Freebasing is a type of substance use that involves using a substance in its purest form for the most intense high and euphoric effects. Unlike snorting or injecting substances, the effects of freebasing are usually experienced immediately. The euphoric rush and high experienced from freebasing reinforces continued use through the brain’s reward system, often leading to addiction.
What is Freebasing?
Freebasing is usually associated with cocaine, but can also be used with other substances, such as heroin or amphetamines. Freebasing is a process of transforming powdered cocaine into a highly concentrated pure form by extracting hydrochloride from the base to create cocaine sulfate. The process requires using some type of ammonia base.
Once the cocaine sulfate has been created, it is then put into a pipe with a piece of copper to make it easy to melt and vaporize the cocaine sulfate. Once it begins to vaporize, the “smoke” is inhaled.
The History of Freebasing
Freebasing started back in the late 1960s in South America using cocaine. It quickly spread to the United States in the early 1970s, initially in California. Moreover, as the practice continued to spread across the country, freebase extraction kits and smoking paraphernalia became more readily available by 1975. Freebasing continued to gain popularity and spread until the mid-1980s.
Around that time, crack cocaine started to appear as an alternative to freebasing. Crack cocaine is made by baking cocaine with baking soda and water, creating pellets (rocks), which are then smoked in a pipe.
Today, the term freebasing is used interchangeably with smoking crack, but they are different methods of processing cocaine. However, the practice of smoking cocaine is still quite common and remains a public health concern.
How Freebasing Works
Freebasing works by inhaling the vaporized form of pure cocaine into the lungs. Once it reaches the lungs, it enters the bloodstream and quickly reaches the brain in about ten seconds. Consequently, this is followed by an intense high and euphoria that lasts about half an hour.
However, once the effects wear off, a crash quickly occurs. To prevent crashing for as long as possible, people will continue to freebase. As a result, the rapid onset of euphoria and shortly lived effects reinforce continued use, making freebasing cocaine very addictive.
In the brain, pure cocaine causes a surge in the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure. Furthermore, the brain’s reward system remembers the euphoria and high as positive “behaviors,” which reinforces drug cravings and continued freebasing. In addition, freebasing cocaine also forces the release of serotonin and norepinephrine, other neurotransmitters associated with increased alertness and energy, and moods.
The Risks of Freebasing
Freebasing increases the likelihood of becoming addicted to cocaine. Other risks from continued use include:
- Cardiovascular problems
- Respiratory problems
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Psychosis
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Paranoia
- FInancial problems
- Engaging in drug-seeking behaviors
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
- Intense and severe withdrawal symptoms
- Long-term impairment and changes in the brain’s functioning and structure
- Increased risk of overdose
- Death
Freebase Overdose Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a freebase overdose can vary from one person to the next, and could include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Convulsions
- Becoming aggressive or violent
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Excessive sweating
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia
- Seizures
- Heart failure
- Respiratory failure
- Becoming non-responsive/passing out
- Coma
If an overdose is occurring, seeking immediate medical help is vital. Otherwise, death could occur. Common Health Consequences of Freebasing
There are short-term and long-term health consequences of freebasing. Short-term consequences include:
- Mental health impacts: Some people can experience panic attacks, paranoia, hallucinations, or anxiety
- Mood swings/aggressiveness: Extreme mood swings can occur in some individuals, including being very aggressive and violent
- Cognitive impairment: As the effects of freebasing wear off, disorientation and confusion can occur.
- Burns: Since cocaine has to be heated into a vapor, it is possible to experience burns on the hands, fingers, mouth, and face
- Cardiovascular strain: The effects of freebasing cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Hyperthermia: Some people experience a quick increase in their body temperature, which can result in brain damage and intense sweating
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries: While under the effects of cocaine, some people engage in risk-taking behaviors that could result in harm to themselves or others
- Tolerance and addiction: The body builds a tolerance to freebasing, requiring higher amounts to achieve the desired effects, which also makes it more likely to become addicted to freebase cocaine.
The long-term health consequences of freebasing are:
- Chronic respiratory damage and problems
- Damage to the cardiovascular system
- Permanent brain damage due to the changes in brain structure and functioning
- Development of mental health disorders
- Long-term cognitive impairments
- Lowered immune response
- Extreme weight loss
- Overdose and death
Treatment and Recovery from Addiction to Freebasing
Quitting freebasing can be extremely difficult due to the intense withdrawal symptoms experienced once the effects wear off. Overcoming these withdrawal symptoms safely requires medically supervised detox. Moreover, treatment and recovery from addiction to freebasing involves using a combination of medical treatments, alongside evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities.
The level of care required will depend on the severity of addiction and any lingering withdrawal symptoms that could trigger a relapse without proper support and treatment. After detox is completed, addiction treatment options include:
- Residential (Inpatient) Rehab
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
- Outpatient Programs (OPs)
Start Treatment for Addiction Today in California
Did trying freebasing once result in you becoming addicted? When you are ready to get help and stop freebasing, comprehensive and compassionate care is available at Renewal Health Group in Southern California. We provide personalized care plans tailored to your unique needs to help you overcome freebasing addiction and regain control over your life. Moreover, Contact us today to take the first steps to a brighter, substance-free future.
Published: 6/18/2025
