When something's addictive, it's often said to be "like crack." So what's up with the addictive properties of crack cocaine?

Video Transcription

Male: Crack cocaine offers one of the quickest ties around, which is why it is so popular. So, what’s up with Crack? Female: Crack is a highly addictive and powerful stimulant that is usually smoked. The drug is derived from cocaine and thus the coca plant. Crack is made by dissolving cocaine in a mixture of water and baking soda. The mixture is boiled until a solid forms. The solid is then broken into chunks of crack. After smoking crack, you will experience a very quick high resulting in euphoria. You may feel more alert and more sensitive to your senses of touch, sight and sound. Your heart rate will speed up dramatically and your body temperature will rise. Crack cocaine effects wear off almost as quickly as they start often leaving you extremely depressed within 15 minutes. Because crack causes a rush of the addictive happy neurotransmitter dopamine, users immediately want more when the effects where off. This is why crack is so addictive. Long-term crack use is associated with respiratory and severe cardiovascular problems. Crack is illegal and now you know the real deal with the drug. [Music Playing]