The Differences Between Crack & Cocaine

Crack and cocaine are both derived from the coca plant but differ in formulation, routes of administration, price, and even punitive charges.

Crack and cocaine arehighly addictive stimulant drugsthat are derived from the coca plant found in South America.Cocaine hydrochlorideis the chemical extracted from the leaves of the coca plant and is used to form the base of both cocaine and crack. Because they have the same base ingredient, they share many of thesame short-term side effectssuch as euphoria, increased energy, mental alertness, anxiety, and paranoia.

These sensations are produced in the brain’s reward system pathway and their short-term effects create a high potential for abuse and addiction. Over time, larger amounts of the drug are required to release enough dopamine to elicit the same high.

The Differences Between Crack & Cocaine

Making cocaine from coca leaves is a lengthy process requiring either a solvent, such as kerosene or acid, to extract the cocaine from the leaves. Once the cocaine is separated from the leaves it is then processed further to remove impurities and dried into a powder form known as cocaine hydrochloride, the basic street-form of cocaine. Crack comes from further processing of the cocaine. While the drugs are similar in their origination, there are some key differences between the two.

Cocaine

This powdered, water-soluble form of cocaine can be snorted, rubbed on the gums or dissolved in water, and injected directly into the veins. Depending on theroute of administration, the effects of cocaine can set in quickly. After snorting the drug, the effects can be felt within 3 to 5 minutes with a high lasting for 15 to 30 minutes. When the powdered form is injected intravenously, the high can be felt within 15 to 30 seconds.

Some street dealers cut their products with other substances, such astalcum powder, cornstarch, flour, or baking sodato increase their profits. According to the 2016 Drug Enforcement Administration report, apure gram of cocaine was listed at $141 USD, while street prices for cocaine are around$93 per gram.

Crack

Crack is made when cocaine hydrochloride powder isdissolved in water then mixed with baking soda. This mixture is then heated to remove the hydrochloride leaving behind a concentrated form of cocaine. This results in small, white, irregularly shaped rocks. Sold on the streets, the size of the rocks can vary but usually are around one-tenth to one-half of a gram. Rocks can sell for anywhere from $3 to $50 depending on the size.

Related Topic:What does crack look like

When the substance is smoked, the vapor is inhaled into the lungs and enters the bloodstream almost as quickly as the injected form of cocaine. Crack derives its name from thecrackling sound it makes when smoked. The almost instantaneous high can last anywhere from5 to 10 minutes.

Is Crack Worse Than Cocaine?

A common perception is that cocaine is better or safer to use than crack is. This view is evident based on the numbers of people willing to try the drug from a2017 SAMHSA report:

• Cocaine:40.6 million individuals admitted to at least one use
• Crack:9.6 million individuals admitted to at least one use

The perception is reinforced by the penalties associated with the two drugs. Crack-possession penalties are more severe than cocaine-possession penalties, with aratio of 18 to 1. This imbalance means that 28 grams of crack will receive the same sentence as 500 grams of powdered cocaine. The disparity is highly controversial and often attributed to racial and economic bias rather than the relative harm of crack compared to cocaine.

Regardless of how many people use which drug and what the penalties are for doing so, the truth of the matter is that both drugs are illegal, dangerous and highly addictive. Overdosing is a risk people take when they chose to use either form of the stimulant drug.

Dangers of Mixing Crack & Cocaine

If someone were to consume the two substances around the same time, the onset of symptoms would overlap and increase the chances of anoverdoseoccurring. The effects of each drug are intense, and in many cases, unpredictable.

Both are often cut with other substances, which can dramatically increase the risk of accidental overdose. Other potentialdangerous side effectsinclude:

• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Stroke or sudden cardiac arrest
• Mental health issues like irritability, anxiety, paranoia, and insomnia
• Seizures
• Depression

Statistics on Usage & Production

Although certain populations of South Americans have been chewing on the leaves of the coca plant for over4,000 years, the active ingredient was only introduced to the United States in the 1900s. Its use in tonics, elixirs, toothache drops and even in the early formulation of Coca-Cola exemplified the public’s lack of knowledge concerning this powerfully addictive substance. Now known to negatively alter the brain’s structure, cocaine is classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration aSchedule II drug, only legally administered by a physician for certain procedures. Its recreational use is considered a crime.

The United Nations Drug Report estimates that there are20 million cocaine users worldwide. Regarding the scope of cocaine use in the United States, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported5.9 million people admitted to using cocainein 2017.

In 2017, the National Drug Threat Assessment reported that at the time the estimatedcocaine production was at the highest level everreported. The widespread use of these stimulants not only represents a serious public health problem, but it also indicates the need for education on these two drugs, their key differences, and inherent dangers.

If you or someone you know struggles with cocaine or crack use, reach out toThe Recovery Village. Call today to speak with a representative who can help you find thetreatmentthat works for you. Begin your healthier future today.