How to reduce harm when using crack cocaine
Injecting crack cocaine can lead to serious vein damage. While using crack cocaine will always carry risk, you can reduce harm by smoking it (which is how it’s usually taken) or putting it up your bum.
Smoking it off foil (chasing)
Smoking crack is the most effective way to use it and it gives the most similar high to injecting.
You need a small, square piece of foil and a straw (tooter) to inhale the smoke through.
Foil is available free in some needle and syringe services.
Watch how to make a foil straw
Step 1
Fold the foil in half then open it up again so that it’s V-shaped.
Step 2
Put a small rock in the middle of the foil.
Step 3
Hold the foil in one hand and, with the straw in your mouth, heat the rock from below with a lighter.
Step 4
When the rock turns liquid, inhale the vapour through the straw.
Things to bear in mind
Use your own straw to help prevent the spread of BBVs like hep B, hep C and HIV. You can get clean equipment from any substance use service and many pharmacies.
Smoking it in a pipe
You’ll need a pipe, some steel or brass gauzes (screens) and a thin stick for poking the gauzes into the pipe.
A glass pipe is best for smoking crack because it doesn’t get too hot.
- Pack about 4 or 5 metal gauzes into one end of the pipe with the stick
- Make a dimple in the last gauze to hold the rock
- Gently heat the rock with a lighter until it all melts into the gauze
- Heat the gauze with the tip of the lighter flame and inhale the vapour (tip your head back slightly so no liquid runs out of the end)
- Rotate the pipe as you heat to make sure you get all the liquid
Watch how to make a safer crack pipe
Things to bear in mind
Smoking crack will damage your lungs. Get medical advice if your breathing gets painful or difficult.
A straight glass pipe (A straight shooter) is best for smoking crack because it doesn’t get too hot.
- Metal, and in particular plastic pipes, can give of more damaging fumes
- You can damage your mouth, throat and lungs by using wire wool in a pipe, as small pieces of hot steel can break off
- Other items can give off dangerous fumes when heated, such as plastic and coated aluminium
Use your own straw to help prevent the spread of BBVs like hep B, hep C and HIV. You can get clean equipment from any substance use service and many pharmacies.
Putting it up your bum
The inside of your bum (anus) has a good blood supply. That means anything you put up there gets into your bloodstream quickly.
To take crack via your bum:
- Get it ready in the barrel as though you were going to inject
- Take the needle off
- Lie on your side and apply lubricant, as this will help to reduce the risk of tears
- Put the tip of the barrel about an inch into your bum and push the plunger – you’re aiming for just inside the rim
- Remove the barrel and stay lying down for at least 30 seconds
- Wash your hands with soap and water
Having a bathroom nearby may be helpful in case you need the toilet.
