The drug is said to take its name from the crackling noise it makes when heated for smoking. Crack is the street name given to freebase cocaine that has been processed from cocaine hydrochloride to a base, using ammonia or baking soda and water. Rather than using the more volatile method of processing which uses ether, crack is heated to remove the hydrochloride. Because it is smoked, crack is far more potent and takes effect much faster than powdered cocaine. In less than 10 seconds, the cocaine in the crack smoke reaches the brain.
Users say the sensation is extremely pleasurable.
Crack is a fast trip into the world of addiction.