Wandsworth Drug Action Team (DAT)

THE FACTS: Crack
Sometimes called Stones, Bones, Pebbles, Scud, Rock, Wash, Freebase.

What it looks like:
Comes in the form of small off-white 'rocks ' or lumps.

How it's used:
Smoked in an ordinary pipe or heated in tin foil.

The effects:
Crack has the same short-lived effects as cocaine but they're much stronger. Feeling alert and energetic, feeling confident and powerful. Craving (more and more is needed to get the same effect). Aching head and body, feeling irritable, increased breathing rate, raised blood pressure and heart rate. Sleeplessness, tiredness and depression.

The risks:
Craving more crack makes it a very expensive habit and this can lead to debt or turning to crime to pay for it.
Smoking Crack can damage the lungs and make breathing difficult.
Overdosing on crack can lead to heart failure.

The law:
Crack as a form of cocaine is classified as a Class A drug. Having or using Cocaine can lead to 7 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Supplying Cocaine (which includes passing it on to a friend) is punishable by up to life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
Getting a criminal record can make it more difficult to travel abroad or get certain jobs.

For information, support, advice or someone to talk to about drugs, call: WDP (Wandsworth Drugs Project) on 07890 266394.

The Source on (020) 7498 6149 is a service for Crack and Cocaine users aged 17 or over.