How Does Crack Affect the Liver?

Question by Amanda: How does crack affect the liver?

Best answer:

Answer by Mags
“Researchers have found that the human liver combines cocaine and alcohol to produce a third substance, cocaethylene, which intensifies cocaine’s euphoric effects. Cocaethylene is associated with a greater risk of sudden death than cocaine alone”
http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/cocaine.html

Cocaine abuse can lead to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a more severe inflammatory form of fatty liver disease. Untreated it can lead to more serious issues.
http://www.hgexperts.com/article.asp?id=7281
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/DS00577/DSECTION=symptoms

We also know that cocaine use can affect the cardio-vascular system. As blood flow (oxygen flow) to the vital organs is reduced this in turn can promote ischemic damage or hepatic ischemia which affects the chemical balance of the liver and the enzymes it produces.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000214.htm

Don’t forget that poor blood/oxygen flow will also affect the intestinal tract and that can lead to necrotic bowel,

It is impossible to provide a complete answer because we have no idea what was used to make this crack. Baking soda is the most common base for crack but there are cheaper bases and other adulterants which can be added to extend it. So there can be other risks not only from the additives but also from shared pipe exposure as well. Hepatitis B & C and HIV/AIDS are just some of the possible exposures if injected rather than smoked.

Beautiful minds
The institute reported a surge in spending on drugs to treat the central nervous system, such as drugs to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression. Among teenagers …. It is a wicked form of child abuse. Childrens' minds …
Read more on The Economist (blog)

More Crack Cocaine Abuse Symptoms Information…