What type of drug is crack?

Crack is classified as a stimulant because it is a form of cocaine that is processed to create a solid and smokable substance. Stimulants increase activity in the brain and body, leading to heightened energy, alertness, and feelings of euphoria. This heightened state is due to the way crack cocaine interacts with the central nervous system, particularly by increasing the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Other drug classifications such as opioids, depressants, and hallucinogens have distinct effects that are different from those of stimulants. Opioids typically provide pain relief and relaxation, depressants open the door to calming effects and reduction in anxiety, and hallucinogens alter perception and can lead to visual or auditory experiences that differ from reality. In contrast, the primary effects of crack cocaine are those of heightened energy and alertness characteristic of stimulants, reinforcing its classification.