Crack Cocaine Addiction

Crack cocaine is considered a popular drug due to its nature as a relatively affordable substance with a powerful, fast-acting high. This makes crack cocaine a desirable drug for many users, but what are the effects of using this substance? What makes it so different from its powder counterpart? What are the signs of crack cocaine addiction, and what methods of rehabilitation are available for dependency? Hello

Crack cocaine vs cocaine: What’s the difference?

Cocaine, derived from the Erythroxylum coca plant native to South and Latin America, holds deep roots in Andean cultural rituals and medical traditions. The substance is crafted by drying and powdering the leaves of this plant, ultimately yielding what is known as powder cocaine.

Crack cocaine sets itself apart from its powdered counterpart through its unique structure, involving an additional manufacturing step. To create crack cocaine, powder cocaine undergoes a dissolving process, commonly using a mixture of solvents like ammonia, sodium bicarbonate, and water.

During this process, the cocaine will ‘split’ into two different forms: a solid and a liquid. The solid form can be easily removed and then dried. These dry pieces can then be split (or ‘cracked) into smaller pieces that are often referred to as ‘rocks’. The resulting rocks are crack cocaine, which its distinctive crystalline structure can identify.

Methods of use

Whereas powder cocaine is usually snorted (although it can also be used orally, by inhalation, or by injection), crack cocaine is typically smoked. People may choose different methods of use for a variety of reasons. This can mean that the ease of each method of use (as well as the risk of certain methods) is frequently considered.

Other factors may play into this, such as personal preference and which methods are popular among different demographics. Another significant facet of this is that some modes of use kick in faster than others. Similarly, you may find that the high you experience lasts longer with some methods than with others.

• Injecting cocaine: takes 10 to 15 seconds to feel high; effects can last for 5 to 15 minutes
• Smoking cocaine: takes 10 to 15 seconds to feel high, effects can last for 5 to 15 minutes
• Snorting cocaine: takes 1 to 3 minutes to feel high; effects can last for 15 to 30 minutes
• Orally use of cocaine: takes 1 to 3 minutes to feel high, effects can last for 15 to 30 minutes

There is a causal relationship between the length of time it takes for a drug to kick in and the intensity of the high. As smoking means crack cocaine gets into the bloodstream sooner, the drug is absorbed faster than if it were snorted. This means that the rapid bursts of high achieved through smoking crack cocaine can be very addictive.

How serious is addiction to crack cocaine?

Higher drug consumption, including crack cocaine, is linked to increased risk. Although scientists are still investigating potential differences between crack and powder cocaine, statistics indicate that crack cocaine has a greater abuse liability, propensity for dependence, and more severe consequences than its powder counterpart.

In 2021, The Office for National Statistics reported a tenth consecutive yearly increase in cocaine-related deaths, encompassing both crack and powder cocaine overdoses. Crack addiction is often linked to polydrug use, with a significant number of individuals also using other substances. Reports suggest that crack use is visibly rising among existing heroin users in the UK. Both crack and heroin are associated with stubborn addiction and pose a high likelihood of socioeconomic, health, and personal difficulties, emphasising the heightened concern when these substances are used concurrently.

How does it affect the body?