Crack vs. Cocaine

Deaths involving cocaine and similar drugs continue to increase. In 2017, among over 70,000 drug overdose deaths, nearly a third or 23,139 involved cocaine and other psychostimulants. Those seeking cocaine addiction treatment in California should consider Serenity Lodge. Our staff strives to educate clients regarding the danger of substance abuse. For example, it’s important to understand the difference between crack vs. cocaine.

Crack vs. Cocaine

Pure cocaine powder is hydrochloride salt, while crack cocaine is made with cocaine powder, water and baking soda or another substance. To produce crack, those who manufacture it boil cocaine and baking soda or other substances. Once a solid forms and cools, the crack is broken in pieces that are sold illicitly. So, now you know the difference between crack vs. cocaine.

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The name “crack” comes from the popping sound made when the product is heated and smoked. This highly concentrated form of cocaine has a high rate of addiction. You can even become addicted after one dose.

The Differences Between Crack vs. Cocaine

The appearance of crack vs. cocaine vary dramatically. Cocaine comes in a white powder and crack comes in the form of crystals or rocks that are tan, white or other colors. The way you use the two drugs also differs. While users snort cocaine, they smoke crack. When someone injects or smokes cocaine, it produces an intense high. Meanwhile, snorted cocaine takes longer to produce a high but the effect lasts longer.

Crack vs. cocaine produce different effects on the human body. Snorted cocaine impacts the body 1-5 minutes after ingestion, peaks within 30 minutes and subsides with 2 hours. Crack cocaine takes effect in less than a minute, culminates within 5 minutes, and lasts up to one hour. Additionally, injected cocaine follows the same pattern as crack but isn’t the most common form of use.

Who Uses Crack and Cocaine?

Cocaine is expensive, so crack provides a cheaper source for those buying it off the street. This makes it a drug of choice among lower-income users. These people want an opportunity to get high for less money. Starting in the 1980s, crack use became an epidemic in poorer communities. Those with higher incomes tend to favor powdered cocaine.

Whether you used crack or cocaine, you can receive help from our men’s addiction treatment program or our women’s addiction treatment program. Don’t let addiction control define your life. Our medical drug detox program provides the support of professional staff and a structured environment that helps prevent a relapse.

What Are the Effects and Risks of Using Crack?

The purity of the cocaine used to make crack varies and determines the result of smoking it. This leads to wildly unpredictable results.

The impacts of crack use include:

  • Euphoria
  • Heightened alertness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dilated pupils
  • Intense cravings
  • Increased heart rate

When you smoke crack, these effects take place quickly. This is partly due to the fact that crack moves through the lungs into the bloodstream and to the brain within 15 seconds. You face a very high risk of an overdose, which can lead to convulsions, a coma or even death. Rapid heart rate and hyperventilation signal an overdose. Symptoms of crack or cocaine use include restlessness, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, mood changes and depression.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms of crack vs. cocaine are similar. Both are highly addictive and the severity of withdrawal depends on the purity of the cocaine and the amount consumed.

Common withdraw symptoms include:

  • Agitation
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Intense cravings
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Nausea
  • Muscle pain
  • Extreme fatigue

Cocaine and Crack Addiction Center in Lake Arrowhead, CA

This article covers the dangers of using crack vs. cocaine. If you are suffering from a substance abuse addiction in Lake Arrowhead, CA, hope and help are close at hand at Serenity Lodge. Call us at [Direct] to discuss your options for inpatient or outpatient rehab and recovery.

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