Cocaine and crack are both very powerful addictive stimulants. Both are derived from the coca plant but they differ in their physical properties, the way they are used, their effects and potency. It is important to understand the difference between crack and cocaine and the risks that both can pose.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a central nervous stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America. Cocaine is generally used in its powdered form, which is water soluble and can be snorted, ingested (eaten) or dissolved and injected. This powdered form of cocaine is a hydrochloride salt. Powdered cocaine, which may also be known as cocaine hydrochloride, cannot be smoked effectively as the chemical composition breaks down at high temperatures.
Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) and also affects reward and reinforcement mechanisms in the brain. Short-term effects of cocaine can include:
- Euphoria
- Increased energy
- Increased confidence
- Increased heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
- Suppressed appetite
Long-term effects of using cocaine can include:
- Dependency
- Damage to the heart
- Mood swings
- Poor sleeping patterns
- Impotence
- Malnutrition due to suppressed appetite
- Mental health issues
What Is Crack Cocaine?
Crack cocaine, often also referred to as simply crack, is a derivative of powdered cocaine that can also be smoked. It is made by dissolving the powdered cocaine in a mixture of water and ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), then boiling until a solid substance forms.
This substance is typically sold and used in small lumps, commonly referred to as rocks. It has a different physical structure from cocaine hydrochloride that enables crack to be smoked. This also provides an immediate and stronger high, which is why people often seek out crack cocaine.
Crack cocaine can produce the same effects as powdered cocaine, but it tends to be more potent, so these effects can be amplified. Because the rush is both very intense and short-lasting, it is also very addictive.
Crack vs. Cocaine: Key Differences
As crack is itself a type or derivation of cocaine, crack vs cocaine effects are largely a matter of strength and potency.
Some of the key differences between crack and powdered cocaine include:
- Chemical form: cocaine or cocaine hydrochloride comes in a white powder. Crack cocaine comes in solid crystalline ‘rocks’ which tend to be a ‘dirty’ off-white or yellow.
- Method of use: Powdered cocaine tends to be taken nasally (snorted), although it can be dissolved and injected intravenously, or even eaten. Crack cocaine is almost always smoked.
- Speed of effect: Crack produces an immediate and intense high, whereas cocaine tends to take a little longer to take effect.
- Duration of high: Powdered cocaine has relatively short-term effects compared to many other drugs, but still tends to last longer than crack. Crack is generally described as having a shorter but more intense effect.
- Addiction potential: Both forms of the drug are highly addictive, but crack tends to be even more so due to its potency and rapid absorption into the bloodstream.
The Dangers and Health Risks of Crack and Cocaine
Using any cocaine is dangerous. The stimulant effects can raise blood pressure and potentially trigger cardiovascular effects, including heart failure. Cocaine use can lead to unpredictable behaviour, with poor decision-making and potentially aggressive or confrontational behaviour. Long-term use can lead to a large number of issues, including cardiovascular disease, mental health issues and addiction.
The crack cocaine dangers are similar to those of powdered cocaine, but can be more severe due to the increased potency of this form of the drug. There is an increased risk of overdose and of sudden serious effects like heart failure.
Studies have shown a higher incidence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, paranoia and psychosis. Crack users have a higher number and intensity of symptoms, and aggression and violence are also associated more with crack than with cocaine powder. This may be related to the intensity of drug use rather than the form it takes, but crack users may also be more intensive users than powdered cocaine users.
Smoking crack can also cause additional damage to the cardiovascular system and lungs, including the serious and potentially fatal condition colloquially known as ‘crack lung’. It is worth noting that there is no safe way to take cocaine, with snorting affecting the nose and throat and intravenous use causing potential damage to the veins and increasing the risk of infection.
Why Is Crack Considered More Addictive?
So, how addictive is crack vs cocaine? It should be remembered that any type of cocaine is highly addictive, but crack cocaine is generally considered to be more addictive than powder cocaine.
The reason for this is due to the intense but brief high that this form of cocaine provides. The short-term effect often leaves users chasing the high, and compulsive use can occur very quickly – in some cases, the first time an individual tries crack cocaine. The intensity causes short and long-term changes in the brain, affecting the pleasure and reward centres. It can quickly get to the point where crack is the only thing that causes pleasure.
At the same time, users can start to develop a tolerance to crack cocaine, meaning they need to use more of it for the same effect.
Treatment for Crack and Cocaine Addiction
There are a number of different approaches to crack and cocaine addiction treatment. A supervised detox can help you get over the initial phases, along with unpleasant and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Counselling and therapies such as group therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help individuals break free from addiction by addressing the psychological aspects of addiction and the root causes of substance misuse.
At Asana Lodge, we can provide a holistic treatment programme combining these approaches, alongside relapse prevention sessions, alternative therapies and dual diagnosis treatment for co-existing mental health issues.
Crack cocaine is generally considered to be more addictive and harmful than powdered cocaine, but both can be very dangerous and require professional treatment as soon as possible.
Get Support for Addiction Today
If you’re worried about your own cocaine use or that of a loved one, get in touch to find out how we can help. Call us on 01908 489 421 today.
