CRACK COCAINE ADDICTION

CRACK COCAINE ADDICTION

Cocaine and crack are two of the most dangerous drugs out there, not only because they’re highly addictive but also because they can have serious side effects. These include sudden cardiac death, brain seizures, heart attack, and stroke. Addiction to crack cocaine can start after just the first use. If left to fester, tolerance and dependence will continue to build as the user needs more and more of the substance in search of their first “high.” Hesitating to seek treatment for crack addiction will lead to devastating results.

WHAT IS
CRACK COCAINE?

Crack is cocaine that has been processed so that it can be smoked. It’s created by combining baking soda or ammonia with cocaine powder. The mixture is then heated with a lighter or flame until it becomes crack cocaine. It takes the form of hard, mineral-like material with an off-white color. It is most often vaporized in a glass pipe and breathed. However, some people heat it with soda cans or aluminum foil. When crack cocaine is smoked, it reaches the brain considerably faster and in greater peak doses than when it is snorted. Many Crack Cocaine users also inject the drug. The harmful consequences of using crack cocaine in this way cannot be understated.

WHAT MAKES CRACK ADDICTION MORE
SEVERE THAN COCAINE ADDICTION?

Crack cocaine is far more powerful and addictive than regular cocaine. As a result, an addiction to Crack Cocaine develops quickly, and some people get addicted after their first experience with the drug. Because the high is so intense and brief, they require more of the drug to maintain it. Eventually, a dependence to crack cocaine develops, and the user will need the drug just to feel normal.

When a crack cocaine addiction develops, the user needs more of the substance to feel its effects and will experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to quit. This occurs because crack cocaine causes an overabundance of the happiness-inducing chemical dopamine to be released in the brain. As the body gets reliant on the drug, the body’s natural synthesis of dopamine decreases.

Intense cravings for Crack Cocaine and the desire to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms make quitting extremely difficult. People addicted to crack cocaine tend to disregard any and all of the negative implications of their drug usage, even ignoring deadly symptoms.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF
CRACK ABUSE

Crack cocaine has several noticeable effects when it is being used. The person taking the drug will often have sudden and uncontrolled bursts of energy, way more than what could be considered reasonable excitement. This can manifest in jabbering, eating a lot (or not at all), or being unable to sit still. After the initial dose wears off, users tend to feel very tired and may fall asleep wherever they are for long periods of time.

The rollercoaster of being super high and then completely feeling drained has natural rippling effects on everyday life. That might look like skipping class, sleeping through work, or falling behind on other commitments. Exposure to superhuman stimulation and unfathomable fatigue can also result in violent, unpredictable mood swings, putting those who use crack at risk of being argumentative and perhaps becoming dangerous to those around them - especially if somebody tries to intervene and stop their drug use. Depression and suicidal thoughts are common side-effects of giving up crack, even for short periods, while prolonged abuse can lead to paranoia and hallucinations.

THE EFFECTS OF CRACK
COCAINE USE

Because of its strength, crack cocaine poses a high danger of deadly overdose. Overdose can occur even on first-time use of the substance. The desire to take increasing amounts to prolong the short-lived benefits of crack cocaine will also raise the risk of overdose.

Dilated pupils and perspiration are common symptoms of an overdose. An overdose victim may experience anxiety, anger, seizures, high heart rate, chest discomfort, nausea, hallucinations, or a stroke. Furthermore, people with renal disease or high blood pressure are at a higher risk of deadly consequences from smoking crack cocaine.

Co-occurring Disorders
A person might simultaneously have a mental health and a substance use issue. Their mental health condition may occur first, leading to drug abuse when combined with other elements. On the other hand, people suffering from anxiety or depression may turn to drug abuse to alleviate their symptoms, leading to continuous usage of the substance and addiction.

Numerous studies have pointed out the risks of crack cocaine use on mental health. Most clinical studies report high psychiatric comorbidity, mainly among crack users. Psychiatric comorbidity among cocaine dependent users is not only increased for other substance disorders but also for personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depressive disorders.

Long-term effects
As crack cocaine is abused, euphoric feelings become difficult to obtain, and health problems worsen. The prolonged effects on the body are varied and affect the entire body. Eventually, tolerance will develop, causing them to consume more cocaine. It may also cause them trouble when trying to stop using the drug by themselves.

It is critical to get crack cocaine therapy as soon as possible to minimize the negative consequences of substance use. Some long-term problems might become permanent health issues or even be deadly.

Brain problems
Crack cocaine is known to cause severe brain injury. This damage could have long-term adverse consequences on the psyche — the most significant being mental health issues. Mental health disorders and substance abuse are often linked as co-occurring disorders.

