Why Is Crack Called Crack?

Crack is a form of cocaine, a drug that stimulates the nervous system; cocaine is highly addictive and is generally used in the form of a powdered hydrochloride salt. Crack cocaine does not undergo the process that goes in to the formation of the salt and occurs in the form of a hard lump of rock crystal.

Crack is used by heating the lumps and then inhaling the fumes; crack when it is heated results in crackling sounds due to the heating of the water molecules in the lumps and hence is known by the name. Crack cocaine like powdered cocaine has the same effects on the body and mind.

The immediate effects of crack cocaine on the body are constriction of blood vessels and an increase in the heart rate and temperature; high doses of crack cocaine at a time are fatal. The mental effects of crack cocaine are depression, restlessness and anxiety.