Identify the Smell of Smoking Crack and Get Help for a Loved One
My crack cocaine addiction caused chaos not just in my life, but my family’s life as well. I tried many drugs in my teenage years, and stimulants like crack cocaine became my go-to. I’ll never forget the first time I smelled it. Crack cocaine smoke has a very strong chemical smell to it.
It is similar to the smell of burnt plastic or rubber, but sweeter. If that sounds a little vague, or like what every other site out there says, don’t worry, I will get into more details as we go on.
Rest assured, you have found the right resource to get answers about what does crack smell like when smoked?
Because of my time at South Shores Detox, I am still alive to help others identify when someone they love may be suffering from drug addiction. It is important to educate yourself on the different aspects of drug abuse, and drug smells are a big part of it.
To learn more about how you can help an addicted loved one, continue reading to learn more about drug smells and how to know if a loved one is smoking ‘rock’ or freebase.
The Cocaine Smell vs The Crack Smell
The way drugs smell is not typically what we think about when we talk about addiction. If you aren’t a drug user, you may not be able to identify the different smells associated with them. Most people know what marijuana or alcohol smells like because they are the most commonly abused substances.
When it comes to harder drugs like cocaine, meth, or heroin, many people aren’t even familiar with the physical appearance of these drugs let alone what they smell like. When it comes to drugs like cocaine, the smell varies on a number of factors. Pure cocaine has more of a chemical smell to it. Most cocaine bought on the street has been cut with other substances, so it can smell like a lot of things.
Identifying The Crack Cocaine Smell
As I mentioned in the first paragraph, many people allege that crack has a burnt plastic smell to it. Many crack users also describe the smell as similar to cleaning products. While it can have smells similar to those, it also has a sweet smell, like an overwhelmingly one, similar to walking into a bakery that happens to be on fire.
The smell never bothered me when I was an active user, but if I smell anything even remotely close to crack cocaine, my stomach turns. I get a sick feeling. When I was newly sober, it triggered me.
Even though the cocaine smell is unpleasant for most, it won’t scare away an active user. When you are addicted to something as habit-forming as cocaine, the smell is the last thing you are thinking about. You eventually get used to it and don’t give it a second thought. For anyone unfamiliar with that scent, it is nauseating.
What Do Other Drugs Smell Like?
Different drugs have different smells. The herbal scent of cannabis and different marijuana smells are a world away from the heroin smell or meth smell. Identifying drug smells typically comes from prolonged substance abuse. Those who haven’t used drugs may not know the difference between drug smells.
When it comes to other drugs, the odor depends on several factors. When it comes to a drug like meth, the smell varies between when it is being cooked and when it is being smoked. A meth lab has a very powerful chemical odor to it. Some may describe it as smelling like rotten eggs or cat urine. When meth is smoked, it has a more subtle, sweet smell to it.
The Lesser Known Drug Odors
For instance, the PCP smell is often described as similar to that of a permanent marker, which is quite distinct from the smells of other drugs. Needless to say, it has a strong chemical smell!
When I was using crack, I could tell the difference between a crack house and a meth house. Even though both have a chemical smell to them, there are slight differences. The best way I can describe it is the meth smell is more like that of paint or adhesive products. Crack has more of a cleaning product smell to it. Think of it as sealant vs. window cleaner, if that makes sense.
Is The Heroin Smell Similar To The Smell Of Cocaine?
Heroin emits more of a vinegar-like smell. It could also be described as an acidic smell. Much like cocaine or meth, heroin has a distinct odor that only addicts are familiar with. Interestingly enough, heroin in its purest form has almost no smell to it. Once it is cut with additives, it gets a distinct smell to it.
The different types of drug paraphernalia can add to the strong odor of the drug that is being used. For example, the smell of a marijuana pipe smells a little different than the smell of marijuana smoke. This is true with drugs like crack, especially when it comes to additives. Crack is produced using powdered cocaine and baking soda. The baking soda contributes to the scent once it is smoked.
Seeking Professional Treatment For Crack
In most cases, it is up to the addict to decide when they want to get clean. When you try to force recovery on someone suffering from substance abuse, it almost always fails. Some people try to go to rehab for their family’s sake. Some do it to save their job. Unless you are doing it because you truly want to do it, it is harder to achieve any kind of lasting recovery.
When you are hooked on a highly addictive stimulant drug like crack, your life spirals out of control. Your decision-making is clouded by the drugs. Everything revolves around the next time you can get high. It’s a cycle that is tough to break unless you have the right set of tools.
Specialized addiction treatment programs can provide the necessary support and care to help individuals recover from substance abuse and regain control of their lives. I tried several treatment programs, but it was South Shores Detox and Recovery that helped give me my life back.
How To Treat Substance Abuse and Achieve Recovery (or at Least How I Did)
Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, there are so many options that exist. Yes, there is still a lot of stigma that exists around addiction, but it is not as bad as it was when I was first using drugs. More people are opening their eyes to the reality of addiction. Drug abuse and addiction affect people from all walks of life. This was the biggest surprise for me as I began my recovery journey.
Because of my time at South Shores, I am able to help educate others on not only the dangers of addiction, but the practical elements as well. How to identify when someone is using drugs. The way certain drugs look, smell, and they different effects that they have.
Reach Out to South Shores and Get Help for Your Loved One
There is a lot to learn when it comes to substance abuse, and the information is out there if you seek it. Early detection is key to helping someone get on the right track. Being non-judgmental and creating a supportive environment goes a long way. If you have patience, you can help yourself.
If you have the knowledge as well, you can help others. It’s the greatest gift that one can give.
I hope my own experiences have proved helpful, and if you have a loved one you suspect is smoking coke or crack, please reach out to South Shores. They can offer support and resources that will help your loved one find the path back to a life worth living, so why not make the call today?