Over the years, cocaine has been tweaked in various ways to produce different substances. Chief among these is crack cocaine, which is a dangerous type of coke that affects millions of people. Therefore, it is critical to understand the differences between crack vs. cocaine and how they affect a person’s health. Doing so can help you get the help that you need when you visit us at The Right Step for rehab.
An Examination of Cocaine
Cocaine is a commonly-abused stimulant that comes from a plant known as the coca. This plant is native to South America and produces a very quick and intense high in users. When processed as a drug, coca has a white and powdery look that most users inhale up their nose. This delivery method produces the most potent high. That said, some may inject cocaine after mixing it with other chemicals.
Unfortunately, cocaine is rarely “pure” and usually contains many additives. The most benign of these are cornstarch or flour, as they produce no adverse effects. Instead, dealers dilute the cocaine so that they can sell smaller concentrations in larger bags. However, some may also mix in dangerous chemicals or even opiate drugs to produce a “speedball.” This mixture creates both a stimulating and depressing feeling and may trigger heart attacks and strokes.
While abuse of cocaine has decreased slowly over the years, it remains a popular drug for many users. On the street, you may hear it referred to as blow, coke, rock, snow, and even crack. However, crack is a slightly different variation of this drug. Therefore, you need to understand the crack vs. cocaine debate to know how each substance affects you.
A Look at Crack
Crack cocaine emerged in the 1980s as a popular and cheaper type of cocaine. Dealers dissolve cocaine in water and ammonia and boil it to produce crystals. These crystals are the “rocks” that users call crack. This preparation process concentrates the cocaine more effectively, which makes it easier for dealers to sell it in small amounts. As a result, many users may find crack easier to afford than coke.
Unlike other types of cocaine, most people smoke crack because they easily ignite. Once a person smokes crack, they get a very quick high that often fades even more quickly than cocaine. As a result, they may find themselves smoking large quantities to maintain. They, therefore, increase their risk of adverse reactions, such as addiction, heart attacks, and more.
Crack vs. Cocaine
In the cocaine vs. crack debate, which of these substances is worse for a person? Honestly, both are about equally bad but for different reasons. Let’s examine a few of these problems and how they differ between cocaine vs. crack:
- Addiction potential: Crack is probably slightly more addictive than cocaine
- Heart issues: Cocaine probably causes more heart damage
- Legal troubles: Both cause equal legal issues
- Health problems: Coke can damage the nose while crack impacts lung health
- Emotional difficulties: Both trigger and worsen emotional imbalances
- Teeth loss: Crack probably causes more dental issues than cocaine
As you can see, the crack vs. cocaine debate is a very heated one that is hard to decide. It is safe to say that nobody should ever try either substance. However, knowing the differences between them can make it easier to go through rehab successfully.
Rehab Help is Critical for Your Health
If you need help in the crack vs. cocaine debate, please contact us at The Right Step today. Our clients get access to drug detox, outpatient care, inpatient treatment, aftercare counseling, relapse prevention health, and behavioral adjustments. We also specialize in motivational interviewing for those who need it. So please call 17135283709 after you verify your insurance to get started.
