Freebase cocaine is a potent crystal form, typically smoked, that produces a powerful and intense high. Freebase cocaine, also known as "crack," can be very dangerous, whether used once or repeatedly, and can lead to addiction and dependence, as well as serious physical and psychological health risks.
- Freebase cocaine is a pure crystalline alkaloid, generally produced from cocaine powder through chemical processes.
- Freebase cocaine is smoked, and its use can cause serious long-term health effects, especially issues related to lung functioning and breathing.
- People using freebase cocaine can become addicted to and dependent on the drug, which can require professional intervention.
Lightning fast and lethal: What is freebase cocaine?
Freebase cocaine is an alkaloid form of cocaine that is smoked. Cocaine hydrochloride, the powder form of the drug that is commonly used by snorting, cannot be smoked as it decomposes when heated and therefore does not produce the desired effects. Freebase cocaine is prepared to create crystals or rocks, which can be heated and smoked. [1]
Freebase cocaine differs from crack cocaine, although the terms are often used interchangeably, and both are crystal forms of the drug that are smoked. Freebase cocaine is prepared using ether, while crack is prepared using baking soda. [2]
Freebase cocaine is much purer and more potent than powder cocaine. Its use produces a fast and powerful effect, with serious risks of physical and psychological harm, addiction and dependence, and overdose. [1]
Onset, duration, and "the crash"
Freebase cocaine is smoked, typically through a pipe, which produces almost instant effects, including a sense of euphoria or ‘high’. This lasts only a few minutes before the onset of an intense ‘crash’, involving sudden dysphoria, nervousness, fatigue, and loss of motivation. [1][3]
How is freebase cocaine made?
Freebase cocaine is typically made through a procedure involving cocaine powder and ethyl ether.
Cocaine powder is made from the leaves of the coca plant, which go through several chemical processes to produce cocaine paste. This is then treated with hydrochloric acid to produce cocaine powder (cocaine hydrochloride), which is then often mixed with various substances before being sold illicitly. [2]
Freebase cocaine goes through a procedure to separate this mixture, leaving pure cocaine crystals. Cocaine powder, water, and a base, such as ammonia, are mixed together. Ethyl ether, a highly flammable liquid, is added to dissolve the cocaine base, and the mixture separates. The base is then free from the mixture, hence ‘freebase’, and the ether is evaporated to leave only the pure base cocaine, in crystal form. [1][3]
Sometimes, the crystallized cocaine still contains some ether if it has been removed before the process is complete. Being highly flammable, this can result in dangerous explosions when the crystal is heated and smoked. [2]
Because of these dangers, an alternative procedure began to be used, which utilizes baking soda instead of ether. This produces what is known as crack cocaine, which is very similar to freebase cocaine, also a crystal or ‘rock’ that is heated and smoked. Crack cocaine is cheaper and safer to produce than freebase cocaine and is more common on the illicit drug market. [2]
Effects of freebase cocaine
The effects of freebase cocaine emerge rapidly and last only a few minutes. Desired effects of freebase cocaine include: [4]
- Intense euphoria
- Feeling energized, mentally and physically
- Talkativeness
- Enhanced physical sensations
- Feeling numb
- Reduced hunger
Smoking freebase cocaine also produces many undesired or unpleasant effects, including: [3][4]
- Rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure
- Mood swings
- Agitation or anger
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Shaking
- Feeling over-stimulated
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Confusion
- Increased body temperature
- sweating
- ‘Crash’ or ‘come down’, causing depression symptoms
- Risk of overdose
Long-term effects
These effects can occur with once-off or infrequent freebase cocaine use and may be short-lived if use does not continue. However, chronic and high-dose use can also lead to long-term effects, which may be severe or life-threatening: [1][3][4][5]
- Impaired lung functioning, such as reduced lung capacity or airway obstructions
- Chest pain and trouble breathing
- Coughing up black or bloody mucus
- Psychosis, including paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions
- Violence and aggression
- Unstable mood
- Onset of severe mental illness, such as depression or schizophrenia
- Impaired heart functioning
- Risks of infection from shared use of pipes, particularly if individuals have cuts or open sores
- Overdose
- Dependence and addiction
Addiction and dependency risks
Smoking freebase cocaine can quickly lead to addiction, as the effects are very powerful and short-lived, which can contribute to repeated use, as people seek to recreate the high and prevent the ‘crash’ as the effects wear off. [1] Although freebase causes an intense euphoria, people report that each high is less powerful than the last, as the body develops a tolerance. This can contribute to the use of increasing doses, further contributing to the risk of addiction and overdose. [4]
People who develop cocaine dependence are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping use. This can include intense cravings, changes in mood and behavior, suicidal ideation, insomnia, excessive fatigue, and paranoia. [6]
Overdose warning signs
Freebase cocaine is very potent, and its use can result in a dangerous or even fatal overdose. Signs of an overdose can include: [2][4]
- Extreme increase in heart rate
- Hyperthermia
- Agitation and hostility
- Psychotic symptoms
- Seizure
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Respiratory arrest
If an overdose is suspected, call 911 immediately.
Pathways to treatment and recovery
Coming off freebase cocaine can be challenging, although the withdrawal and detox period is not typically life-threatening. However, in some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, particularly significant changes in mood and the onset of suicidal ideation. As such, it is recommended to seek professional advice when stopping cocaine use. [6]
Recovering from addiction can be a long and difficult process, and relapse can be common. As such, outcomes are often more successful if professional support is utilized, such as therapies, support groups, and rehabilitation services.
