Apart from what we see, scent is another way of identifying illicit usage of drugs. One of the commonly abused substance is crack. In this article we shall look at crack and how you can recognize it through smell.
Definition of crack
This is a type of cocaine taken through smoking. Crack is the most taken dangerous drug according to research by manual of adolescent.
It is made from mixing cocaine with water and either baking soda or hydrochloride powder. After mixing, you heat it until it becomes hard. This whole exercise is meant to make it smokeable by separating the hydrochloride powder from the cocaine base.
The end result will be resemblance of a candle wax with a yellow or off-white color. Hence this is what crack is.
Crack cutting agents
Crack gives user’s confidence and extreme focus. It is a dangerous and highly addictive street drug. Some of the common cutting agents that are used to make crack include;
- Aspirin
- Caffeine
- Laundry detergent
- Benzocaine
- Talcum powder
- Baby laxative
- Meat tenderizer
- Boric acid
The smell of crack is affected by the chemicals used to make it. It has a “nail salon” kind of a smell, acetone to be specific. The chemicals include;
- Gasoline
- Motor Oil
- Kerosene
- Calcium chloride
- Sulfuric acid
- Acetic acid
- Lime
- Cement
When someone is puffing the drug, the chemicals in crack become more odorous. Although most people prefer smoking the drug, others mix it with vinegar or lime juice before injecting it.
So, what does crack smell like?
The smell of crack is not so pleasant. According to majority of the people, crack smells like rubber or burnt plastic. Others say that it smells like paint or gasoline. Another group of people think that it smells like a nail salon bar.
Depending on the chemicals and cutting agents used, the smell of crack varies.
Indicators that someone is smoking crack
Your suspicions that someone is smoking crack may be true knowing how it smells like. These signs include;
- Blisters and burns on lips and fingers
- Paranoia
- Intense mood swings
- Asthma or severe chest pains
- Crack paraphernalia
- Hyperactivity and unruly behavior
Additionally, someone addicted to crack tends to withdraw from friends and family. They literally lose control of their lives. There is also a change in their behavior, they act differently.
Crack is the most addictive and dangerous among the hard drugs. When a drug starts negatively affecting a person he is termed as an addict. This is because he is unable to stop the drug usage, cut back or function normally.
This is one of the main cry for help from crack addicts. However, they can be enrolled in rehabilitation programs and centers and can get help from drug specialists.
All is not lost for crack addict, there can be a positive turn around for their lives.
