Crack, the street name given to a solid form of cocaine, is quickly becoming a serious problem in Germany.

Its looks harmless enough, like light-colored rock candy, which is why users call it "white" or "stones." When heated to 96 degrees Celsius (205 degrees Fahrenheit), it crackles, hence the name. The mixture of cocaine, baking soda and water delivers a "kick" in less than 10 seconds, faster than any other drug.

Crack is extremely addictive and can be devastating for those who use it.

"Crack is smokable cocaine that delivers a kick. When used on consecutive days, it can produce psychotic states," said social worker Michael Harbaum.

Harbaum has worked at the Düsseldorfer Drogenhilfe (Dusseldorf Drugs Help Center) in western Germany for the last 20 years. His first job there was running the drug consumption room, where illicit drugs can be used under the supervision of trained staff.

He now manages the center and has seen the number of people using crack in the drug consumption room skyrocket from a few hundred in 2017 to more than 31,000 in 2023.

"Crack has a very powerful effect. It acts very fast, but it also wears off very fast. So, people feel a pressure to consume it again very quickly," said Harbaum.

"This is a very dangerous situation. Just imagine the substance being consumed every half hour. That leaves barely any recovery time –– no time to eat or care for hygiene."

Germany saw almost 2,000........

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