Cocaine attracts over 18 million people daily and is known for being a stimulant. As part of a sprawling network of trade, addiction and devastation, cocaine and its equally potent sister, crack, lead users through a short-lived euphoric trip.
Here, we will explore the chemical makeup of both drugs, methods of use, effects on the body and mind, and broader social and cultural implications. Both substances have made their mark on pop culture, representing both glamour and despair in film, music and art more generally. From the grit and grime portrayed in TV shows such as Narcos to the rough realities depicted in lyricism, both crack and cocaine occupy places in the universal cultural consciousness.
Chemical composition and forms
When it comes to appearance, crack cocaine is very different from cocaine. Cocaine is a white powder, while crack appears as small, irregularly shaped, opaque rocks or chunks that vary in colour from white to yellow. The method of production and its solid form make crack very distinct from traditional cocaine.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful, central nervous system stimulant that is derived from the coca plant, Erythroxylum Coca, which is native to South America. Cocaine hydrochloride is by far the most common form of cocaine available on the street. In this form, cocaine is a fine, white crystalline powder.
When being dealt on the street, the purity of cocaine can vary. It is usually cut or diluted with substances like cornstarch, talcum powder or other local anaesthetics, such as lidocaine, to increase the volume and profits for dealers. The effects of pure cocaine are more intense when the purity levels are higher. However, due to the adulterants, the actual purity of street cocaine is much lower.
Crack cocaine
Crack cocaine is a version of cocaine that has been chemically altered in order to create a smokable substance as opposed to one that is snorted. This is achieved by mixing cocaine hydrochloride with a base, like baking soda or ammonia and water, then heating the mixture in order to replace the hydrochloride salt. The cocaine then forms into a rock, which is known as “crack” because of the cracking sound it makes when heated and smoked.
The production of crack is very different from that of cocaine hydrochloride. After removing the hydrochloride, the crack becomes a rock that can be vaporised and inhaled, allowing rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the lungs. As a result, it causes an immediate and intense high, which is typically shorter in length when compared to snorting.
Methods of use
Cocaine is an extremely powerful stimulant that is consumed in a few different ways. Unsurprisingly, each unique way affects how quickly and intensely the drug acts on the body.
- Snorting
After the drug is chopped into a fine powder, it’s then inhaled with either a straw or a sheet of paper. This is by far the most common method of using cocaine.
Snorting cocaine leads to absorption through the nasal mucosa, which results in a reasonably quick onset of effects, usually within 3 to 5 minutes. These effects tend to peak after about 15-30 minutes and last for up to an hour. The high from snorting is very short-lived compared to other methods but results in a more sustained release when compared to smoking, for example.
- Intravenous Injection
IV injections involve dissolving the cocaine in water and then directly injecting it into the bloodstream using a syringe.
This is the fastest way for users to achieve a quick onset of effects (usually within 30 seconds). This results in a high intensity that peaks within a few minutes. However, its effects are much shorter, and they usually last between 20 and 30 minutes. By injecting, the user significantly increases the risk of overdose and addiction.
Crack cocaine usage
Crack cocaine is a significantly different experience to that of powdered cocaine in both the risks and the high.
Crack is most commonly smoked using a small glass pipe. The substance is heated until the point of evaporation, and the vapours are subsequently inhaled into the lungs. This method does not require blood absorption via mucous membranes. Instead, there is direct access to the bloodstream through the lungs.
Smoking cracks lead to immediate effects, usually occurring within 10 seconds. The high is intense but short-lived, peaks within a few minutes, and lasts up to 10 minutes.
Effects on body and brain
Cocaine seriously raises heart rate and blood pressure, which poses multiple risks of cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes. It also releases adrenaline, which can be quite taxing on the cardiovascular system. Users also tend to experience some or all of the following to the overstimulation of the central nervous system:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
If one uses the drug persistently or consumption becomes a chronic issue, it can alter the brain’s reward system, leading to a cycle of dependence and addiction .
