Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Tiktok
Rolling Hills Recovery Center combination logo

Our Location

855-559-8550

Get Help Now
Get Help Now
855-559-8550
Rolling hills recovery center combination logo
Take The First Step Now
Contact Us
Check Insurance
Take The First Step Now
Contact Us
Check Insurance

Freebasing Cocaine: Effects, Risks and Treatment

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 12 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 12 minutes

Freebasing cocaine is a hazardous method of drug use that intensifies its effects while significantly increasing the risks to an individual’s health and well-being.

Start With a Phone Call
Check Insurance
Group of people ignoring each other using phone with serious face

Cocaine is an illegal substance that is one of the most abused substances in the United States. People who misuse powdered cocaine often rub it on their gums.

They may also snort it or mix it with water. Then, they inject it into their bloodstream. Some users also combine it with baking soda and water to make what is known as “Crack Cocaine.”

Dried crack cocaine is usually smoked. However, there is another method of injection that continues to gain traction: freebasing.

Table of Contents

Large group room at rolling hills recovery center
Levels of Care
Popular Topics
Families & Addiction

Definition & Characteristics of Freebase

What is Freebasing Cocaine?

You can produce cocaine in its freebase form by combining the powdered substance with a potent alkaline solution. Following this, a solvent isolates the base form of cocaine, excluding the hydrochloride. It is subsequently dried into a solid form for smoking purposes, typically via a glass pipe. 

How is Freebase Made?

In the eyes of chemists, cocaine is a weak base. When extracted, it is commonly neutralized with an acid to produce a salt known as cocaine hydrochloride. This powder can be dissolved in water for injection, applied to the gums, or snorted.

By the 1970s, however, users started to isolate the free base of cocaine using ether, which means separating it from the salt. At first, people would use a lighter to heat the cocaine base, allowing them to inhale the vapor produced.

Portrait of a young brunette woman looking at camera with a serious face gesturing disappointment.

Long-Term & Short-Term Effects of Freebasing

What Are the Effects of Freebase Cocaine?

When you use freebase cocaine, the high onsets rapidly and is very intense. However, this feeling of high lasts for a short time. As the high subsides, you may start to feel extreme irritability, anxiety, fatigue, depression, and paranoia, among other symptoms.

It is these symptoms that make most users retake the drug to ease them. More acute effects of using free-base cocaine include extreme headaches, nausea, insomnia, and irritability. Some effects last for a while. However, the most common long-term effects are depression, restlessness, memory loss, paranoia, irritability, and hallucinations.

Smoking freebase cocaine has its own health risks. These include trouble breathing, possible damage to the mouth and lungs, and a higher risk of different cancers.

Using cocaine regularly can harm your health. It can cause serious problems like breathing issues and heart troubles. These problems can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and seizures.

If someone is freebasing, they might also get burns on their face or fingers from pipes or lighters. On top of that, being high on cocaine can make you more likely to get into accidents, get hurt, or find yourself in dangerous situations.

Are You Ready To Create The Life You Deserve? Free From Addiction?

Rolling Hills Recovery Center has committed patient navigators standing by day or night to help you create a customized treatment plan.

Talk Over the Phone
Call (855) 559-8550

Did You KNow?

Most Major Insurance Will Help Cover the Cost of Treatment
anthem-white
cigna-1
mcr-aetna-white
mcr-beacon-white
med-mutual-white
prc-magellan
TRICARE_Logo_png
Call Today (855) 559-8550
Check Your Coverage
You Could Be Covered
100% for Treatment

Characteristics of Freebase, Powder, & Crack

How Does Freebase Differ from Other Forms of Cocaine?

The main difference between freebase cocaine and other forms of the drug lies in its chemical structure. However, different forms of this substance also vary in terms of methods of use and effects on the body.

Freebase Cocaine: This form of the drug is more pure than other forms. Freebasing makes the final product even more volatile.

Smoking is the most common method of use of this form of cocaine. Smoking freebase cocaine causes strong and quick feelings of euphoria.

These effects are more intense than those from snorting powder cocaine. However, they fade quickly. Using dangerous chemicals like ammonia and ether during debasing raised the risks in production. This included the dangers of explosions and burns.

Powder Cocaine (Cocaine Hydrochloride): This is the common form of cocaine. People usually take it by snorting or by dissolving it for injection. It features hydrochloride salt. This salt allows for water solubility but reduces its potency compared to freebase.

You’ll notice that the effects come on slower than with freebase smoking, and they tend to be less powerful overall. When snorted, users can expect effects to start in 15 to 30 minutes. This produces a feeling of euphoria. However, the drug does not reach the brain as quickly as freebase or crack.

