What is Freebase Cocaine?
Freebase cocaine refers to the base or solid form of cocaine and is the shape this substance takes when it becomes “free” of its salt form. This is typically achieved by using ammonia to extract it. This cocaine base is almost one hundred percent pure, which makes it easier to smoke, and its effects hit substantially faster.
The Difference Between Crack Cocaine and Freebase Cocaine
While both are forms of cocaine, crack cocaine is produced by mixing the original substance with water and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), while freebase cocaine made with ether has zero traces of the usual additive used in producing cocaine, hydrochloride.
Essentially producing the same form as converting powder cocaine into cocaine sulfate, the freebase version of this substance has a considerably low melting point. While this makes it easier to smoke, it makes it non-water soluble, unlike powder cocaine.
Thus, it is typically not suitable for injecting or snorting, despite these being alternative methods of using this drug (particularly for crack cocaine).
What are the Methods of Freebasing Cocaine?
In order to create freebase, an amount of powdered cocaine is refined using ether extraction. After a period of time for cooling, the ‘freed base’ of extracted oil hardens, with any contaminants having been removed, and is then typically consumed via combustion and inhalation.
There are various methods by which an individual can use freebase cocaine. The most common way in which it is administered, however, is through being smoked. Similar to the process of smoking crack cocaine, this will usually involve the use of a small glass pipe, as well as a piece of copper or similar material.
Ashes from cigarettes or similar are frequently used as an alternative to copper-based screens, and many forms of impromptu smoking devices are employed to smoke freebase.
The copper is used as a screen for the cocaine, trapping the cocaine base as it melts down into a vaporized, smokable form of oil. Because this is done using such a pure form of cocaine, in most cases, freebasing produces effects that are particularly fast-acting.
What are the Side Effects of Freebasing Cocaine?
As this form of cocaine is used by smoking, it does not take long for this substance to make its way into the bloodstream and travel to the brain. Thus, individuals will typically experience a high within 10-15 seconds of freebasing cocaine, during which they usually experience a feeling of euphoria.
However, this pleasant feeling is relatively short-lived, typically fading after a 30-minute period of time. Furthermore, this high is often followed by an equally strong crash, which may include symptoms such as:
- Extreme fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Increased Irritability
- Paranoia
Freebasing cocaine can also produce several other side effects, which can be both short-term or long-term, as well as physical or mental in nature. Thus, as with any form of drug abuse, no matter how enjoyable its brief high can be, the negative consequences of freebasing cocaine far outweigh its supposedly “positive” aspects.
Short-Term Effects
While the most common short-term side effects of freebase cocaine usage occur during its crash period, individuals can still experience several other effects, including:
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Retracted, or “pinpoint” pupils
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Headaches
- Declined interest in sexual activities
Long-Term Effects
When it comes to the long-term effects of this form of substance use, these can often be quite severe in nature and may require the individual to seek medical attention. These may include:
- Respiratory issues (i.e., asthma)
- Damage to the lungs and/or mouth
- Increased chance of developing various types of cancer
- Rapid heart rate, heart palpitations or failure, and heart attack
- Stroke
- Seizures
Other Risks of Freebase
There are also several risks associated with the method in which this type of cocaine is used, as it can only really be smoked. In fact, it poses many of the same risks as smoking crack cocaine (or other substances), as both require close proximity to glass, hot surfaces, and open flames.
Some of the most significant health risks associated with smoking substances include:
- Burns to the face
- Burns to the fingers
- Cuts from a broken or chipped glass smoking apparatus
Furthermore, individuals under the influence of mind-altering or particularly intense substances (such as cocaine) may be more prone to becoming violent or engaging in risky behaviors, which can also result in injury.
Cocaine and The Risk of Overdose
As with most illicit drugs, cocaine poses a significant risk of overdose. Particularly in its freebase form, as it is purer and fast-acting, a simple miscalculation of how much an individual is using can quickly become fatal.
Recognizing the Signs
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are several symptoms that individuals can look out for that can serve as a sign of cocaine overdose. These may include side effects such as:
- Severe agitation or anxiety
- High blood pressure
- High temperature
- Excessive sweating
- Hallucinations
Some of these may be more severe in nature, including:
- Heart problems, including heart attack or irregular heart rhythm
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
Drug Addiction Treatment Methods
There are several methods of treating substance use disorders, several of which are dedicated to addressing specific health concerns associated with addiction treatment. These may include more holistic or spiritual approaches to recovery, or those that are more clinical in nature.
