Much of what we hear on the news regarding drug use today centers around opioids, but millions of people struggle with other substance use disorders. Cocaine, including crack cocaine, are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that block norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin transporters, causing a build-up of these neurotransmitters in the brain’s pleasure centers and producing intense feelings of euphoria. Cocaine and crack cocaine continue to be among the most widely abused drugs in our nation.
Addiction to these drugs can happen quickly and have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, seeking help now can prevent life from becoming ultimately out of control. The cocaine rehab center at Hill Country provides a safe, supportive environment where patients receive top-rated addiction treatment services in Texas.
Powder Cocaine vs. Crack Cocaine
Cocaine and crack cocaine are both derived from the coca plant. To understand cocaine vs. crack cocaine, consider the following differences:
- Chemical composition: Cocaine is a white crystalline powder. Crack cocaine is powder cocaine processed with baking soda and water to create rock-like crystals.
- Method of use: Cocaine is snorted or mixed with water and injected intravenously, while crack cocaine is heated and smoked through a pipe.
- Onset and duration: Snorting or injecting cocaine has a slower onset, with longer-lasting effects (15-60 minutes). Smoking crack cocaine produces instant but short-lived effects (5-10 minutes).
- Intensity: Powder cocaine produces less intense but more prolonged effects. Because crack cocaine is smoked, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, creating intense effects.
- Addiction potential: Both are highly addictive, but crack cocaine is often considered more so because of its compulsive use.
A noteworthy distinction between powder cocaine and crack cocaine is the social perception of each. Powder cocaine is expensive, so it has historically been associated with wealth, power, and the “elite.” By contrast, crack cocaine is cheaper because it is less pure. During the crack epidemic, lower-income communities were flooded with crack cocaine, and its use became more villainized, and it was perceived as “worse” or “more dangerous” than powder cocaine.
The Signs of Crack Cocaine Abuse
It is often easy for someone struggling with powder cocaine addiction to hide their symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, this is less true with crack cocaine addiction. Crack cocaine is not more dangerous than powder cocaine. However, smoking crack cocaine produces a more intense, shorter-lived high, so people addicted to crack cocaine tend to use it more frequently, and the effects tend to be more visible.
Typical signs associated with crack cocaine abuse include:
- Burns or blisters on the fingers or lips
- Tooth decay and other dental issues
- Intense itching and skin wounds
- Aggression or irritability
- Restlessness or unexplained bursts of energy
- Intense euphoria or excessive happiness
- Paranoia or excessive suspiciousness
- Frequent disappearances or secretive behavior
- Hyperactivity followed by exhaustion
- Significant changes in appearance
- Mood swings or rapid emotional changes
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
Crack cocaine use produces intense physical and psychological effects that become more evident with increased use. Both powder cocaine and crack cocaine are highly addictive and require treatment from qualified addiction specialists like those at Hill Country. Our private treatment center offers affordable inpatient and outpatient treatment options to meet the various needs of our patients.
Begin Cocaine Rehab at Hill Country Today
The dangers of addiction to any form of cocaine should not be taken lightly. Abusing powder cocaine and crack cocaine can have lasting impacts on your physical and mental health. At Hill Country, we understand how addiction can take over your life, as well as the fear of not being able to cope without reliance on drugs or alcohol. However, we also know that recovery is possible. You can change your life today just by calling 1.844.675.1628 to talk with an intake specialist and enroll in cocaine rehab at Hill Country. We can also be reached through the convenient online form.