Can You Snort Crack-Cocaine?

Snorting crack comes with a host of side effects including damage to the inside of the nose, nosebleeds, and difficulty swallowing.

Crack cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that’s considered the most addictive form of cocaine. While smoking crack is the top method of abuse, snorting it can also lead to drug addiction.

To snort crack cocaine, a crack crystal simply has to be broken up before it’s inhaled through the nose.

Snorting the drug comes with a host of side effects including damage to the inside of the nose, nosebleeds, and difficulty swallowing.

Snorting Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine, also known as freebase cocaine, is made by first deriving the powdered form of cocaine from the coca plant and then processing it with water and other chemicals like baking soda. It then ends up being a rock or crystal that is yellow or white in color.

As noted above, it’s normally smoked, but can be crushed and snorted (also known as insufflation). When it’s snorted, the drug takes longer to reach the brain and for you to feel the effects.

When snorted, the drug has to go from the nose to the heart and then to the lungs. From there, it goes back to the heart and then to the brain. Only then are the euphoric effects felt.

Once the drug hits the brain, it allows for the release of a large amount of dopamine which is what causes the euphoric feeling.

Why Is Crack Snorted?

There are any number of reasons someone may snort crack instead of smoking it. They may want to feel the effects over a longer period of time, they may think it’s a safer way to use it, or they may not have the necessary equipment to smoke it.

However, snorting crack can be just as dangerous as smoking it and is still considered a form of illicit drug use.

Crack use, via snorting or smoking, can also become addictive after only one use and increase your risk of overdose. It also comes with a variety of dangerous side effects including cardiovascular issues, mental health problems, and high body temperature.

Effects Of Snorting Crack

Crack and cocaine use come with a variety of different side effects that range from mild to very serious. Some of the effects of snorting crack include:

  • euphoria
  • mental alertness
  • tissue and bone degeneration
  • perforation of the nasal septum and roof of mouth
  • loss of smell
  • dilated pupils
  • nosebleeds
  • runny nose
  • difficulty swallowing
  • sores, lesions, and ulcers in the nose and throat
  • damaged blood vessels in the nose
  • sinus infections
  • restlessness
  • mood swings
  • high blood pressure
  • ​increased heart rate
  • excessive sweating

Effects Of Cocaine Overdose

Using crack cocaine in any form can make it very difficult to know just how much you’re ingesting. You can consume large amounts without even knowing it. It’s also often mixed with other addictive drugs like opioids and fentanyl.

Because of this, it makes it very easy to overdose. A crack overdose comes with a number of side effects, including include:

  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • seizures
  • anxiety
  • delirium
  • hallucinations
  • mood disturbances
  • psychosis
  • severe depression
  • sudden death

Treatment For Crack-Cocaine Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with a crack addiction or another form of substance abuse, help is available.

Addiction treatment programs can include detox support, inpatient care, and outpatient treatment. Behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and group therapies form the backbone of treatment services.

To find out if our outpatient treatment options are right for you, please contact our helpline today.

Written by
Northeast Addition Editorial Team

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This page does not provide medical advice.

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