What Is Freebasing?
When talking about what it means to freebase drugs, we have to start with some business info. … So, drugs are a commodity—or a product. And just like any product, the people who make them and make money from them must find the most efficient way to transport and increase their shelf life. This is Business 101.
The longevity of a product allows you to make more of it and have more inventory.
In produce, this means there are a certain amount of preservatives on your pears. Or in your Twinkies, which have enough preservatives to last through the next ice age.
Preserving Drugs
So, how does the business-minded drug dealer handle this? Well, with cocaine, which is the most common freebased drug, cocaine is converted into a hydrochloride salt form. It makes it more stable. There is a better amount of solubility, which makes it easier to use.
Mandy drugs, like cocaine, come from natural sources. Cocaine is extracted from the coca leaf. The base form of the drug is then reacted with hydrochloric acid. The result is a longer-lasting, easier-to-transport, and easier-to-use form.
But to the end user, it might not be pure enough.
Enter Freebase
So you have this drug that is chemically altered. Freebasing is a process of chemically changing the cocaine again to remove the hydrochloride salt component, resulting in a pure form of the drug. Which people then smoke.
This process often involves the use of dangerous chemicals and carries substantial risks. In the world of drug users, freebasing is sometimes colloquially referred to as “blasting” or “cooking.”
Freebasing Process
The process typically involves:
- Chemical Conversion: The drug, usually cocaine, is treated with a base (like ammonia or baking soda) to free it from its hydrochloride salt form.
- Smoking: The resulting base form is then smoked, delivering a rapid and intense high.
Why Do People Freebase?
So, what’s the point?
The allure is the higher “high.” It’s quicker and more powerful, or at least it seems that way. When drugs are smoked, they reach the brain more quickly than other methods like snorting or ingesting. This immediate effect is intense, and it is appealing to some.
Common Drugs Used in Freebasing
While freebasing is most commonly associated with cocaine, other drugs can also be consumed in this manner. Some of the most common include:
- Cocaine: The most well-known drug used in freebasing, providing a quick and powerful high.
- Heroin: Though less common, heroin can also be freebased, leading to a rapid onset of effects.
- Methamphetamine: Freebasing meth delivers an intense high similar to smoking crack cocaine.
The Top 5 Reasons Not to Freebase: A Countdown
5. Chemical Burns
Freebasing involves the use of hazardous chemicals like ammonia or baking soda. Mishandling these substances can result in severe chemical burns to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
4. Respiratory Issues
Smoking drugs, as done in freebasing, wreaks havoc on the respiratory system. The chemicals and drug residues can scar your lungs, leading to a lifetime of wheezing and breathing difficulties.
3. Mental Health Decline
Freebasing drugs messes with your mental health. Users often experience increased paranoia, anxiety, and severe mood swings. And if you have pre-existing mental health issues, they are going to get worse.
2. Overdose Risk
The intense and rapid high from freebasing makes an overdose more likely. It’s that potent dose directly to the brain. It heightens the chances of taking a deadly amount. Overdose can lead to seizures, heart attacks, and death.
1. Severe Addiction
Freebasing leads to a high potential for addiction. The rapid onset of the drug’s effects creates a powerful craving, making it very tough to quit. And addiction is a life destroyer.
Signs of Freebasing
If you think someone you care about is freebasing, look for burns or sores on fingers, lips, or other areas exposed to freebasing equipment. They might also get nosebleeds.
Chronic coughing, unexplained weight loss, mental health decline, potential hallucinations, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating are all signs of a person freebasing cocaine.
The paraphernalia associated with freebasing:
- Homemade pipes, often crafted from light bulbs, glass tubes, or other heat-resistant materials
- Chemical containers, including baking soda or ammonia, are used to convert the drug into its base form
- Lighters or torches
- Spoons or aluminum foil are used to “cook” the drug before smoking.
- White powder, indicating cocaine residue, or burnt, tar-like residue on pipes and other equipment.
Finding the Path to Recovery
While the risks of freebasing are pretty bad, remember that recovery is possible.
Taking the first step toward seeking help can feel overwhelming, but you have to get your life back. Here’s what it could look like for you.
- Reach Out for Support: The first step is to seek help, whether from a friend, family member, or professional.
- Consider Treatment Options: Various treatment options, including inpatient and outpatient programs, offer structured support and guidance needed for recovery.
- Engage in Therapy: Both individual and group therapy for addiction treatment can offer emotional support and coping strategies.
- Adopt Healthy Habits: Focusing on physical health through exercise and nutrition can aid recovery.
Call EagleCrest Recovery Today
Do you or someone you know struggle with cocaine addiction and are looking for a cocaine rehab in Arkansas? EagleCrest Recovery is the trusted addiction treatment center. Call our team today to get answers to any questions you might have. Call now: 844-439-7627.
