posted 04-25-2003 01:07 PM            

X and MDMA are the EXACT same thing. Ostensibly, when you buy X, you are getting MDMA, which is not nearly as risky as cocaine. You are right, it is more frequently dirty than other drugs, but I doubt it's ever laced with heroin or cocaine as the reason for lacing a drug is to reduce the cost for the dealer, and heroin and cocaine are very expensive drugs!

PMA and DXM are what you should watch out for when buying X. PMA, by itself, can kill you, and DXM mixed with real MDMA can kill you. Also, Ecstasy has been shown to cause permanent damage in your brain in areas associated with memory; not even cocaine has been shown to cause any permanent damage, lest the user overdoses significantly. So, I agree that switching from coke to X is not the best of ideas. But, an X habit is definitely more manageable than a coke one.

posted 04-26-2003 07:34 AM            

Crack and Cocaine

"Crack" is the street name given to cocaine that has been processed from cocaine hydrochloride to a free base for smoking. Rather than requiring the more volatile method of processing cocaine using ether, crack cocaine is processed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water and heated to remove the hydrochloride, thus producing a form of cocaine that can be smoked. The term "crack" refers to the crackling sound heard when the mixture is smoked (heated), presumably from the sodium bicarbonate.

There is great risk whether cocaine is ingested by inhalation (snorting), injection, or smoking. It appears that compulsive cocaine use will develop even more rapidly if the substance is smoked rather than snorted. Smoking allows extremely high doses of cocaine to reach the brain very quickly and brings an intense and immediate high. The injecting drug user is at risk for transmitting or acquiring HIV infection/AIDS if needles or other injection equipment are shared.

Health Hazards
Cocaine is a strong central nervous system stimulant that interferes with the reabsorption process of dopamine, a chemical messenger associated with pleasure and movement. Dopamine is released as part of the brain's reward system and is involved in the high that characterizes cocaine consumption. Studies done in 2002 using crack cocaine users and a control group of non-users showed that brain cells that control the release of dopamine are either dead or damaged to the extent that they no longer function in the user group. More extensive testing is on going and will define the extent of damage in the crack cocaine user.

Physical effects of cocaine use include constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils, and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. The duration of cocaine's immediate euphoric effects, which include hyper-stimulation, reduced fatigue, and mental clarity, depends on the route of administration. The faster the absorption, the more intense the high. On the other hand, the faster the absorption, the shorter the duration of action. The high from snorting may last 15 to 30 minutes, while that from smoking may last 5 to 10 minutes. Increased use appears to reduce the period of stimulation.

Most users of cocaine report feelings of restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. An appreciable tolerance to the high may be developed, and most addicts report that they seek but fail to achieve as much pleasure as they did from their first exposure. Scientific evidence suggests that the powerful neuropsychologic reinforcing property of cocaine is responsible for an individual's continued use, despite harmful physical and social consequences.

In some instances, sudden death can occur on the first use of cocaine or unexpectedly thereafter. However, there is no way to determine who is prone to sudden death.

High doses of cocaine and/or prolonged use can trigger paranoia. Smoking crack cocaine can produce a particularly aggressive paranoid behavior in users. When addicted individuals stop using cocaine, they often become depressed. This also may lead to further cocaine use to alleviate depression.

Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizures followed by respiratory arrest. Crack cocaine users that were tested for normal cardiac functions showed increased risk for heart problems.

posted 04-26-2003 08:52 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Lona:
Also, RobinsEgg, how do you do those cool little smily moving packman guys on your replys?

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Lona, Yes am working and no I cannot check myself into a rehab. For me this is all mental withdrawl and no physical problems. Yes, basically I am using this board as my sole support system. So far, so good.

posted 04-26-2003 03:14 PM            

I said cocaine does no permanent damage. If you stop using and begin leading a healthy life, your blood pressure will drop and your cardiovascular system will return to normal (the longer you've been using, the longer this takes of course)

The dopamine system does get messed up but I've heard it takes 2-10 weeks (once again, depending how long you've been using) to feel normal again. This is different from methamphetamines, which causes your brain to send up stuff to knock out dopamine receptors, forever damaging the dopamine system. Ecstasy is also believed to cause permanent damage because the memory either takes a really long time to return, or doesn't return at all.

Yes, coke is one of the most dangerous street drugs you can use, but it's also one of the more forgiving drugs should you decide to stop.

(EDIT There is also no such thing as "sudden death" for crack use, unless the person using has heart problems or high blood pressure to begin with. For healthy people, you cannot even hold enough smoke in one toke to overdose on; ODs generally occur when someone unhealthy uses, when someone carelessly mixes drugs (creating stuff like cocaethylyn), or when someone is repeating large doses at a ridiculous rate. "Sudden death" does not occur for no reason - this is just anti-drug propaganda and even though I'm anti-drugs now, I think organizations need to stop making things up. There is also no such thing as a generation of "crack babies," and because there is no physical addiction associated with cocaine, babies cannot be born "craving for crack".

I've visited the source you are quoting from and a lot of what they say is B.S.

posted 04-26-2003 07:16 PM            

I am not going to argue with you personally. I know what I know from personal experiences with many crack heads, some recovered, most not. They all have damage to their hearts, to their brains. I know this first hand.