There are risks involved. Snorting can damage the nasal passages. Long-term use can lead to heart problems. Injecting this form of cocaine increases the risk of overdose significantly.

Crack Cocaine: Crack is created when you blend powdered cocaine with baking soda and water, turning it into something you can smoke. It has a chemical structure close to freebase but is generally less pure and often contains impurities. Crack is known for being highly addictive, partly because it’s cheap and delivers an intense high. However, smoking crack cocaine can seriously harm your lungs and raise the risk of overdose.

Are You Ready To Create The Life You Deserve? Free From Cocaine Addiction?

A patient navigator is ready to help. Our team of dedicated professionals are here to help 24 hours a day.

Call (855) 559-8550

Overdose, Addiction, & Health Risks

What Are the Risks and Dangers of Using Freebase?

Cocaine is a strong stimulant for the central nervous system. Many people misuse it for the intense high and energy it provides. Some people mistakenly believe that freebasing this substance is safer than other addictive drugs.

While it boosts dopamine in the brain, giving users a rush of pleasure, energy, and focus, these highs can be tempting. However, they come with several serious risks, including:

Increased Risk of Overdose

Recently, we’ve seen a troubling rise in overdose deaths linked to psychostimulants and cocaine. For example, a 2022 survey shows that overdose deaths from other psychostimulants increased by 33%. During the same time, deaths related to cocaine rose by 22%.

This trend is quite alarming. Freebasing cocaine can lead to a stronger high. This makes it harder to know the right dose. It also greatly raises the risk of overdose.

If you’re new to the side effects of freebase cocaine, you may have difficulty recognizing an overdose. Watch out for some of these warning signs and symptoms of overdose, such as:

  • Rapid breathing or trouble catching your breath.
  • Excessive sweating and fever.
  • Elevated blood pressure, racing heart, or an irregular heartbeat.
  • Seizures.
  • Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
  • Intense restlessness or anxiety.
  • Not being aware of what’s happening around you.
  • Skin appearing bluish.

Higher Potential for Addiction

Freebase cocaine delivers swift and potent effects that can quickly lead to addiction. Addiction is a mental health disorder. It is marked by a strong and constant desire to use a drug. This urge continues even when the drug causes serious harm and negative effects.

When you struggle with addiction, strong cravings can take over your life. These cravings can make you forget important tasks and the people you care about. This neglect can spiral into serious challenges that affect not just daily routines but also physical and mental health.

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Problems

Cocaine, no matter how you look at it, is a powerful stimulant that can really harm your heart and overall health. Freebase cocaine, being especially intense, carries a significant risk for heart problems. This is especially concerning for those who already deal with high blood pressure or heart problems.

Cocaine can cause unusual heart rhythms. It has also been linked to heart attacks, even in young people without heart issues.

Risk of Lung Damage

Evidence shows that smoking cocaine, even for a short time, can lead to immediate breathing problems. These problems include coughing, black sputum, and chest pain. If it evolves into a long-term habit, it could bring about several lung-related issues.

  • Aspiration pneumonia or organizing pneumonia.
  • Pulmonary infarction, edema, and hypertension.
  • Infectious diseases, notably tuberculosis.
  • Vasculitis and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage.
  • Empyema, characterized by pus accumulation resulting from infection.
  • Septic embolism.
  • Formation of a lung abscess.
Our Patient Navigators Are Here When You Need Them

Our experienced staff is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. Call today and change your tomorrow.

We're Here When You're Ready

Find Out Why We Have a 4.9 Rating on Google

Testimonials & Stories of Hope

Common Methods & Signs of Use

How is Freebase Cocaine Used?

Freebase cocaine is specifically prepared for smoking, going through a process that makes it suitable for that. It is different from liquid cocaine, which you inject. It is also different from crack cocaine, which is made for smoking. While they might all produce similar effects, the methods of making and consuming are pretty distinct.

Smoking

Smoking freebase cocaine is probably the most popular way to use it. They typically vaporize it in a pipe, which sends the drug right into their bloodstream through the lungs.

This results in a quick and powerful high that many find super enjoyable. However, there are some important downsides. These include possible breathing problems and a high risk of addiction.

This is because the effects happen very quickly. It’s a real gamble!

Injecting

Some people decide to inject freebase cocaine directly into their bloodstream rather than smoke it. Although this isn’t the most common method, those who go for it often do so because it offers a quick and intense high.

But it’s important to know that this approach comes with some serious risks. Injecting can cause infections or collapsed veins.

There is a greater risk of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Users might get skin infections. Continued use can also cause long-term damage. It’s certainly a riskier path to take!

