Cocaine is a popular, illicit substance associated with intense feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and alertness. But cocaine highs are short-lived, and the withdrawal effects can be incredibly distressing. Furthermore, cocaine use is dangerous- it can lead to addiction and other health consequences.
Freebasing cocaine refers to inhaling hot vapor to use the substance. Some people believe this method is safer than other forms of use. However, freebasing is inherently dangerous. Here’s what you need to know.
Freebasing Crack Cocaine
Freebasing typically entails placing cocaine into a glass pipe and applying heat directly. At that point, the cocaine boils into a vapor. The individual then inhales it.
From a purely scientific standpoint, this method is a relatively comprehensive process. Creating freebase cocaine requires adding an ammonia-based chemical compound. This addition enables the cocaine to eliminate its sodium base. Therefore, freebase cocaine is essentially 100% pure.
Then, the cocaine must be dissolved—people who make cocaine use ether to facilitate this process. However, ether is highly flammable. If there are any remnants left in the cocaine, it can cause a fire. Subsequently, many explosions occur in clandestine labs.
Freebase cocaine enters the bloodstream quickly, and some people report that they feel the effects faster than they do when injecting it intravenously. The initial rush can happen as soon as 10-15 seconds. The high can also be highly intense. However, it only tends to last for about 5-10 minutes. Therefore, people often continue repeatedly smoking to stay high.
Some people use the terms ‘smoking crack cocaine’ and ‘freebasing’ interchangeably. However, the processes (and exact substances) may be different depending on the drug itself. Cocaine comes in powder form, whereas crack cocaine resembles crystal rocks.
What’s a Freebase Crack Pipe Look Like?
Being able to identify drug paraphernalia is essential, particularly if you suspect a loved one might be using cocaine. A pipe may indicate freebasing.
Freebase pipes are typically made out of glass. There is a circular bulb with a small opening on top (where the vapor is released). There is also a long, thin stem with an opening where the user can inhale the cocaine.
Risks of Smoking Crack Cocaine
Freebasing cocaine is extremely dangerous. For example, in the United States, nearly 40% of all drug-related emergency department visits entail cocaine. Here are some of the potential risks.
Respiratory Problems
Smoking directly impacts the lungs. As a result, smoking cocaine can increase the likelihood of respiratory issues like pneumonia, asthma, cancer, or lung disease. Some damage may be treatable or even reversible. However, in chronic or severe cases, the effects are often permanent.
Heart Issues
Cocaine is an intense stimulant. Both short-term and long-term use can cause cardiovascular problems, such as coronary artery spasms, congestive heart failure, and heart attacks. If you have a preexisting heart condition or high blood pressure, drug use may exacerbate those complications.
Infection
Sharing drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, can increase your risk of bloodborne infections, such as HIV or Hepatitis C. Smoking may contribute to cuts, burns, or open sores. It can be easy to unknowingly transfer blood to someone else (or have someone transfer it to you).
Addiction
Cocaine is highly addictive. Many people start using the drug recreationally and find it challenging to stop. They may keep using cocaine to stay awake, party, or enjoy the other effects of other drugs.
However, people develop a tolerance to cocaine, resulting in them needing to take more to achieve the desired effect. In addition, bingeing on stimulants is common when trying to avoid the “crash” that often comes during withdrawal. As a result, a vicious addiction cycle may emerge.
Overdose
Cocaine overdose can happen, no matter how you take the drug. Today, many dealers lace cocaine with cheaper drugs or ingredients.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is fifty times stronger than heroin, is increasingly found in stimulants. Therefore, even if you think you are obtaining a high-quality product, there are no guarantees.
Final Thoughts
Freebasing cocaine- or using cocaine in any form- can be harmful and addictive. In serious cases, it may cause irreversible damage or even death.
If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine use, seeking professional treatment can make a profound difference. Contact us today at (866) 578-7471 to get the support you need.
34 comments
The freebase cocaine enters the bloodstream quickly, making the action come fast. This apparently kills the cells, immune system of the user. No better way to use drugs please
I was of the notion that freebasing was safer because the cocaine is inhaled in its pure form. I was so wrong!
