Freebasing cocaine involves chemically altering the drug to its “base” form to make it suitable for smoking. The process of freebasing involves converting cocaine into a heat-stable base called "freebase." This "freebase" has a low melting point, which makes the cocaine almost 100 percent pure and easier to smoke. It is also much more dangerous than in its original form. The end product is sometimes known as "crack" cocaine, which is a crystalline form of cocaine smoked in a freebasing pipe.
Read on with Avenues Recovery, leaders in addiction rehabilitation, to explore what freebasing drugs means, how to freebase cocaine, and its risks and effects.
How to Freebase Cocaine
To freebase cocaine, cocaine powder is heated and evaporated after being mixed with a base ingredient, typically baking soda. Typically, freebasing drugs involves using a small glass freebasing pipe. A small piece of clean, heavy copper is used as a reduction base in which the cocaine can be melted and boiled to a vapor. The outcome is a purer, more potent form of cocaine, which is then inhaled through a pipe or similar smoking device.
What Are Some Risks of Freebasing Cocaine?
Freebasing comes with severe health risks. Cocaine is already one of the most prevalent and harmful illicit drugs, and freebasing intensifies these dangers. Additionally, the process of cocaine freebasing involves the use of flammable chemicals, posing a high risk of explosions or fires.
Some of the health hazards of the freebasing process include:
- Lung damage
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- User catching on fire
- Death
Some risks of freebase cocaine include:
Cardiovascular effects - Elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.
Psychological Impact - Anxiety, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, and, in severe cases, psychosis.
Neurological Impact - Seizures, headaches, and other neurological disturbances, changes in the brain affecting decision-making, memory function, and impulse control.
Risk of Addiction - Continued usage of freebase cocaine may result in the development of tolerance, dependence, and cocaine addiction. Individuals may persist in drug use despite experiencing adverse effects on their health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Respiratory Issues - Breathing issues: coughing, shortness of breath, and potential lung damage. In extreme cases, it can lead to respiratory failure, a critical and life-threatening condition.
Gastrointestinal repercussions - Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, cocaine use can contribute to intestinal ischemia, a condition that compromises blood flow to the gut, resulting in damage and perforation of tissue.
Sexual Performance- Cocaine use can potentially cause sexual dysfunction, encompassing impotence and reduced sexual desire.
What Are Some of the Effects of Freebasing?
Some short-term effects of freebasing cocaine include:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Pinpoint pupils
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Decline in sexual function
Long-term effects of freebasing coke include:
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
Breaking Free from Freebasing Cocaine
Freebasing cocaine is a highly addictive activity. If you or your loved one are caught in the throes of a cocaine addiction, know that you're not alone. Addiction is a terrible struggle, and unfortunately, it doesn’t discriminate.
Reach out to Avenues Recovery today to hear about our tailor-made cocaine addiction treatment plans, which will enable you to take control of your life once again.