
Large doses of cocaine can also lead to extremely bizarre and violent behavior. Long-term effects of cocaine abuse include:

Some people may begin using cocaine because they find that it helps them perform physical and mental tasks more quickly. No amount of cocaine use is ever safe, as it is an extremely addictive and harmful drug. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ( SAMHSA), 5.1 million Americans used cocaine in 2016. The following are slang terms for cocaine:ĭespite the serious health concerns associated with cocaine use and abuse, many individuals in the United States still abuse this addictive substance. Recreational use of crack cocaine quickly gained momentum with the widely publicized “crack epidemic” of the 1980s and 90s, and today, crack is widely available everywhere in the U.S.Īlthough crack and cocaine are the same drug, the legal penalties for possessing and selling crack are much more severe than that of cocaine. The widespread use of crack first began in the mid-1980s and primarily took place in impoverished areas of major cities including New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. When the high wears off, users feel extremely depressed and low, which often leads to crack cocaine binges that can last for hours or even days. The strong effects of crack are felt immediately and are comparable to injecting the drug. Instead of a white powder, it looks like off-white, jagged rocks, which when smoked, create a short but intense euphoric high that lasts anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. Of the two forms of the drug, crack is said to be the most addictive. Its namesake comes from the fact that it makes a cracking sound when it is smoked. Crack cocaine (also referred to as just “crack”) is a solid, smokable form of cocaine that is made by processing cocaine with baking soda and water. Cocaine: What’s the Difference?Īlthough both crack and cocaine come from the leaves of the coca plant, the two forms of the drug are slightly different. Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Health care providers may sometimes use it for medical purposes, but recreational use is illegal in the United States. This form of cocaine is called “crack cocaine.”Ĭocaine is an extremely addictive substance that is made from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Cocaine may also come in the form of a rock crystal, which some people heat and then inhale the fumes.

To use cocaine, people snort the powder, rub it into their gums, or dissolve it with water before injecting it directly into their bloodstream. It may also be mixed with other drugs like amphetamine or heroin. On the streets, cocaine is sold as a fine white powder that dealers often dilute with other substances, such as flour, baking soda, or cornstarch to increase their profits. The immediate physical effects of cocaine last about 15 to 30 minutes, but people who abuse this drug usually do so in binges, taking several increasingly higher doses of the drug within a short period of time to maintain their high. Continued Care Options for Cocaine Addiction TreatmentĬocaine is a stimulant drug that floods the brain with dopamine and increases alertness, attention, and energy.Long-Term Rehab for Cocaine Addiction Treatment.Treatment Options for Cocaine Addiction.Planning a Cocaine Addiction Intervention.Can You Beat Cocaine Addiction on Your Own?.What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction?.What Are The Major Risk Factors For Cocaine Addiction?.

What Are the Side Effects of Cocaine Addiction?.Norco Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment.
