Ep 2. High on Crack

Drugged is a thrilling documentary series that delves into the mind-bending world of drugs. Season 2 Episode 2 of the show is entitled "High on Crack" and it is an eye-opening exploration of what happens inside the body when individuals take crack cocaine.

The episode starts off by introducing the audience to crack cocaine, a highly addictive drug that can turn regular people into addicted zombies. The show is hosted by Dr. Linda K. Franks, a leading drug expert who has been studying drugs for decades. Dr. Franks explains that crack is a powerful stimulant that affects the brain's reward system, triggering a sudden rush of pleasure that can quickly lead to addiction.

The show then interviews various users of crack cocaine to shed light on how this drug affects them. Some users claim that they feel invincible and hyper-alert when they smoke crack, while others describe feeling paranoid and anxious. The show highlights how these different experiences of crack use can be attributed to the way the drug interacts with different individuals' neurochemistry.

Using cutting-edge imaging technology, the episode offers a visual journey of the path crack takes in the body, from the moment of ingestion to the drug's effects on different regions of the brain. The show explains that once crack enters the bloodstream, it quickly travels to the brain, where it binds to specific receptors and causes a surge of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.

The show also highlights the disturbing consequences of long-term crack use, such as paranoia, psychosis, and neurotoxicity. Dr. Franks explains how crack cocaine directly damages the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for rational decision-making, judgment, and impulse control. This can lead to poor decision-making, risk-taking, and impulsive behavior that can cause havoc in the lives of users and those around them.

The episode also sheds light on the challenges of treating crack addiction. The show interviews several clinicians who explain that crack addiction can be very difficult to treat, partly because the drug quickly rewires the brain's reward system, making it almost impossible for addicts to function normally without relying on the drug. The show highlights different treatment options, from traditional talk therapy to newer, cutting-edge interventions such as neurofeedback and brain stimulation.

Towards the end of the episode, the show highlights some of the more uplifting stories of individuals who have successfully overcome crack addiction. The episode emphasizes that although crack addiction can be extremely challenging, it is possible to recover and maintain long-term sobriety with the right support and treatment.

Overall, Drugged season 2 episode 2 is a fascinating, thought-provoking, and informative exploration of the complex world of crack cocaine and its effects on the human body and mind. With the help of cutting-edge technology and expert insights, the show offers a compelling look into the science behind drug addiction and the challenges of treating it. Whether you are a drug user, an addiction specialist, or simply curious about how drugs affect the brain, this episode is sure to leave you with a deeper understanding of the effects of crack cocaine.