Author: Gary Jackson

5 Key Differences Between Crack and Cocaine

The diagnostic category that the American Psychiatric Association (APA) uses to categorize individuals who abuse cocaine and suffer ill effects is a stimulant use disorder. In general, a substance use disorder refers to both issues with abusing a drug and developing an addiction to the drug. These issues occur on a continuum, and the term substance use disorder is now applied by APA to recognize that substance abuse and addiction are related issues that are not easily separated. There are no formal medical tests that can diagnose a substance use disorder, and the formal diagnosis can only be made by a licensed mental health clinician. Crack and cocaine are highly addictive stimulant drugs that are derived from the coca plant found in South America.

  • Powder cocaine users often use a straw or rolled-up dollar bill to snort cocaine through the nose, but it can be used in other ways.
  • Cocaine is most commonly snorted, although it can also be injected or smoked.
  • However, we believe in providing accessible and accurate information to reduce the harm that can occur when using.
  • Healthline does not endorse the use of any illegal substances, and we recognize abstaining from them is always the safest approach.

Some street dealers cut their products with other substances, such as talcum powder, cornstarch, flour, or baking soda to increase their profits. According to the 2016 Drug Enforcement Administration report, a pure gram of cocaine was listed at $141 USD, while street prices for cocaine are around $93 per gram. Both crack and cocaine are highly addictive and can lead to dependency with prolonged use. However, crack use is generally considered more dangerous and addictive than cocaine use. Crack produces an intense high that peaks quickly and lasts only a few minutes, leading to a strong desire for more.

Key Differences Between Crack and Cocaine

If someone were to consume the two substances around the same time, the onset of symptoms would overlap and increase the chances of an overdose occurring. The effects of each drug are intense, and in many cases, unpredictable. When the substance is smoked, the vapor is inhaled into the lungs and enters the bloodstream almost as quickly as the injected form of cocaine. Crack derives its name from the crackling sound it makes when smoked. The almost instantaneous high can last anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.

  • When people take cocaine, their blood pressure goes up and their heart races.
  • Two of the most common substances involved in addiction are crack and cocaine.
  • It is derived from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America.
  • Cocaine is very addictive, meaning people seek out the drug and use it even though they know the choice comes with negative consequences.
  • Because it is made in small batches, it is less likely to be cut with other substances.

Seeking rehab for cocaine or crack addiction is an important step toward achieving sobriety. At rehab, trained addiction specialists can help clients properly taper off cocaine and avoid reusing the drug. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 1.9 million people aged 12 or older were cocaine users in 2016, including about 432,000 crack users.

What are the side effects?

This rapid intensity can lead to erratic behavior and increases the risk of overdose. The method of ingestion also affects the speed at which the drug takes effect. Cocaine that is snorted or rubbed into the gums takes longer to produce a high, while smoking crack produces a high within seconds. Cocaine is a powdered stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca plant.

The leaves are processed to extract the active ingredient, which is then purified and turned into a white powder. Cocaine is most commonly snorted, although it can also be smoked or injected. To understand the differences between crack and cocaine, we first need to look at what each drug is, how it is made, and what effects it has on the body. During that same time in Florida, the DEA reported that powder cocaine cost $20 to $110 per gram, and crack cost $5 to $20 per rock.