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Cocaine & Crack
Quick Fact Sheet

By , About.com Guide

What is Cocaine? What does it look like?

Cocaine appears as a white powder substance which comes from coca leaves or is made synthetically. It acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system.

What is Crack? Why is it different from Cocaine?

Crack is a form of cocaine. It is chemically altered cocaine and found as small, hard, white chunks. It is also a stimulant to the central nervous system and is deadlier than other forms of cocaine. It produces a "cracking" sound when it is burned, hence the name. It is thought to be extremely more addictive.

What are the long term effects?

Some of the long term effects are listed here. Cocaine:
  • depression
  • confusion
  • hallucinations
  • anxiety
  • paranoia
  • poor concentration
  • ulceration of the nasal membrane
  • cardiac arrest
  • respiratory arrest
  • physiological seizures
  • lung damage

Crack:

  • high incidence of dependence
  • blood vessel constriction
  • increased blood pressure
  • increased heart rate
  • brain seizures that can result in suffocation
  • rise in blood sugar levels and body temperature
  • sleeplessness
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