Secondly, there are ongoing studies right now that have already proven that the brain receptors have either been killed or are in a coma (deep sleep) and they are not sure, repeat not sure they will ever return to pre-crack condition.

Last. If you don't believe me, do some research of your own or go ask the parents, wives, girlfrinds of crack heads if they think their loved one is ever going to get back to anywhere normal.

posted 04-26-2003 08:25 PM            

I certainly hope people can recover. Telling me my brain will never be normal again is not supportive to me, a crack user.

posted 04-28-2003 11:51 AM            

I hope and pray my brain returns to normal despite some words here on this board. I do know from a previous abstinance period of over 2 years that the thoughts never left me personally. It got better mentally after about a month but even after that length of time it crossed my mind everyday at some point.

posted 04-28-2003 07:24 PM            

JJ Pi, please don't hold a grudge against Coochie. He/She was just doing his/her best to provide the people of this forum with information. Now I (probably like coochie) hope to god that you can make a full recovery and you can resume a regular life and I really do mean that. But you do have to accept that you have abused your body in some ways and some things will stick with you. We learn from our mistakes and this is what makes us stronger. I know for sure I must've done some damage to my brain with all the stuff I've taken but I can't let this drag me down. It is all a part of the recovery process. Please don't hate me for saying this.

A question for Titanic if you dont mind answering I totally understand - but how do you explain to your kids why Daddy stole their money - I can imagine this must be heart breaking (just writing that last sentence made me feel so guilty)? And also does your husband not realise that there is something wrong if he is stealing from a 12 year old boy? I know you have realised he has a problem and that is why you have sought advice from this board, but what does he think about it? Have you approached him to talk about it?

And one last thing to anyone - you say when he has 10 dollars he spends it on crack, but how much does that buy him, how many hits do you get off that, and how long does that amount last?

I hope I haven't overstepped the mark with any of my comments and questions and totally accept it if no one wants to provide answers. Hope you guys can keep smiling and enjoy the rest of your day - I am off to bed in a minute. - Smile and love the fact that we're alive and have the chance to enjoy life! You only get one chance so enjoy yourselves and make it worth it!

Good night.

posted 04-28-2003 10:19 PM            

No gruges against anybody. I think I'm different from some of the people here because I never received a rock-bottom education. I never had to steal money or do anything too degrading (the worst was just long, panicked, time-wasting searches for crumbs after finishing the last hit). To tell the truth, I was dealing (weed mostly) and made more money, overall, than I lost. My crack habit prolly lasted less than 6 months and as soon as I started losing money and control, I made the decision to bail. Maybe that is why I don't think this drug is a big a deal as others. I don't crave cocaine anymore and I definitely feel a whole lot better now that I'm without it. I haven't done any drugs for a few days, and I think the key for me (becuz I'm still young and gotta have fun) is that I don't buy any more drugs and not to hold onto anything myself. If someone's offering a few drinks (or a few lines) at a party, I think I'll be alright, especially after what I've been through. It's hard not to make that sound like the stupidest thing anyone's heard.

posted 04-29-2003 08:36 AM            

Glad to hear you feeling recovered. By the sounds of things you did very well to get off Crack before it drew you too far in, and hence rebuilding your life is going to be a lot easier because you have lost a lot less.

I know what you mean when you say 'you could have a few lines at a party' but not pay for it...but just watch it, cos one of two things could happen - A you get drawn back in cos you try it again after a while and it feels so good that you wish it could be like it was so you take more...and it never works. Or with money and drugs, and peoples attitudes ... people can be a bit weird about it, and you definitely want to be free loading off people, and have to pay them back, because this is usually invariable in drugs IE you couldnt say I'll give you five dollars to cover the lines, as they would most probably say forget about it, just give us a line next time you've got some, because this is the whole bartar system of the drug world!

Anyway your doing great so keep it up!

Have you finished with the H?

posted 04-29-2003 11:07 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Healthyhealer:
Hey guys just a few comments on recent posts.

And one last thing to anyone - you say when he has 10 dollars he spends it on crack, but how much does that buy him, how many hits do you get off that, and how long does that amount last?

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Where I live $10 would buy you about 1 hit of that crap, maybe 2 if you were lucky and the high would last about 5 minutes. UGH. On an average night I could easily spend $300 and not bat a eye. Sick, huh?

posted 04-29-2003 12:21 PM            

I understand what you are saying, and I can certainly feel your anger. But I do think it might be productive to help your ex husband in some ways. I respect that you dont have time to babysit him, but taking his money will help him and it will mean he wont buy any. In the long term this will do him you, your kids and everyone directly affected the world of good. That is your son's father, and he must hate him, but if you give him the opportunity and try and help him get off crack, maybe he can make it up to your boy...just maybe someday. The guy is obviously weeked, and reached his rock bottom but I would like to believe that everyone can be saved.

posted 04-30-2003 01:07 AM            

MDMA is the true chemichal make up of ecxtasy, there are many variations......MDA, MDE.

posted 05-02-2003 06:40 AM            

Not to sound too much like an overbearing parent or anxious in any, but we haven't heard from Robin for a while....well a few hours at least - perhaps a day! Anyway I hope your ok hun. What have you been up to? Have you heard from that guy? Did you see the advice on the other thread about saying your father was a cop! Excellent idea whoever it was who thought of that!

Anyway hope all is ok, I think it should be, the last we heard you were doing very well.