What's so bad about cocaine and crack?

What's so bad about cocaine and crack?

Cocaine and crack are dangerous for many reasons. Cocaine and crack use can lead to serious side effects – some life-threatening – including:

• Sudden cardiac death.
• Brain seizures.
• Irregular heartbeat/increased heart rate.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Heart attack.
• Depression.
• Stroke.
• Violent actions.
• Loss of ability to perform sexually.
• Addiction, even after one try.

In a person who is addicted, his or her cocaine use becomes an obsession and strong urge that can cause:

• Loss of control over his or her life.
• A willingness to do anything to get more cocaine.
• Spending a tremendous amount of money on his or her habit.
• A loss of interest in friends, family, and social activities.
• A need to take the drug just to feel “normal."