Cocaine has been a popular drug since the early 1900s. Because it is expensive, cocaine use was often viewed as a status symbol, glamorized in Hollywood and the music industry, and many who used it downplayed its harmful effects. Crack cocaine was introduced in the 1980s, and its use was viewed very differently. Crack is much cheaper than powder cocaine, and poor neighborhoods were flooded with the drug. The crack epidemic was sensationalized in the media, leading to many myths and misconceptions about it.
At The Right Step Hill Country, we know that crack is a modified version of powder cocaine, and the belief that it is more dangerous is a myth rooted in fear and misinformation. We also know that anyone struggling with addiction to powder cocaine, crack, or both can break the cycle of addiction by enrolling in our cocaine addiction treatment program, where we provide comprehensive care in a safe and supportive environment.
What to know about crack vs. cocaine
Crack and cocaine both come from the coca plant native to South America. They are stimulant drugs that impact the central nervous system. Cocaine is a white powder, and crack is a crystalized version of this, made by processing the powder with baking soda and water, then heating it until it becomes a hard rock.
Powder cocaine is usually snorted, but can also be mixed with water and injected. Crack rocks are smoked in a pipe. Crack gets its name from the crackling sound it makes when smoked. The methods of use are the main differences between crack and cocaine. The following are some of the other key differences to understand between crack vs. cocaine:
The onset of effects of crack vs. cocaine
The onset of the effects of smoking crack is almost immediate (seconds) and is short-lived, lasting between five and ten minutes. Because the impacts of crack do not last long, people typically smoke it in rapid succession, and they may binge on crack for hours or days to avoid the crash that follows when the effects wear off. By contrast, powder cocaine effects typically take several minutes to begin and last longer, usually between 15 and 30 minutes.
The mental effects of crack vs. cocaine
Crack and cocaine both impact the same areas of the brain, so they share similar mental effects, including:
- Euphoria and increased energy
- Mood swings that can include agitation, anxiety, and paranoia
- Risk-taking behaviors due to lowered inhibitions
- Possible psychosis with heavy doses or long-term use
Both crack and powder cocaine cause cravings and binge use that can contribute to addiction, but the speed and intensity of the effects of crack tend to make the cravings stronger and the binge use more frequent.
A critical difference to recognize between crack vs. cocaine is how public perceptions about the two have historically influenced sentencing laws and access to treatment. Individuals struggling with addiction to crack were viewed as morally corrupt and punished more harshly compared to people who had the same struggles with cocaine. At Hill Country, we view all substance use disorder as the disease it is, no matter the substance, and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Treating crack cocaine abuse
The first step in crack cocaine abuse treatment is detox. At Hill Country, we know that withdrawal from drugs and alcohol can be physically, emotionally, and psychologically painful. We provide medically supervised detox to make clients as comfortable as possible during the detox process.
Behavioral therapy is a core component of treating crack cocaine abuse. We rely on evidence-based therapies, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Trauma-informed therapy
Individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, adventure therapy, experiential therapy, and 12-step programs add to our comprehensive approach. We also provide multiple levels of care to meet the various needs of our clients.
If you or a loved one is struggling with crack cocaine abuse, the best thing you can do is ask for help. Cocaine, including crack, rewires the brain over time, so recovery takes time. At Hill Country, we support you throughout your recovery journey by providing ongoing support through our aftercare and alumni programs.
Enroll in cocaine addiction treatment at Hill Country today
Abusing cocaine, crack, or both puts you at risk of addiction that can devastate your life and the lives of those who love you. Cocaine addiction treatment at Hill Country offers the opportunity to break free of reliance on these drugs. Call 1.844.675.1628 today to talk with an intake specialist and enroll in treatment. You can also reach out through our online contact form and we’ll get back to you. Recovery can begin today at Hill Country.