Cocaine is an illegal stimulant that offers people feelings of euphoria. A cocaine high is not meant to last, but people often chase it over and over again because their brains get addicted. A drug like cocaine is extremely addictive and classified as a Schedule II drug.[1] Use of cocaine can cause significant long-term changes to the brain.[2] While using cocaine is always dangerous, freebasing is a dangerous way to use cocaine since inhaling the vapor from it can be more harmful than other ways of inhaling or using cocaine.[3] Find out why it is harmful and how to help a loved one with addiction or challenges using cocaine.
Freebasing Cocaine
What is freebasing? Freebasing cocaine is inhaling the vapor from applying a heat source to the drug. It is referred to as freebasing but is not the same as smoking crack or attempting to smoke powdered cocaine. Freebasing involves putting the cocaine into a glass pipe and heating it until it boils into vapor. Some copper may be put in there to assist in the boiling process.
Why Do People Freebase Cocaine?
First, let’s answer, “What is the freebasing definition?” By a chemical process, the cocaine becomes free from the sodium base.[4] This is where ‘freebase’ comes from. This step takes ether to dissolve the cocaine. This is highly combustible and often results in explosions in the labs that create cocaine. Freebasing is a way to make the effects hit instantly, but they are more serious as a result.
Freebasing cocaine provides the following effects to a user:[5]
- Enters the bloodstream and brain faster than other forms
- Faster than injection
- The high is more intense
- The comedown is worse
How Long Does a High from Freebasing Cocaine Last?
When a person feels the effects of freebase cocaine, they don’t last long. After 30 minutes they are gone and the person comes down from the drugs. As it wears off, they may experience fatigue, anxiety, or even paranoia.[6] This can lead to difficulty physically and emotionally. Short-term, the effects are insomnia, excess sweating, and nausea, but long-term, the person may experience depression, paranoia, and anxiety. There are many health risks when a person smokes toxic drugs. The health risks are greater the longer a person uses drugs. To seek help for drug use, a person should find support from rehab centers that provide space to heal from addiction.
Are you suffering from a substance abuse addiction and need help? The Last Resort provides substance abuse addiction treatment programs for men suffering from addictions to a variety of substances, including meth, heroine, cocaine, and alcohol, among others. We can help you overcome your addiction, so you’ll never have to think about the ramifications of freebasing ever again.
The Last Resort provides a safe, supportive environment for men in a retreat-like setting. Nature is an important component of recovery and healing. We strive to provide a place of enrichment that cultivates the inner as well as the outer journey of recovery. However you find your way to the Last Resort, we endeavor to provide a haven where you can journey through recovery feeling like your life and story have meaning and a purpose. Contact us today to learn more.
