Crack Cocaine Addiction Help & Treatment

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Crack Cocaine Addiction Help & Treatment

Crack addiction in popular culture is seen as a slightly humorous affliction that promotes absurd and sometimes comical behaviour. It is a serious affliction that if not treated correctly and experientially can have fatal effects on the afflicted.

Crack cocaine is the name given to cocaine when ‘washed’ into a crystallized version of the drug. Cocaine is mixed with water and baking soda, which is left until the cocaine is completely dissolved. The liquid is then separated and dried out to create crack cocaine.

This is chopped into rocks and smoked or injected, which can be extremely toxic to the human body. It can be ultimately fatal if the addiction is left untreated.

Cocaine in its regular form is an extremely fast-acting substance. Crack is a much more potent version of the drug and is favoured by those who have been a victim of serious prolonged cocaine abuse.

The high produced from crack tends to only last for around 15-20 minutes, a short-lived high when compared to cocaine in its powdered form. A higher amount of crack is then needed, as more of the substance is required in a decreased amount of time in comparison to regular powder cocaine.

Crack is one of the most addictive substances to abuse, with users reporting getting addicted after as little as one single hit. It is known as the ‘One Hit’ addiction.

How is Crack Made?

Crack cocaine, often just called “crack,” is a more dangerous form of cocaine. It is called “freebase” because it has not been chemically neutralised by an acid-base, and comes in the form of a rock crystal that is heated.

Vapours are produced by heating the rock and are inhaled through a glass pipe (or “crack pipe”.) This produces feelings of euphoria and excitement.

The high from crack lasts a shorter time than cocaine and tolerances cause people to need to use the drug more often and in higher doses to get the same effect and reduce the “crash” which occurs after the effects wear off.

Solitary people who are trying to escape from feelings of depression or isolation often use crack cocaine. Unlike regular cocaine, which is more of a “party drug.” Crack cocaine is very dangerous and leads to hallucinations, strokes, and cardiac arrest. The need to increase dosages due to tolerance also means overdosing is very common.

Addiction to Crack Cocaine

Crack is a much more debilitating and addictive substance in comparison to regular cocaine. Due to the drugs overproduction of dopamine in the human brain, crack addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to overcome.

The regular use of crack very quickly leads to the user becoming physically addicted which can lead to an increased desire for the addict to overuse the drug, as its cessation can lead to extremely negative withdrawal symptoms.

Crack addiction is a common result of regular cocaine addiction, as the powdered version of the drug remains extremely expensive when compared to the cheapness of crack. Although less expensive, the drugs addictive nature can quickly lead to serious financial issues in addicts, which can commonly lead to the user turning to crime in order to pay for their addiction.

Crack Effects and Abuse

Crack can have adverse effects on the human body, especially after prolonged abuse. Effects on the body can be devastating and may take years of recovery and treatment to overcome. Some changes to the body as a result of prolonged crack abuse may be irreversible, which makes treatment essential as early on as possible.

The long-term effects that this drug can have are detrimental to the bodies regular function and damage to the bodies vital systems and organs may be permanent and can oftentimes result in the death of the addict. Crack has a long-term impact on the addicts’ neurochemistry. Many cases of crack induced psychosis have been cropping up when treating this affliction.

Like regular cocaine, crack use can result in a myriad of effects including:

• Increased focus
• Irritability
• Heightened senses
• Euphoria
• Feelings of invulnerability

The drug has a fast-acting nature, which creates a more intense high. This leads to the addict abusing the substance in order to chase the feeling of their first crack hit.

Crack cocaine has a huge effect on the dopamine production of the user’s brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain which regulates risk and rewards.

Crack use leads to less dopamine being naturally produced in the brain. This leads further into the grips of addiction, as the addict will now rely on the drug to produce motivation.

Symptoms of Crack Cocaine Addiction

Do you know someone who is worrying you by exhibiting a possible addiction to crack cocaine? Try asking yourself the following questions.

• Do they seem to have a runny nose or suffer from nosebleeds while seeming hyped up, excited, and full of energy?
• Are they experiencing weight loss, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, and mood swings?
• Do they often seem to have difficulty concentrating on things?
• Have they shown any signs of hallucinations or paranoia?
• Do they disappear on mysterious errands and become defensive or aggressive when questioned?

Do you know someone who is suffering from an addiction to crack cocaine? Call us now for free help and advice on how simple and easy it can be to get free of crack cocaine addiction and live a happier, healthier life.

Stages of Addiction

Although the effects of crack can vary from user to user, crack addiction regularly follows a number of stages that are universal. These stages are:

Panic Stage

This is the name given to the timeframe after the crack addict has last used the drug. The prospect of being without the drug can very quickly lead to an increase in panic and regularly leads to criminal activity in order for the user to obtain more of the drug.

Crash Stage

After prolonged cessation from the drug (24 hours), the addict will experience a ‘crash’. The symptoms of this regularly include depression, anxiety and an increase in suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

Honeymoon Stage

After days of cessation, the addict will experience a feeling that they may be overcoming their addiction. This is known as the honeymoon stage and can result in the addict feeling like they will overcome the addiction, and can lead to an increase in confidence.

Return Cravings

As the body returns to its usual functioning, many recovering addicts will begin to feel a reemergence of their cravings which is a result of the bodies regular production serotonin and dopamine.

Emotional Stage

After a couple of weeks of cessation, many addicts experience an increase in mood swings and may feel extremely emotional. This may last up to a month and is best treated with supportive therapy and an increase in physical exercise.

Secret Cravings

After overcoming the emotional stage, many addicts may experience an increase in subtle cravings which they may disregard or ignore, It is extremely imperative to protect the addict from relapse at this stage.

Trigger Conditioning

This is the stage in which the addict can build their defenses against craving and triggers. One of the most important stages, this is where the addict learns to live a life free from the substance and regularly checks themselves for symptoms.

Dangers and Risks of Crack Addiction

Crack addiction, like any addiction, can have devastating effects on the health of the addict, both physical and emotional. As well as negative effects on the user’s health, crack addiction can also result in social issues which may lead to a worsening of the addiction. Dangers and risks of crack addiction include:

• Lung damage
• Heart damage
• Dental fissures and tooth decay
• Weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Social Isolation
• Financial ruin

Crack addiction may also affect the users’ personal life and may lead to social isolation due to the effects of the drug on logic and reasoning in the user.

Detoxification From Crack

Detoxification from crack cocaine is one of the most effective inpatient treatments for the disease. Careful monitoring and access to medical staff is the safest environment for those coming out of crack addiction.

Inpatient treatment is a great way to safeguard against complications that may arise due to withdrawal. Withdrawal can be an extremely messy experience due to the myriad of side effects crack can have on the body, making inpatient treatment the most preferable option to users.

Rehab for Crack Addiction

As discussed earlier, crack recovery comes in a number of stages which may lead to a relapse of the patient. Inpatient treatment has become one of the most widely used methods for treating crack addiction.

Rehabilitation can help the addict regain control over their life and can help them build up a coping system to help deal with some of the symptoms which led to their addiction.

Rehabilitation usually takes the form of therapy, medical attention, and support, and can have a positive and lasting effect on a person’s life when giving up their crack addiction.

Get Help For Crack Cocaine Addiction

Finding the right treatment service that can help you live free of an addiction to crack cocaine is often a complicated and time-consuming process.

Our crack cocaine addiction treatment assistance gives you:

• A free help and evaluation service to help you choose
• Guidance on the best treatment options for your circumstances
• Assistance in picking out the most cost-effective options
• Information on quality of care, best clinical practice and more
• Complete clarity so you can make the right choice of treatment