Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that is a powerful and addictive drug of abuse. It comes in two primary forms: a fine white powder and a solid crystal-like substance known as crack cocaine.
This article discusses the differences between crack cocaine and cocaine. You will learn:
- What cocaine is
- What crack cocaine is
- The long-term effects of cocaine
- Signs of cocaine addiction
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that comes from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America.[1] The drug is known for its effects on the central nervous system, where it can increase energy, alertness, and euphoria. Cocaine use can be dangerous and addictive, with risks including cardiovascular problems, mental health issues, and severe physical dependence.
It typically appears as a white powder or a solid crystal known as “crack” cocaine, which is smoked. Cocaine interferes with the brain’s normal communication by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters like dopamine, leading to an intense but short-lived high.
Because of its potential for abuse and serious health risks, cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug in many countries, meaning it’s recognized for having a high potential for addiction and abuse, with limited medical uses.
Rates of cocaine abuse have increased in the U.S. over the last decade. Nearly 1.7 million people abused cocaine in 2021-2022.[2]
What is Crack Cocaine?
Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine that appears as small, solid rock crystals, usually white or off-white. It is created by processing cocaine and is typically smoked. It gets its name from the popping or crackling noise it makes when heated.
Crack cocaine is made by mixing powdered cocaine with a small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water. The mixture is heated, usually in a pot or pan, until a solid substance forms. As it cools down, it forms solid, rock-like crystals.
When people use crack, they heat the rock and inhale the resulting vapor. This method causes the drug to enter the bloodstream quickly, leading to an immediate and intense euphoria.[3] However, this high fades rapidly, which can drive users to repeatedly use the drug to sustain the feeling, potentially leading to dangerous patterns of excessive use.
In 2021, almost 1 million people aged 12 and older used crack cocaine within the past year.[4]
Key Differences Between Crack and Cocaine
Crack and cocaine produce similar side effects, such as increased heart rate, euphoria, increased energy, pupil dilation, restlessness, and anxiety. However, there are a few key differences between the two substances.
Legal Status
While cocaine is still legally used for certain medical purposes such as an anesthetic, it is most commonly abused illegally.
Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970, cocaine is classified as a Schedule II substance.[5] This means it is subject to strict regulations regarding its manufacturing, distribution, and possession. It is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess cocaine.
Initially, the CSA did not differentiate between cocaine and crack cocaine. However, due to a nationwide “crack epidemic” in the 1980s, the law later introduced harsher mandatory minimum sentences for crack cocaine offenses. This legislature disproportionately affected Black Americans.
In 2010, the Fair Sentencing Act reduced the disparity in penalties between crack and powder cocaine offenses. Further changes came in 2018 with the First Step Act which removed the mandatory minimum sentence for simple possession of crack cocaine.[6]
Chemical Makeup
From a pharmacological perspective, cocaine and crack are essentially the same drug. Cocaine exists in two main forms: cocaine hydrochloride, which is the white powder, and crack, which is made by mixing this powder with ammonia or baking soda and water. The mixture is then heated to eliminate the hydrochloride, leaving behind a solid, rock-like substance known as crack.
Method of Administration
Powder cocaine is usually snorted, but it can also be injected for a more intense and quicker high, though this high doesn’t last as long as it does when snorted. It can also be absorbed into the bloodstream by rubbing it on the gums.
Crack cocaine is typically smoked, a method also known as freebasing. Smoking crack produces a very intense euphoric “rush” almost immediately, but this rush only lasts for a few minutes. Both smoking crack and injecting dissolved powder cocaine create a quick, powerful high that fades rapidly. In contrast, when powder cocaine is snorted or rubbed on the gums, the effects take longer to start because the drug is absorbed more slowly through the nasal tissues or gums.
The method of using cocaine affects how long its effects last. Smoking crack cocaine produces a faster onset of effects, but snorting powdered cocaine lasts longer. Smoking and injecting cocaine produce the most intense effects for about 10 and 20 minutes. On the other hand, the effects of cocaine that is snorted usually last about 45 to 60 minutes.
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine abuse in any form is dangerous to your mental and physical health. Some of the most common adverse effects of cocaine are anxiety, erratic behaviors, and even aggression or violence. In the long term, cocaine can affect the neurological and cardiovascular systems.
Potential long-term effects of cocaine abuse include:[1,7]
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Cardiovascular failure
- Damage to the nasal cavity from snorting
- Lung damage from smoking
- Chronic runny nose
- Loss of sense of smell
- Respiratory problems such as persistent cough or shortness of breath
- Poor decision making
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Addiction to crack or cocaine is characterized by the same symptoms. Symptoms of addiction include:
- Using more cocaine or using it for a longer time than initially planned
- Consistently attempting and failing to reduce or stop cocaine use
- Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from cocaine
- Experiencing strong cravings or urges to use cocaine
- Neglecting work, school, or home responsibilities because of cocaine use
- Continuing to use cocaine despite ongoing interpersonal or social issues caused by it
- Giving up important social, work, or recreational activities due to cocaine use
- Using cocaine in risky or dangerous situations
- Persisting with cocaine use even though it has caused or worsened physical or mental health problems
- Developing a tolerance to cocaine, requiring larger amounts for the same effect or experiencing reduced effects with the same amount
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping cocaine use
If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction, please reach out to First Step Behavioral Health today to explore your treatment options.
Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
There are many treatment options available for those struggling with cocaine addiction. Treatment typically begins with detox, during which medical professionals will monitor your symptoms and prescribe medications to alleviate your withdrawal symptoms.
After detox, cocaine rehab consists of group therapy, individual therapy, mental health treatment, and relapse prevention. Behavioral therapies used may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). Treatment may also include aftercare, support groups, and sober living.
First Step Behavioral Health’s cocaine rehab in Florida provides the drug addiction treatment and support that clients need to begin their journey to long-term recovery. Personalized cocaine addiction treatment plans allow clients to get the targeted help they need to create healthier routines, improve their mental health, and reduce the risk of relapse.
To learn more about our treatment programs or to get started with a confidential assessment, please contact us today.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cocaine
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime: Global Report on Cocaine 2023
- BMC Public Health: Factors associated with crack-cocaine early initiation: a Brazilian multicenter study
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Drug Scheduling
- United States Sentencing Commission: The First Step Act of 2018: One Year of Implementation
- National Institute of Health: Health outcomes associated with crack-cocaine use: Systematic review and meta-analyses
