July 21, 2021Tyler Collins
Ever heard of freebasing? Freebasing is a form of drug use involving the drug cocaine. However, the type of cocaine used and the way it is consumed are what makes freebasing different from just plain snorting the drug.
So what exactly is freebasing? And does it really pose dangers to the user? Can freebasing lead to drug addiction and overdose?
In this blog post, we will discuss what it means when someone is freebasing.
We will also talk about the dangerous effects that can take place for people who are abusing freebase cocaine.
What Is Freebasing Cocaine?
Freebasing is the act of inhaling the vapor or smoking freebase cocaine. Freebase cocaine is usually placed into a glass pipe and heated to boil until it produces vapors. The user then inhales the vapor that is produced.
It is important to note that freebase cocaine is not the same as powdered cocaine being snorted by users. It is also different from crack cocaine that is usually smoked. It is said that the term freebase cocaine was derived from “freeing” the “base” of cocaine which means extracting the pure form of cocaine by removing the additives. This process produces a solid form of the drug that is very potent and has a low melting point. Because of the low melting point, it can easily be heated and smoked.
What Is The Difference Between Freebasing Cocaine And Snorting Cocaine?
Aside from the effect being felt much faster, the euphoria or the high also tend to be more intense. This is because freebase cocaine is very potent. Freebasing can also cause an intense boost in energy and increased focus.
However, the effects of freebasing are very short-lived. The effects only last for less than half an hour. People who want to keep feeling the intense rush then freebase, again and again. This is referred to as binging. Because of the potency of freebase cocaine, it is easy to get hooked much faster and become addicted.
The Dangers of Freebasing Cocaine
Many people experiment with different drugs and methods of drug use without really realizing that there are serious dangers involved. Freebasing, for instance, may seem like an “exciting” way to consume drugs because of the intense rush it promises to deliver. However, it is important to note that because you’re smoking pure cocaine, the addiction potential is also very high.
When freebasing becomes a habit, this could quickly increase your tolerance for the drug. Increased tolerance means you will need to use more and more to feel the same effects. Aside from being addicted, the result can even be deadly. Drug overdose because of freebasing is very possible.
Other dangerous side effects from freebasing include physical and mental side effects. Long-term cocaine use can lead to organ damage and nerve damage. Nerve damage can affect your movement. It can also cause Parkinson’s disease. Cocaine abuse can also affect sexual function, sleep, and appetite. It is not uncommon for people who abuse freebase cocaine to become malnourished.
The mental side effects of freebasing can include stress, anxiety, and depression. These effects are usually felt when you are coming down from the intense rush or when you’re in withdrawal. More serious mental side effects include having hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
Addiction To Freebase Cocaine Is Treatable
If you or someone you know is addicted to freebase cocaine, it may be time to explore treatment options. Freebase addiction doesn’t just cause physical harm, the mental toll that comes with an addiction could make life even more difficult. It can lead to a variety of problems including depression and anxiety—even paranoia in some cases.
Fortunately, there are proven treatments available for those who need help breaking their dependency on this drug. Whether your loved one needs residential care or outpatient services, we have caring professionals ready to guide you through the process of getting clean and sober once again.
Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.