Most treatment facilities will adhere to a generally accepted Continuum of Care (CoC), which entails seven levels of care, and are as follows:
- Interventions.
- Detox
- Residential Treatment.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
- Outpatient Treatment.
- Aftercare Programs
If you are unsure of what type of addiction treatment is best for you, speaking with a healthcare provider may help you narrow down your options. Or, you can contact a Find Addiction Rehabs representative for support using our 24/7 hotline.
The Best Cocaine Treatment Options
There is no single best method of treating an addiction to drugs or alcohol. This remains just as true for an addiction to cocaine and may require those struggling with this dependency to undergo a trial-and-error process during their recovery journey.
Of course, according to several peer-reviewed studies, individuals who participate in multiple different types of substance abuse treatment approaches are more likely to successfully recover from addiction and maintain long-term sobriety.
When treating a cocaine use disorder, it may be particularly helpful to combine different treatment methods, including therapeutic services (such as individual or family counseling), residential rehab options, and/or participation in sober living aftercare programs.
Furthermore, those struggling with simultaneous substance use and mental health disorders may require seeking out treatment options that specialize in treating dual-diagnosis individuals.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
For individuals who are recovering from a cocaine addiction (whether crack, freebase, or any other form), this may result in several unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These can be both physical and mental in nature, and may include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slowed cognitive functions
- Slowed activity, or becoming easily fatigued
- Constant exhaustion
- Restlessness
- Decreased sexual arousal or interest
- An inability to feel pleasure
- Depression or anxiety
- Suicidal ideations or behaviors
- Nightmares or insomnia
- Chills, tremors, muscle aches, and nerve pain
- Increased drug cravings
- Increased appetite
Medical Detox
Some forms of drug addiction or alcohol abuse can cause particularly intense (or even life-threatening) withdrawal symptoms. In these cases, undergoing a medical detox process may be necessary.
This will typically involve constant medical support and supervision, as well as a specialized diet to help regulate an individual’s body during the withdrawal period. Furthermore, this process may involve the administration of medicine (typically controlled medications) to help prevent and minimize the more difficult side effects of withdrawal.
Find the Right Treatment Options for Cocaine Now
Addiction can often be a difficult and isolating experience. After all, these habits do not just affect the addicted person, but their friends and family members as well. Unfortunately, addiction and the consequences it can have on those exposed to it do not just simply go away.
Here at Find Addiction Rehabs, we understand how hard taking that first step to recovery can be; but that’s why we are here. With our hotline available 24/7, one of our representatives is ready at all times of the day (or night) to provide you with the addiction support you need and deserve.
No matter what form of substance abuse you are struggling with, our team is always ready to connect you with treatment facilities dedicated to meeting your personal care needs. Whether seeking out help for you or a loved one, we can provide the tools and resources you need to overcome addiction.
So make the right choice and call today, and we will get you started on the road to achieving a happier, healthier, and sober you!
How To Freebase Cocaine (And Why Not To) (FAQ)
Does the purity of freebase cocaine have any impact on its potency?
Freebase cocaine has more active ingredients than crack, but both are highly addictive and dangerous. The purity of freebase cocaine does not affect the drug’s potency but how much you will consume in one sitting.
How complex is the manufacturing process of freebase cocaine?
The manufacturing process of freebase cocaine is one of the most dangerous and toxic processes in drug production. The chemicals used in this process are highly volatile and flammable. Ether is so volatile that it must be stored in sealed containers at all times. If exposed to air for too long, it can ignite and burn with extreme heat.
Is it easier to overdose on freebase cocaine than other forms of the drug?
It is not necessarily easier to overdose on freebase cocaine. It’s just that when you smoke freebase cocaine, you’re inhaling the drug directly into the lungs. The body must first convert the other forms of cocaine before they are absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to the brain.
Are the withdrawal symptoms of freebase cocaine worse than other forms of the drug?
The withdrawal symptoms of freebase cocaine are essentially the same as those of any other form of cocaine. Those who have not developed a tolerance within the body to the drug may experience more severe and intense physical symptoms than those who have taken it for extended periods.
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