Freebasing Cocaine: Effects and Risks of Freebasing

What Is Freebasing?

Freebase cocaine is essentially the “base” form of the drug–the drug in its solid form.

Freebasing cocaine is the process of freeing the cocaine base from the salt form in which cocaine is naturally found. While crack cocaine is produced by mixing the original cocaine with a combination of water and baking soda, freebase cocaine comes from using ammonia to extract the base.

Freebase cocaine has virtually none of the drug’s additive, hydrochloride. It is essentially the product of converting powder cocaine to cocaine sulfate. The result is a form of cocaine that is almost 100% pure. In this form, it has a low melting point, which makes it easier to smoke. Freebase cocaine is not soluble in water, so it is difficult to melt and inject the drug.

Effects of Freebasing Cocaine

Freebase cocaine effects are felt almost immediately.¹ Since freebase cocaine is absorbed through the membranes of the lungs via smoking, it enters the bloodstream and the brain within 10-15 seconds. Once it reaches the brain, there is an intense feeling of euphoria followed by an extreme high lasting about 30 minutes.

The high is intense but is generally followed by a crash. Once the euphoric effects begin to dissipate, the user typically feels extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, and paranoia.

Short-term physical effects include:

• excessive sweating,
• nausea,
• pinpoint pupils,
• insomnia, headaches,
• decline in sexual function.

Long-term effects of freebase cocaine use include:

• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Restlessness,
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations.

In addition, smoking the substance is associated with various negative health effects, such as respiration issues, damage to the lungs and mouth, and a higher likelihood of developing various cancers. With chronic use, damage to all body systems can occur, including:

• Heart palpitations, heart failure, and heart attack.
• Stroke.
• Seizures.
• Asthma and other respiratory issues.

Other risks of freebasing include burns to the face or fingers from glass pipes, matches, or lighters during use. Additionally, users are prone to injuries from accidents or violence while under the influence.

Withdrawal and Overdose

It is easy to develop a freebase cocaine misuse problem because the drug is so highly addictive, particularly when taken in this form. As such, issues with cocaine withdrawal often arise. While cocaine tends produce more psychological withdrawal symptoms than physical, the effects of these psychological symptoms can be intense. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nervousness.
• Depression.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle pain.
• Suicidal or self-harming thoughts.
• Strong cravings for the drug.

Those who smoke freebase cocaine, as well as crack, are at higher risk for overdose because it is pure cocaine, which makes it extremely potent. If users are accustomed to smoking crack or using powdered cocaine, they may have no idea how much freebase cocaine to smoke, easily taking in high doses that result in overdose. Overdose is also likely because of the intensity and sudden onset of freebase cocaine’s effects. The risk of overdose is compounded if use of freebase cocaine is combined with use of any other substances, such as alcohol.

Overdose is considered a medical emergency, and immediate medical attention is required to avoid significant harm and even death. Symptoms of overdose include rapid heart rate, hyperventilation, convulsions, and coma.

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