Cocaine and Crack | Is Cocaine and Crack the Same Thing?

To answer “is cocaine and crack the same thing,” it’s important first to know what each is on its own, and then have a baseline for comparison between cocaine and crack. Cocaine is a very addictive and commonly used stimulant drug. It’s derived from the leaves of the coca plant, and when someone uses it, they experience a euphoric high, a rush of energy, and feelings of well-being. For some people who use cocaine, there may be unexpected psychological and behavioral side effects, however. For example, some people who use cocaine may become aggressive or paranoid. Some of the street and slang names for cocaine include coke, snow, rock, blow and crack. It comes in a fine, white powder and most people who use this dangerous drug snort it, while others may rub it onto the gums. It can also be dissolved in water and then injected. When a person uses cocaine, it creates a flood of dopamine in their brain, into the areas and pathways of the brain that are responsible for controlling pleasure, which is why it creates a high. Some of the other possible short-term effects of cocaine can include sensitivity to stimuli, decreased appetite, and insomnia. There are also other possible side effects that are especially problematic in long-term users including convulsions, seizures, cardiovascular problems, damage to the lungs, bowel problems, loss of smell and sexual and mood problems. Your brain adapts to the use of cocaine over time, and you’ll need more and more of it to feel high, but this increases the likelihood of an overdose or addiction. So, when comparing cocaine and crack, how is crack the same or different?

Cocaine and crack do have similarities, but they aren’t the same thing. Crack cocaine is also a stimulant, and when someone uses it they feel a high almost immediately, but the effects wear off relatively quickly so people will frequently go through crack binges as they attempt to maintain their high. Crack cocaine is made when cocaine is processed with baking soda. Small, crystalized rocks are then formed, and those rocks can be smoked. The reason its smoked is because it allows for faster bloodstream absorption and a very intense high. When someone uses crack, it activates their brain’s reward system. Some of the slang names for crack include bedrock, base, crunch and munch, kryptonite, rock star and sugar rock. While the high is intense and includes euphoria, alertness and feeling high energy, this usually dissipates within around 5 to 15 minutes. Some of the signs a person is abusing crack can include burns on the lips or hands, restlessness, mood swings, and scratching or picking skin. Crack is incredibly addictive and also very dangerous. So, how do you compare cocaine and crack? Are cocaine and crack the same thing?

Cocaine and crack aren’t the same thing. Cocaine is a powder that’s frequently snorted, while crack cocaine is a version of cocaine that’s mixed with baking soda so it can be smoked. Both are dangerous and addictive, but crack tends to be more so. Crack is also less expensive than cocaine, and acts more quickly but for a shorter period of time. Both cocaine and crack are stimulants, and they increase energy levels and alertness. Both cocaine and crack are highly dangerous and can lead to unpredictable behavior and negative health side effects. If you or someone you know is using cocaine or crack, it’s important to seek help.