Cocaine hit the streets in the 80’s, but due to over distribution (if there is such a thing!); dealers began to sell a smokeable crack. Cocaine is a stimulant that can be snorted, dissolved in water and injected, or the freebase form, which is the smokeable crack. It has become a nationwide epidemic. With this particular illegal drug, the addiction and dependency happens very quickly. Some individuals can become addicted from the very first time. The high only lasts approximately 5-7 minutes, and than they are looking for more to get the high back.
At the onset the user feels the euphoria and excitement, but than it lessens to depression, irritability, and paranoia. Some of the effects that are able to be visibly seen are: pupil dilation, elevated heart beat by almost 50%, increased blood pressure, lack of appetite, which may lead to malnutrition.
If you suspect that someone you care about may be under the influence of cocaine or crack, here are few symptoms to look for: dramatic change of behavior, overly talkative, increased agitation, lack of concentration, change in appearance, increased anxiety, and those are just a few.
The next step would be to try and contact an addiction professional, which will have the expertise to give you guidance on where to go next. Another option is to find a recovering addict willing to speak to the current user. They are going to understand what the user is feeling and going through better than anyone. There are also group support meetings called Narcotics Anonymous that they can attend, and not have to speak, but just realize they are not alone.