Similarly, crack creates significant risks to the respiratory system, as smoking can lead to severe lung damage, including chronic cough, lung infections, and acute respiratory distress. The intense stimulation of the heart can also exacerbate cardiovascular problems, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes even more than snorting powdered cocaine. The addictive potential of crack cocaine is also greater due to the rapid onset and brief duration of the high.
Cultural depiction of crack in film and music
Here is an exploration of how crack and cocaine use have been depicted in both film and music, focusing on specific examples:
New Jack City (1991)
New Jack City is a crime thriller that vividly depicts the crack epidemic that swept through American cities in the 1980s and early 1990s. The film centres around Nino Brown, played by Wesley Snipes, a powerful and ruthless drug lord who builds his empire on the distribution of crack cocaine.
The film portrays the drug’s addictive power, the violence associated with its trade, and the corrupting influence of money derived from its sale. Nino Brown’s character epitomises the rise of drug cartels during this period, drawing parallels to real-life figures who became notorious for their roles in the drug trade.
The movie became an iconic film for its unflinching portrayal of urban crime and the crack crisis. It also highlighted the intersection of drugs, crime, and hip-hop culture, influencing subsequent films and music that addressed similar themes. The film’s narrative and aesthetic have been referenced in numerous songs, further cementing its legacy in popular culture.
“The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1982)
Though not exclusively about crack, “The Message” is one of the earliest hip-hop tracks to address the harsh realities of urban life, including the burgeoning drug epidemic that would soon include crack cocaine.
The song paints a bleak picture of inner-city life, detailing poverty, crime, and drug addiction. The line “It’s like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under” encapsulates the despair and chaos associated with these environments. Although released before crack cocaine became widespread, the song’s themes resonated with the conditions that facilitated the rise of crack in later years.
“The Message” is considered a groundbreaking track in hip-hop, shifting the genre towards social commentary and storytelling. It laid the groundwork for later artists who would address drug addiction and its consequences more directly, particularly as crack became a central issue in urban America.
Cultural depiction of cocaine use
Here is the same, but for cocaine use:
Narcos (2016)
Narcos is a critically acclaimed series that chronicles the rise and fall of drug cartels in Colombia, focusing particularly on Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel. The show provides an in-depth look at cocaine’s role in shaping the social and political landscape of the time.
The series depicts the cocaine trade from production in Colombia to distribution in the United States, illustrating the vast networks involved and the violent measures employed to maintain control. It highlights the allure of wealth and power associated with the drug trade, alongside the brutal realities of cartel operations and law enforcement efforts to combat them.
Pablo Escobar, portrayed by Wagner Moura, is depicted as a complex figure—charismatic yet ruthless, with a significant impact on Colombian society. The show also portrays the efforts of the DEA and local law enforcement, providing a multifaceted view of the drug war. *Narcos* has been praised for its gripping storytelling and its ability to humanise figures within the drug trade while not shying away from the violence and corruption involved.
Summary of differences
| Feature | Cocaine | Crack cocaine |
| Form | Powder | Solid, crystalline “rocks” |
| Method of use | Snorted or dissolved and injected | Smoked |
| Purity | Typically mixed with other substances | Often more concentrated |
| Onset of effects | 3-5 minutes when snorted, almost immediate when injected | Immediate, within seconds |
| Duration of effects | 15-30 minutes when snorted, 5-10 minutes when injected | 5-10 minutes |
| Addiction potential | High | Very high, due to rapid onset and intensity |
| Cost | Generally more expensive per gram | Usually cheaper per dose |
| Social perception | Often seen as a “party drug” | More stigmatised, associated with poverty |
| Health risks | Nasal damage, cardiovascular issues, addiction | Respiratory issues, cardiovascular issues, addiction |
If you’re seeking support to overcome cocaine or crack addiction, UKAT is here to guide you toward lasting sobriety, recovery, and an improved quality of life.