What is crack cocaine? It is a combination of powder cocaine, water, and baking soda or other substance. Developers combine all the substances, boil the mixture, and allow it to solidify. Once the solid form has cooled, distributors break it down into smaller pieces and sell it as crack. Regardless of how long an individual has been using crack, a cocaine addiction treatment program can help them with long-term recovery.
The term, crack, refers to the crackling sound the drug produces when a person heats it and smokes it. The main difference between powder cocaine and crack cocaine is that crack is highly concentrated and more addictive. A user can become addicted to crack after inhaling it the first time
The Difference Between Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Although crack contains cocaine, there are some differences between the two drugs, such as:
Cocaine
- Hydrochloride salt in powdered form
- Consume by snorting or injecting
- Takes up to five minutes to feel the effects
- Effects from snorting last 15 to 30 minutes
- Effects from injection last 20 to 60 minutes
- $120 to $150 per 1/8 ounce or 3.5 grams
Crack
- Cocaine mixed with baking soda and water
- Consume by smoking
- The effects are instant
- Effects from smoking last five to ten minutes
- $10 to $25 for 1/10 grams or $40 for 1/4 grams
Cocaine and crack also differ in what cutting agents each contain. Developers may add substances such as glucose, lactose, boric acid, or Ritalin to enhance the drug.
What is Crack Cocaine? The Effects and Risks of the Drug
Crack cocaine can produce a wide range of effects on the brain and body such as:
Euphoric Effects
A person who smokes crack will feel its effects instantly. These effects include euphoria, intense cravings, heightened alertness, increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite.
Overdose Effects
Crack cocaine is a dangerous drug that can cause an overdose within seconds of taking the drug. The drug has been linked to overdose symptoms such as coma, seizures, convulsions, and fatality. A person who experiences overdose symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Withdrawal Symptoms
An addict who stops using crack cold turkey may experience a variety of mild to severe withdrawal symptoms within six to twelve hours of the last hit. Crack withdrawal symptoms may include suicidal thoughts, agitation, muscle pain, intense cravings, fatigue, depression, nausea, or anxiety.
Crack Cocaine in Culture
At $120 to $150 per 1/8 ounce, powder cocaine is expensive to purchase on the streets. As a result, it has often been culturally perceived as the drug of choice for the wealthy. Developers created crack as a cheaper alternative to powder cocaine. Making crack cheaper allowed people of all socioeconomic levels to have access to the drug.
As a result, the demand for crack has skyrocketed in American culture over the last 30 years. According to the National Study on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), over 500,000 people in the U.S. use crack cocaine annually. That number is expected to increase as crack cocaine becomes normalized through various cultural channels.
Treatment for Crack Cocaine
What is crack cocaine? It is a highly addictive substance that is difficult to stop using. A person who finally makes the decision to get off the drug needs to enter a cocaine rehab center in Illinois. A cocaine rehab center offers extensive treatment that includes detox, therapy, and aftercare programs.
Addiction treatment centers provide comprehensive facilities, quality treatment, and caring staff that can help an individual through each stage of recovery. Therapy often includes a combination of evidence-based treatment and holistic care. A therapist works with the client to develop the right treatment plan based on their level of addiction and other needs.
Learn More About Crack Cocaine Treatment
What is crack cocaine? Find out more by contacting a local drug rehab center in Illinois. Substance abuse treatment is available to help you get on the road to recovery.