2.2 million Americans ages 12 and older regularly use cocaine, while another 473,000 use crack cocaine. Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant and an illicit narcotic, meaning that it has no known medical uses and is illegal to buy, sell, and produce. Cocaine is also prone to abuse and can lead to addiction. When you develop a dependency on cocaine, it can be difficult to live a healthy, normal, and productive life. But what exactly is the difference between crack vs cocaine? Whether you struggle with a crack vs cocaine addiction, it can cause you to make your drug use the most important part of your life. This can lead to major problems with your friends and loved ones, as well as serious financial issues.
The Differences Between Crack vs Cocaine
Cocaine is produced from the coco plant, which is a native plant in places like South America. One of the biggest differences between crack vs cocaine is that crack is made using cocaine and is sold in a solid form. Another difference between cocaine vs crack is that users typically inhale, or “snort,” cocaine, while crack is normally smoked. Both crack and cocaine produce stimulating and energizing effects. However, another difference between crack vs cocaine is that crack produces a more intense and shorter high than cocaine. Crack is also much cheaper than cocaine, which makes it more affordable for users and, combined with the shorter and more powerful high, highly prone to abuse. Whether using crack vs cocaine, the drug causes your brain to release a powerful and overwhelming rush of neurotransmitters, which causes your brain to associate crack or cocaine with pleasure. Changes to your pleasure and reward center then occur, and your brain positively reinforces your cocaine vs crack use. While differences between crack vs cocaine exist, both can lead to addiction. Common signs of cocaine and crack addiction include:
- Increasing your use as your tolerance builds
- Spending excessive amounts of money on crack or cocaine
- Using alone
- Needing to use in order to feel normal
- Experiencing intense cravings when you don’t use
- Dealing with negative consequences as a result of your use
How Cocaine and Crack Addiction are Treated
Addiction causes you to compulsively abuse your substance of choice. Whether you suffer from addiction to cocaine vs crack, treatment is usually necessary in order to recover. Whenever you’re exposed to triggers, which are people, places, or things that remind you of your substance of choice, you can deal with intense cravings. Inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment programs focus on helping you learn how to identify triggers and cope with them in a healthy way. Evidence-based treatments, like cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, can improve your insight and give you the tools and skills necessary to recognize and change negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Both inpatient and outpatient programs use evidence-based and holistic therapies. Inpatient programs are residential. Outpatient programs allow you to return home each night and continue working or going to school. Inpatient treatment is best if you have a severe addiction, lengthy substance abuse history, or a co-occurring condition.
Starting Treatment Today
If you’re struggling with a crack or cocaine addiction, it can feel like your life is out of control. Addiction can make it difficult to maintain positive relationships or to pursue your personal or career goals. Luckily, treatment offers you the ability to learn how to manage your symptoms and recover from addiction. If you have any questions about the difference between crack vs cocaine or would like to learn more about our treatment programs, contact us today at [Direct.]