Is Crack and Cocaine the Same?

Cocaine is highly addictive, a potent illegal drug that comes in the form of a white powder. It’s derived from dried leaves of the coca plant in South America, and it has become a commonly abused drug. A National Household Survey on Drug Abuse estimated that nearly 28 million Americans 12 and older have used some form of cocaine at least once. While it was originally used as an anesthetic, it is no longer used for medical purposes. It has instead become an illicit drug that is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. But how is it different from other forms of this substance, including crack, a different form of cocaine that an estimated 6 million Americans 12 and older have used at least once? And is crack and cocaine the same? The answer is no, though they are closely related — and both are very addictive and harmful to your health.

What Is the Difference Between Crack and Cocaine?

As previously stated, cocaine is a white powder from the dried leaves of the coca plant. If you’re wondering is crack and cocaine the same, it’s important to understand how crack is made and what makes it different. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, crack cocaine rose to prominence as a drug of abuse in the mid-1980s because it immediately produces a high and it’s easy and cheap to manufacture. To make crack, manufacturers dissolve powdered cocaine into a mixture of water and ammonia or baking soda, and the mixture is boiled until it forms a solid substance. Once the solid is removed from the liquid, it’s broken into chunks, often called “rocks,” and sold as crack to be smoked.

While powdered cocaine is most often snorted or inhaled through the nose, it can also be injected after dissolving in water. Crack, on the other hand, is smoked in a pipe, quickly bringing large quantities of the drug into the user’s lungs and causing an immediate sense of euphoria and energy. 

No matter its form, cocaine is extremely addictive and dangerous because of the harm it can cause to users’ mental and physical health. Crack cocaine includes the same risks as powdered cocaine, such as increased temperature, rapid heartbeat, and elevated blood pressure, as well as additional risks like respiratory problems, lung trauma, and bleeding. Another frightening fact about crack cocaine is it can make users aggressive or paranoid.

Are There Withdrawals from Crack?

The high from crack is very brief, lasting only 15 minutes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Still, it can remain in the user’s system for as long as three days. Because crack and cocaine, in general, cause changes to our brains, especially how we process and produce dopamine, people will quickly begin to feel unmotivated, depressed, and unable to feel pleasure without the drug — and that can very often lead to addiction. Once someone is dependent on crack, they will experience powerful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit. Withdrawal symptoms can include muscle tremors, headaches and pains, fatigue, and difficulty thinking or remembering things. In addition, people will feel powerful cravings to use more crack to feel better again, and that means many people who attempt to quit cold turkey without help will quickly relapse. There are many risks associated with cocaine use, and addiction is one of the main concerns.

 

How Long Do Cocaine Withdrawals Last?

Cocaine withdrawal can begin very shortly after stopping use of the drug, according to MedlinePlus, with symptoms including:

• Agitation.
• Depression.
• Fatigue.
• Discomfort.
• Increased appetite.
• Vivid dreams.
• Powerful cravings for more cocaine.
• Suicidal thoughts.

While cocaine will leave a person’s system within a few days, the depression and cravings that withdrawal causes can last for months, according to MedlinePlus.

How to Treat a Cocaine Overdose

Is crack and cocaine the same? No, but they carry many of the same risks — including the potential of causing fatal overdoses. Before we explain what to do in the event of a cocaine overdose, let’s explore the symptoms of overdose, according to the Cleveland Clinic:

• Delirium or hallucinations.
• Seizures.
• Overheating.
• Irregular heartbeat or chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing or coughing up blood.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a cocaine overdose, immediate medical help is needed to try to prevent death or major medical problems. The best way to prevent a cocaine overdose is to not use cocaine because most overdoses are unintentional, and it’s hard to know the exact dosage of what you’re using or if the drug has been laced with other substances like fentanyl.

Get Help With Crack and Cocaine Addiction at WhiteSands Treatment

Crack and cocaine are not the same, but they are closely related, and both are dangerous and highly addictive drugs. Because of how it interacts with and changes our brains, cocaine usage can very quickly lead to addiction — and trying to quit on your own can be quite difficult because of the powerful cravings and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms you experience when you stop using the drug. If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine or crack addiction, WhiteSands Treatment can help. We offer a full continuum of addiction treatment services in Florida, including medical detox to help you safely and more comfortably get through withdrawal systems, as well as inpatient and outpatient cocaine addiction treatment programs, alternative treatments, and ongoing support and assistance after treatment through our aftercare program. We can help you get on the road to recovery. Take the first step today by calling us at 877-855-3470.

External Sources

• National Drug Intelligence Center — Powdered Cocaine Fast Facts
• National Drug Intelligence Center — Crack Cocaine Fast Facts
• Cleveland Clinic — Cocaine (Crack)
• Medline Plus — Cocaine Withdrawal

 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.