Freebasing Cocaine

What Is Freebasing Cocaine?

Freebasing is the process of turning a substance into a vapor. The structure of the original substance must be altered to achieve a smokable version. Freebasing is typically associated with cocaine use but can also apply to nicotine and morphine.

The cocaine that people snort is mixed with an acid so that it can be delivered in a salt-like form, known as cocaine hydrochloric acid. It cannot be smoked in this form and is less potent than if it were not mixed with the acid.

To prepare cocaine for freebasing, people reverse-engineer the substance by turning it back into a liquid by mixing it with ammonia. Doing so separates the acid base and frees the cocaine. Freebase cocaine is put into a glass pipe and heated with a lighter until the cocaine boils and becomes a vapor. A person then inhales the vapors, which are more potent because they reach the bloodstream and brain much faster.

Effects Of Freebasing Cocaine

Cocaine is a very intense stimulant. When freebasing cocaine, it takes only a few seconds for the vapors to reach the brain and a few minutes for someone to begin feeling the effects, which last about 20 to 30 minutes. The faster cocaine gets into the body’s system, the faster the symptoms wear off.  

Freebase cocaine may have short-term and long-term effects that may occur more quickly because the drug is purer than powdered cocaine.

Short-Term Effects

Initially, a person freebasing cocaine will feel a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and calm because as it enters the brain, it signals a release of dopamine. They will likely also experience the following:

• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Rise in body temperature
• Heartbeat irregularity
• High energy

The short-term effects do not last long, and within half an hour, people typically desire more cocaine to maintain the effects. When the effects wear off, people often feel tired but restless.

Long-Term Effects

The longer someone freebases cocaine, the more likely a person will experience adverse effects and damage to their mind and body. Severe symptoms may include overdose or death. Examples of non-fatal long-term effects can include:

Misusing cocaine in any form can lead to addiction and the inability to stop using the substance. Cocaine addiction interferes with how a person functions at home, work, school, and socially.

Is Freebasing The Same As Smoking Crack?

Although most people discuss freebasing and crack cocaine as being the same thing, there are slight differences. Using ammonia or ether to release cocaine from its base is the process of freebasing, and it can be very dangerous.

Crack cocaine also results in freeing cocaine from its base but uses baking soda instead of ammonia. When separated, a crystal rock-like substance develops that is then smoked using a particular pipe. When the rocks become hot, they make a cracking sound, hence the name.

What Does Freebasing Feel Like?

Freebasing cocaine presents deceptive symptoms when someone first starts using it. As it quickly enters the brain, people often feel a warm flush throughout the body. They also feel a rush of emotions associated with pleasure and reward due to the release of dopamine chemicals in the brain. Someone may experience the following symptoms:

• Overconfidence
• Clarity or alertness
• Increased talkativeness
• Amplified happiness
• Increased energy

When the symptoms begin to wear off, someone can expect to feel the following:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Irritability or agitation

The symptoms one person feels may differ from others, depending on factors such as weight, amount of cocaine ingested, gender, tolerance, and how long someone has been freebasing. Taking too much cocaine can produce adverse or fatal consequences, such as overdose or death.

What Are The Signs Someone Is Freebasing Cocaine?

Specific side effects of freebasing cocaine will be noticeable to others. If you are wondering what to look for in someone high on cocaine, they will likely have the following:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Muscle twitches
• Shakes
• Rapid breathing
• Surges of energy
• Inability to calm down or rest
• Inability to perform sexually
• Excessive sweating

Depending on how long someone freebases cocaine, they may have intense cravings and urges to continue using it. They may even seem obsessed with getting more of the drug.

What About Health Risks?

Freebasing cocaine produces many health risks. Pure cocaine damages numerous parts of the body, internally and externally. For example, cocaine misuse leads to:

• Mood swings and development of mental health disorders
• Muscle aches and pains
• Asthma, pneumonia, and other lung problems
• Mouth or throat damages
• High blood pressure and heart disease
• Malnutrition
• Weakened immune system
• Cancer

The longer someone freebases cocaine, the more they build a tolerance to the drug. Tolerance is the need to increase the amount of cocaine they use to achieve the initial euphoric effects. Having tolerance puts them at risk of overdosing. It can also lead to dependence and addiction to the substance.

Is It As Addictive?

Freebasing cocaine is as addictive as it is when using cocaine in any other form. It may be more addictive since freebasing makes purer cocaine. Cocaine addiction occurs differently in each person and for many different reasons. However, certain signs are common and fall into the following four categories:

• Physiological symptoms of cocaine cravings, tolerance, or withdrawal
• Inability to control cocaine misuse
• Cocaine misuse is a priority over duties and responsibilities at home, work, school, etc.
• Negative consequences of cocaine misuse occur, such as legal issues or losses

The American Psychiatric Association created the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), to aid professionals in diagnosing mental health and substance use disorders. Within the above four categories are 11 more specific criteria. Having two to three criteria suggests a mild addiction, four to five criteria is moderate addiction, and six or more criteria represents a severe addiction.

Recognizing An Overdose Emergency

Overdosing while freebasing cocaine is possible, and it is crucial to be aware of the signs to get someone help and prevent a fatality. Many overdoses occur because cocaine may be mixed with other substances, like alcohol or opioids.

Three stages of acute cocaine toxicity may require emergency treatment services.

Stage 1

In Stage 1, acute toxicity symptoms often affect the central nervous system, heart, and lungs. However, there may also be skin and psychiatric symptoms. Any of the following may require medical attention:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Twitching
• Hallucinations
• Pre-convulsive movements
• Irregular heartbeats
• Hyperthermia
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Aggression

If symptoms aren’t treated during this stage, they may worsen. Freebasing cocaine symptoms that become toxic can occur rapidly. Taking quick action can prevent severe consequences.

Stage 2

In Stage 2, acute toxicity symptoms continue to affect the central nervous system, heart, lungs, and the skin. Common symptoms may include the following:

• Encephalopathy or brain damage
• Seizures
• Uncontrollable bowels
• Gasping for breaths
• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Deep tendon reflexes
• Hyperthermia

Stage two symptoms are dire and in need of immediate emergency treatment. Without treatment, symptoms can worsen and possibly lead to death.

Stage 3

In Stage 3, acute toxicity symptoms represent a shutting down or seizing of vital organs. The most affected areas are the central nervous system, heart, and lungs and include:

• Absence of normal body reflexes
• Coma
• Dilated pupils
• Non-responsive mentally or physically
• Cardiac arrest
• Respiratory failure

Stage three can be prevented if you know how to recognize the signs of freebasing cocaine toxicity. Emergency medical staff can perform specific techniques to help stabilize someone in the various stages of toxicity.

Get Help For Cocaine Addiction

Like many other drugs, freebasing cocaine produces pleasurable symptoms at first. However, it doesn’t take long for negative and dangerous symptoms to replace them. Addiction to freebasing is possible. Fortunately, treatment is available at any stage of cocaine misuse.

Remember, recovery is possible. If you’re ready to break free from the ties of addiction and start your recovery journey, contact a treatment provider today to explore your rehab options.