Both cocaine and crack come from the coca plant and are used in rock and powder form. The powder form of the substance is commonly referred to as cocaine or coke. The rock form is often referred to as crack or crack cocaine. The main difference between crack and cocaine is in its form, as well as how it is used.
Cocaine is essentially a hydrochloride salt that a user grinds down into powdered form. Crack is a combination of powder cocaine and baking soda. A user boils the mixture until it hardens into a rock form. The user then breaks the rock into smaller pieces, which they can sell like crack.
What is the Difference Between Crack and Cocaine?
The difference between crack and cocaine can be seen in several different areas, such as:
Consumption Method
One main difference between crack vs. cocaine is in the consumption method. The typical method for using crack is inhaling the smoke through a pipe. There are two ways to ingest cocaine. The first way is to snort it through the nose. The second way to use cocaine is to inject it into the bloodstream via a syringe.
Effects & Duration
One of the reasons why people prefer to smoke crack is because they feel the effects instantly, usually within a few seconds. However, the effects only last five to ten minutes. It takes three to five minutes to feel the effects when snorting cocaine. The effects can last up to 30 minutes. Injecting cocaine produces the desired effect within 30 minutes. The effects can last up to 60 minutes.
Cost
The price of crack is usually $10 to $25 for 1/10 gram or $40 for 1/4 gram. A 1/10 gram is referred to as a rock. The price of cocaine is $120 to $150 for 1/8 ounce or 3.5 grams. A 1/8 ounce of cocaine is referred to as an 8-ball. Cocaine, in its purest form, is far more expensive than crack.
Cutting Agents
Like other drugs, the difference between crack and cocaine can also be seen in the type of adulterants or substitutes that a developer adds to the substance. Some of the most common cutting agents include Ritalin, glucose, ephedrine, sucrose, tetracaine, lactose, talc, and boric acid. They enhance the euphoric effect of the drug.
How Crack and Cocaine are Alike
With all the differences between crack and cocaine, there are also some similarities. Both drugs produce side effects, such as intense cravings, euphoria, increased heart rate, heightened alertness, decreased appetite, and dilated pupils. Furthermore, when comparing crack vs. cocaine, an overdose can lead to seizures, convulsions, coma, and death.
Withdrawal symptoms may include suicidal thoughts, agitation, muscle pain, cravings, fatigue, depression, nausea, and anxiety. If you or someone else experiences the side effects of these substances, seek medical attention immediately. In addition, you may want to get professional help from a cocaine addiction treatment center in Utah.
Recovery Ways Offers Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
What is the difference between crack and cocaine? Find out more at Recovery Ways. We provide a comprehensive cocaine addiction treatment program in UT. To find out more, call us at 888.986.7848.
