Summary of Journal Article and its Significance. Crack is a form of cocaine, created by “mixing cocaine crystal or powder... with water and baking soda or sodium bicarbonate (Smart, 1991, p.13).” The produced remains of the drug could then be readily burned and smoked through cigarettes or special pipes. Based from the review of a wide range of valid studies, there is prevalent use of crack among high-risk or known drug-using groups; one study indicated 96% of street youths implicated in crime and drugs in Miami use crack profoundly (Smart, 1991, p.13). These crack users are typically young males and females, and many of the users have undergone domestic violence and extreme depression. Additionally, crack users also abuse other forms of drugs such as marijuana and alcohol (Smart, 1991, p.13). The study concludes that crack users experience adverse physical, psychological, neurological, and behavioral effects such as muscle weakness, seizures, stroke, hemorrhage, paranoia, extreme depression, and violent actions (Smart, 1991, p.13). Likewise, maternal cocaine abuse leads to premature development of the fetus, low birth weight, and increased abnormalities in the infant (Smart, 1991, p.13).
The journal article provided important information for the parents or friends of crack users who could prevent them from continued crack abuse or could support them through rehabilitation and professional assistance. Also, these data are beneficial for potential abusers of crack, specifically the youth, since they are now conscious of the countless negative effects of the drug. Lastly, although current programs exist to educate the public about drug abuse and its effects, there are no sufficient projects that are specifically focused on crack abuse. Hence, the data presented in the article could serve as a wake-up call for the government and the concerned authority to generate effective programs in academes or communities where there is prevalent crack abuse.
0 comments:
Post a Comment