STDs and Crack

There are a number of factors that connect the use of crack to the transmission of STDs.  First, cocaine use is frequently perceived to heighten the intensity of orgasm.  Second, prostitutes frequently use cocaine and other drugs, often to numb their shame of their work, or to numb the memories of sexual and physical abuse they have experienced.  Use of cocaine is associated with the ‘partying’ experience many prostitutes are selling with their sexual services.  Third, many compulsive cocaine and crack users have exhausted all other sources of funds to buy cocaine except for selling their sexual services.  Many addicts, clinically depressed and low in self-esteem, are indifferent to their own health and lack either the inclination to use condoms or the money to buy them. 

Crack burns at a very high temperature, and, therefore, common symptoms of frequent crack use include burns and sores on the lips, tender skin in the mouth and possibly inflamed and irritated lungs and throat.  Such wounds, sores and irritation ease the transmission of infectious agents. 

Crack, like other stimulants, can suppress appetite and induce insomnia, leading to malnutrition and exhaustion.  Stimulants also weaken the immune system of users, which can be a problem for HIV sufferers.  “Crack houses” tend to be enclosed, unventilated and dirty, making the incidence of tuberculosis higher among crack users than the general population.  Studies have documented an increased level of unprotected sexual activity of all types among crack smokers.  All of these factors put crack smokers at increased risk of various infections.  Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, and to a lesser extent syphilis and herpes, show much higher rates among crack users than the general public. 

A related health issue for crack users is that many are caught and imprisoned.  It is a fact that in prison the rates of Hepatitis C, TB, HIV/AIDS and other STDs are significantly higher.

http://canadianharmreduction.com/readmore/facts_crack2.pdf

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