Snorting

Snorting is often linked to powdered cocaine, but some people also snort freebase cocaine. They pulverize it into a fine powder and inhale it through their nose.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Use?

The immediate and intense effects of freebase cocaine often lead to a myriad of signs and symptoms, including:

1. Euphoria

Chasing that high can lead to a troubling pattern. The initial joy becomes harder to feel over time. The short nature of the experience leads to a cycle of craving.

Users want to chase that brief but strong feeling of happiness again. It is a cycle that can lead to dependency. The initial thrill is replaced by a constant struggle for satisfaction.

2. Increased Energy

The freebase form of cocaine can boost your energy levels and increase your sense of alertness. You may experience hyperactive behaviors, talk relatively faster than usual, and show an increased ability to concentrate on tasks.

While you may feel that this increased energy is good for you, the exhaustion it brings can be overwhelming. Additionally, it fades quickly, leading to a strong desire to keep using it. This can increase the risk of addiction and even a deadly overdose.

3. Paranoia

When the effects of freebase cocaine set in, you may start feeling intense anxiety and paranoia. Users grappling with general paranoia often show irrational fear of being unfairly judged or persecuted. Sadly, such feelings often escalate out of control, causing other effects like hallucinations and erratic behavior.

4. Irritability

It’s pretty common for someone using freebase cocaine to feel irritable and experience mood swings. As the drug’s effects wear off, it’s easy to become annoyed or restless. This irritability can really strain relationships and make social interactions more challenging.

5. Insomnia

It can become really hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, often leading to long nights of being wide awake. This insomnia doesn’t just disrupt your sleep; it can also harm your health. It can cause fatigue, affect your thinking, and make you more prone to mental health problems.

Master bedroom at grandview estates inpatient alcohol rehab
Grand staircase at grandview estates drug rehab

Your Path to Freedom Begins Today

Don't Wait Any Longer. Transform Your Life Today.

Our caring treatment navigators are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to help you or your loved one. When you call Rolling Hills Recovery Center you can trust that you will find the help you need – at no cost or obligation to choose our program. Get started right now.

Call Today (855) 559-8550
Get a Callback Now
Request a Confidential 100% Confidential Callback

Treatment Approaches

What Are the Treatment Options for Freebase Cocaine Addiction?

Cocaine addiction can affect many parts of your life. However, you can regain control and live a drug-free life. The best place to start your journey to recovery is by joining a reputable addiction treatment facility.

Dealing with drug addiction is tough and isn’t something that can be addressed with a one-size-fits-all solution. It usually takes a mix of treatments—medical care, therapy, and support from groups.

One of the most important steps in recovery is going through a medically supervised detox. This provides people with the support they need to manage tough withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include anxiety, depression, and strong cravings. All of this happens in a safe and caring environment.

After detox, people usually take part in various therapies. One common type is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy focuses on the mental aspects of addiction.

CBT helps you create strategies to manage cravings. It also helps you identify what triggers your addiction. This approach can break the harmful habits that led to your substance abuse.

Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous bring together people with similar challenges. They create a supportive space that encourages motivation and responsibility. These communities can be very important for your recovery. They help you stay involved and remind you that you are not alone on this journey.

One of the best parts of being in these groups is the accountability, a powerful motivator. When you know that people care about you, it helps you stay glued on your goals. These groups remind you that recovery is a shared experience, full of hope and understanding.

Sometimes, treatment includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and lowers the chances of relapse. Teaming up with healthcare professionals is critical to figuring out the best plan for you.

The main goal of treatment is not just to stop using drugs. It is also to help you return to a fulfilling life. This can be with your family, at your job, or in your community.

When you need help, connect with certified addiction specialists or treatment centers. They focus on substance use disorders. Overcoming an addiction to freebase cocaine is no walk in the park, but with the proper support and a tailored treatment plan, you can make it through.

Our Admissions Process

Personalized Cocaine Addiction Treatment

The Rolling Hills Recovery Center Can Kickstart Your Cocaine Recovery Journey

Are you or someone you know battling cocaine addiction, regardless of whether it’s through freebasing? We offer several cocaine addiction treatment programs to help you stay sober for the long term. These programs also ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the chance of relapse.

We recognize that getting helping hands can appear intimidating, so we are here for you 24/7. Let us help you navigate your recovery journey. You can contact us today at 973-606-9170 or visit us at 425 Main St. Chester, NJ 07930.

Facebook Linkedin X-twitter Pinterest Instagram

Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

Start Your Journey

Stay Informed & Up-to-Date

Related Cocaine Articles & Topics