While you’ve certainly heard of cocaine and crack, you may not know exactly how they differ. If you are worried about a loved one’s substance abuse it’s imperative to know what you are dealing with and then work on getting them the help they need.

Cocaine is derived from the coca plant and is found either in powdered form or rock form. The powdered form is known as cocaine or coke. The rock form is called crack or crack cocaine.

Differences in Form

The two drugs are from the same plant but end up in different physical forms. Crack starts off as powdered cocaine and it is then combined with water and another substance (usually baking soda). It is boiled and becomes a solid. Then it is cooled and can be broken into smaller pieces. These pieces might be white, cream, tan or light brown.

Cocaine is simpler in form and is made from coca paste and hydrochloric acid.

How They Each Affect the Brain

• Crack:
  – The effects are instant
  – Lasts up to 5-10 minutes
  – It is more psychologically addicting
• Cocaine:
  – If snorted it takes 3-5 minutes to take effect and lasts 15-30 minutes
  – If injected it takes 15-30 seconds to take effect and lasts 20-60 minutes

Differences in Cost

• Crack:
  – $10-$25 for 1/10 gram
  – $40 for ¼ gram
• Cocaine:
  -$120-$150 for a 1/8 ounce or 3.5 grams (called an 8-ball)

Demographic Differences

There has been a public perception of cocaine being associated with more affluent drug users. Since cocaine is so expensive, crack was developed as a cheaper alternative for those who have less disposable income to spend on drugs. The low price of crack opens the doors for people of all ages, races and financial backgrounds to become addicted to it.

Effects on Health

Crack and cocaine have similar long-term health risks, which include:

– Cardiovascular damage
– Respiratory problems
– Gastrointestinal damage
– Brain damage
– Liver damage
– Kidney damage

However, different health consequences can occur depending on how it is taken in to the body:

• Snorting: This can cause loss of smell, nosebleeds and problems with swallowing
• Consuming by mouth: This can cause bowel decay from reduced blood flow
• Injecting: This increases the risk of HIV, hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases

Rehab Required for Both

These two types of cocaine are dangerous, can cause similar withdraw symptoms, and can be fatal. They both need to be treated with a cocaine addiction recovery program. Since no two cocaine addictions are the same, it should be customized to the recovery needs of each individual. Call us today to talk to an addiction expert and let us help you be the person you want to be.