This enters the bloodstream quickly and can cause intense reactions. No method is better, just abstain from usage of drugs and substance. Get a life and not a drug please
No guarantee from all this drugs gotten from dealers, we shouldn’t kill ourselves with our own money. Never smoke coke, be wise it’s even more dangerous
Inhaling cocaine in vapour form sounds like the most dangerous thing. The potency is highly likely to lead to an overdose.
This new information can help people from how harmfull it is,and how affect to part of our organ
We should be on the lookout for things like pipes possessed by our loved ones. It could be indicative of a freebaser.
Overdosing is the most lethal effect of freebasing. I have seen quite a few lives lost because of it.
Quite an informative piece I must say. Thanks to the article I now know what freebasing is and just how dangerous it can be.
It’s difficult to believe that with all the dangers associated with freebasing, millions still partake in it. Addiction truly is a disease.
No matter how good taking cocaine can sound, it’s still not good. As adult, the consequences of our actions matters. The methods used in taking cocaine doesn’t reduce its effects.
This is so educational and informative. Thank you detox for always educating we all on harmful substance. Kudos to you all.
I don’t understand why people believe that freebasing crack concaine is not dangerously..thank you for posting the dangers it poses.. hopefully, someone somewhere will change his or her mind and stay away from drugs totally
I found this educative and I hope it is widely brought to our hearing so as to have a reduced number of addiction to substances. However, total absenteeism is very crucial. Drugs can never be the solution to feel good about what life challenges are showing us.
people needs to keep away from taking crack cocaine the consequences to me is grave. Why load your such harmful substance in the first place.
Heart issues, respiratory problems, overdose, and addictions are just great consequences to bear to keep inhaling crack cocaine. I hope others are reading this to stay from it.
Cocaine or not prohibited drugs always means issues a lot of issues so spreading awareness is a must. With a bit of specifics on the side. I love that.
Their is no safe way of inhaling or taking in cocaine that is highly medicinal to the health. It has its own deficiency in one way to the other, that’s why I wouldn’t even think about the freebasing type of inhaling cocaine metabolic.
It should not be debated whether it is safer, cocaine is harmful. In whatever form you take, it will affect your health.
We all need to be properly Informed.
Using cocaine in any form- can be harmful and addictive. In serious cases, it may cause irreversible damage or even death.
A very detailed analysis of the freebasing crack cocaine thanks for sharing the dangers involved in doing such act. Detox to rehab thank you for educating me on the need to stay clear of drugs.
This is an informative and educational article. No form of drug is good. The consequences are fatal.
We feel great when taking cocaine but it’s actually really bad. Its addiction makes us weak. Thanks for sharing this blog.
In whatever you indulge in; always think about your health first. Health is totally wealth. Freebasing cocaine would render one addictive and entirely useless. That’s so not the way to go.
It blows my mind that with all this information about this substance, people still indulge in it. Substance usage is bad and has a lot of negative effect attached to it.
This apparently kills the cells, immune system of the user. I now know what freebasing is and just how dangerous. it is still not good.
Freebasing Cocaine looks a lot like hot railing meth. It’s imperative users of these destructive substances be aware of the consequences of the fleeting pleasures they engage in, and what toll it’s takes not only on their social well-being, but their physical health as well.
One thing that marvels me is how the human nature can get so creative in a dangerous way.
Thanks for sharing this informative and educative post of freebasing cocaine, it will really save many from falling a victim
This piece of writing is very educative and informative. However, inhaling cocaine is very detrimental to people’s health. Recovery is the best way.
Cocaine abuse is very rampant in the society nowadays. The earlier people desist from such habit the better.
It is very important that people know what drug paraphernalia looks like. This way you can easily identify that someone you love is hooked on cocaine. Thanks for sharing this post. Hope that more people will be informed about cocaine addiction.
Your post is really informative, and i like your post a lot. Thanks a lot for sharing such a useful information.
This was a great and interesting article to read. I have really enjoyed all of this very cool and fun information. Thanks