Crack vs. Cocaine: What’s the Difference?

Fundamentals of Crack

Deriving from its original form of cocaine, then mixed with water and baking soda (or another substance), the illicit material, crack cocaine, is known to be compelling. The drug gets its name from the form it reflects—rocks or fragments. According to the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs, crack is ranked first in life-threatening drugs. Further, it ranked third for danger to others.

Appearance:

The appearance of crack typically resembles that of rocks or broken pieces of firm forms.

Street Names:

Since the drug is sold regularly on the streets, it goes by a list of various names. Such names include Cloud, 8-ball, Rock, Hard rock, Jellybeans, Nuggets, Dice, Cookies, Crumbs, Snow coke, Candy, and Hail.

How Does Someone Use Crack?

On account of crack cocaine being formed by boiling the mixed substance and the finished product resembling rocks, crack is handled by smoking the material. Also, the substance is heated to produce vapors to inhale.

Popularity:

Coherent to the information collected by the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, approximately 6,222,000 U.S. citizens, ages 12 years old and up, practiced using crack at least once. During the assessment, participants disclosed that 150,000 students between 12 and 17 used crack cocaine. Also, 1,003,000 young adults used the illicit substance, that was between the ages of 18 and 25.

Expenses:

Though there is no definitive answer for an exact number, studies and research have found that crack cocaine is cheaper than its original derivative. The reason is that cocaine’s starting price is costly, and many people cannot afford pure material. So, crack cocaine became a more affordable stimulant solution for those who could not afford the original material—making crack cocaine more affordable and accessible to users.

Impacts and Effects of Crack

When smoking crack, the effects are instantaneous. However, its effects will only last between 30 and 60 minutes. Because the result is immediate, after absorption, practicing this behavior can lead the said individual who is using it to develop cycles of binging and crashing. Thus, making them physically dependent on the said substance.

Physical Impacts:

• Asthma
• Increased risks of respiratory infections
• Coughing
• Blistered lips
• Burnt fingers
• Loss of appetite
• Lung damage

Mental Effects:

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Hysteria
• Confusion

Risks of Overdose and Sentencing

According to the National Library of Medicine, whether it is the original form or the derivative, the number of cocaine overdosages is continuously increasing. To get an idea of the number, in 2016, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that 17.6% of deaths within the year resulted from cocaine overdosages.

Now, a factor that could play a role in the increasing numbers of cocaine overdosages is how accessible the substance(s) is. For example, as mentioned before, the primary purpose of crack cocaine is to offer a more affordable stimulant solution to those who cannot afford the original cocaine substance.

Prison Sentencing Disparities:

Before 1986, civil law treated cocaine and crack equally. Then came the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, which required a minimum of 5 years sentencing for first-time offense possession of 5 grams of crack. The sentencing was the same for a first-time offense of possessing 500 grams of cocaine.

Passing the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 caused many African Americans to become prosecuted for possessing as little as 5 grams of crack. In addition, because of the socioeconomic status of those who authorities charged, crack cocaine was and is more accessible and affordable to those residing in low-income households.

After the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, the 100 to 1 disparity diminished to 18 to 1. Therefore, for the adjusted crack-to-powder-cocaine fraction, it was fitting to lower the quantity to better execute equal sentencing.

In summary, crack users are more at risk for prison time because the drug is affordable and readily produced compared to the pure and original form.

Distinction Between the Two

Though there are many similarities between the two illicit drugs, the two substances are both unique. For example, the most notable difference between cocaine and crack is their appearance. Cocaine is a natural, refined, and purer substance, whereas crack resembles that of a rock. In addition, it is a solid substance with a higher addictive rate than its derivative.

However, in terms of their effects, the two are similar, if not identical, in that aspect.
Another notable difference between the two illicit drugs is that crack is more affordable and accessible than cocaine. Crack is cheaper because many people cannot afford the first-class rated white powder. Therefore, they choose the rocky substance because of its low costs and easy manufacturing.

Drug Addiction Treatment is Available

Nevertheless, the rates of cocaine addiction are on climbing. Whether it is in the form of white powder or fragments of rocks, illicit drug addiction must come to an end. Drug and substance addiction is nothing to laugh at or meant to mock. It is life-threatening.

If you or someone you know is suffering from or partaking in addiction, please call us at 405-583-4390. Do not hesitate to reach out for help or more information. Let us help before it is too late.

Sources

[1] Commonly Used Drugs Charts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)

[2] Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (samhsa.gov)

[3] What Does a Cocaine Overdose Look Like? – (abtrs.com)

[4] Does Cocaine Lower the Immune System? – Recover Today (abtrs.com

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