People continue to search for information on crack vs. cocaine, hoping to find out what’s the difference between crack and cocaine. One reason is there’s a belief that cocaine is better than crack. However, both substances are highly addictive and responsible for growing addiction rates across the US and in Virginia. In the meantime, Virginia residents are also searching for a cocaine addiction treatment center in Northern VA or elsewhere that can help them sober up.
Crack vs. Cocaine
When it comes to crack vs. cocaine neither one gets a winning trophy. Both are powerful addictive stimulants that are also dangerous and illegal. They have a high overdose risk, especially when used with alcohol or other drugs. So what’s the difference between crack and cocaine? Let’s take a look.
Crack and cocaine have similar effects but they’re not the same. Cocaine is a white powdery substance that comes from the cocoa plant. It goes by nicknames such as coke, snow, and flake. The drug is a Schedule II illegal substance with limited legal use for medical purposes. Crack, also called crack cocaine, is the hardened form of cocaine hence the nickname “rock.” Other nicknames include “work, sugar block, and nuggets.
Crack and cocaine are not only addictive, but their widespread use is deemed a serious public health problem. A 2017 SAMSHA report shows that 40.6 million individuals used cocaine at least once. 12 percent of them were between the ages of 18 and 25. As for crack, 9.6 million people admitted to using it at least once in or before 2017. 1.3 percent were people ages 18 to 25.
Crack vs. Cocaine Risk of Addiction
Both crack and cocaine increase dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a brain chemical that helps people feel pleasure or euphoria. However, one thing that stands out when looking at crack vs. cocaine is how quickly crack causes addiction. Crack is more potent than cocaine because of the way it is processed. The method of use (snort, smoke, or inject) also determines how fast the user gets high and how quickly the drug leaves the body. People who inject crack or cocaine are more likely to get addicted faster.
Cocaine takes about 15 to 30 seconds to cause a high after it is injected into the bloodstream. The high lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, crack causes an instant high, but the effects start to wear off 5 to 10 minutes later. After the high subsides, the user craves for more drugs. The brain will crave for larger amounts to get the same high as tolerance builds.
Crack and Cocaine Short and Long-Term Effects
A small dose of cocaine or crack usually makes the user feel euphoric, alert, talkative, and energetic. The short and long-term effects of crack vs. cocaine are also similar. Short term effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, dilated pupils, restlessness, anxiety, and decreased appetite. Long-term effects include:
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
- Severe depression
- Sexual dysfunction
- Tolerance and addiction
- Seizure, stroke, or heart attack
People typically experience some of these effects when going through detox and withdrawal. Safe withdrawal can be done at a detox center where you will receive help managing withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment for Crack and Cocaine Addiction
Learning what’s the difference between crack and cocaine helps people to get the right treatment. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 1,152 people ages 12 and older received treatment for cocaine use disorder between 2016 and 2017. Sagebrush Treatment Centers have a variety of addiction treatment programs suitable for men and women addicted to crack and cocaine: They include:
- Dual diagnosis program
- Outpatient treatment
- Residential treatment center
- Holistic treatments center
- Family therapy
- Transitional living program
Some main aspects of treatment are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), individual therapy, and group counseling. CBT helps you uncover why you turn to drugs. Therapy also addresses underlying mental disorders that may make it harder to get over drug addiction.
Here’s Your Chance to Start a New Chapter in Life
The addiction recovery staff at Sagebrush Treatment Centers will deliver personalized treatment in a loving and compassionate setting. Our centers are conveniently located in McLean, Great Falls, and Vienna, VA. If you think we can help, feel free to call 866.488.1156 to ask about admissions.
