that follows the high can lead to extreme cravings for more crack that short-circuit rationality and judgment. Binge use is widespread with this drug since this cycle of getting high and crashing occurs over only a few minutes, and heavy users can consume thousands of dollars worth of crack in one sitting.

Crack is usually smoked via a method called “free-basing.” Users typically use a simple glass tube with a small piece of another material like a copper scouring pad shoved in one end. Crack may also be injected. However, the drug isn’t water-soluble, so this takes a bit of technical skill and chemistry and, therefore, is an uncommon method of consumption.

The questions from Addicted.org’s “Ask a Professional” are answered by Michael Leach, CCMA. If you need further clarification on any of the questions above or have any other questions you can contact him directly at [email protected].