Lung problems
Most crack users smoke the drug. Smoking any substance has potential effects on respiratory health, but crack cocaine is known to have severe health risks. When a person uses crack cocaine, the lungs undergo several changes rapidly. Blood vessels constrict in the lungs, and oxygen delivery to the blood is disrupted due to alveolar walls. Capillaries are also known to break down and restrict the amount of oxygen flowing throughout the body. These modifications raise a person’s risk of developing various lung diseases, including tuberculosis or pneumonia.

Cardiovascular effects
Crack cocaine abuse can severely affect people’s cardiovascular health. The toxic stimulatory effect of the drug is known to affect the health and functioning of the heart, the heart muscles, and blood vessels. Cardiovascular symptoms include hardening arteries, inflammation of heart muscles, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. The increased chances of cardiovascular disease remain prevalent long after crack cocaine addiction.

Gastrointestinal problems
In some people, crack cocaine may affect the digestive system. When crack cocaine is taken, the pH level in the body can shift, which then causes ulceration or inflammation of the large intestine. If left untreated, this could lead to serious digestive issues or death.

Kidney damage
Crack cocaine has the potential to cause kidney problems or other problems. Its effects on many different body parts, like the heart, can influence blood flow and may affect renal function.

Weak Immune System
With substance use problems, the body’s physical and mental health can deteriorate as the overall immune system weakens. Combining weak immune systems and risky lifestyles may lead to several more severe illnesses.

CRACK COCAINE
ADDICTION TREATMENT

Recovering from crack addiction is a complicated process, both physically and psychologically. However, with expert assistance, it is possible to overcome an addiction to crack cocaine. The first step is deciding to quit and then following through with that intention by seeking help. There are several services available to support your recovery. Each person should receive unique substance abuse treatment plans based on their individual needs. Everyone has a different background and way of life; therefore, looking for crack cocaine addiction treatment services that fit you best can make the therapy process more successful.

Crack Cocaine Rehab Centers
People addicted to crack cocaine get accustomed to being among people who either support or accept their addiction. Even those who can conquer the physiological side of the addiction must surround themselves with individuals who can help them stay clean, or they risk being unable to accomplish full recovery. Finding an addiction treatment center specializing in treating your drug addiction significantly increases the odds of complete recovery.

Psyclarity Health hosts several facilities around the country that offer various services. Some specialize in holistic drug addiction treatment. Others focus on detox and medically assisted recovery. We also have those specializing in treating dual diagnosis. Since longterm crack cocaine abuse can lead to depression and other disorders, a dual diagnosis facility may be beneficial. Get in touch with our experts to find the best treatment center for you.

CRACK
DETOX

The first step toward healing is detoxification. When performed in a controlled atmosphere, it aids in safely removing the drug from the user’s body. This will assist individuals in overcoming the most challenging stage of physiological and psychological pain that follows crack usage. The abrupt “come-down” following the high is one of the reasons crack abuse is so difficult to overcome.

At Psyclarity Health, we offer professional medical detox services that include therapeutic and emotional support to help you manage withdrawal and achieve stability. Once you’re ready to focus on recovery, you’ll be able to participate in the several addiction treatment types we offer, including individual counseling, group therapy, and more.

CRACK WITHDRAWAL
SYMPTOMS

Crack withdrawal is characterized by strong cravings as well as physical and psychological symptoms. Because crack disrupts the brain’s reward system, these withdrawal symptoms may be very distressing. The acute phase of withdrawal lasts 3 to 7 days for most people, and the post-acute withdrawal symptoms might persist anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on their severity.

Some of the most common symptoms of crack withdrawal are anxiety, severe cravings, extreme exhaustion, insomnia, severe depression, and nightmares. Withdrawing from crack addiction is incredibly difficult, and relapse is a serious potential threat. However, it’s important to remember that relapse does not imply failure. Recovery is a long journey with many ups and downs. The key is perseverance, regardless of how rocky the road becomes. Many people have successfully recovered even after relapsing.

INPATIENT CRACK COCAINE
TREATMENT FACILITY

One of the most foolproof ways to recover from crack addiction is to check into an inpatient crack rehab facility. This type of crack addiction treatment requires that you live on-site at the facility for the entirety of your chosen program. Patients can access 24/7 support, monitoring, and care in a highly structured setting. Without any distractions or triggers from your old drug using environment, an inpatient crack rehab gives you laser focus on getting better. There are several crack addiction treatment approaches, but most of them emphasize cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, and educational group therapy. Psyclarity Health inpatient treatment programs cover all of these necessities.

ONGOING RECOVERY AFTER
CRACK REHAB

Recovering from crack addiction may need extensive therapy. Having a professional figure to talk to who can provide support and guidance might serve as the crucial difference between relapse and a life of sobriety. Many aftercare programs also offer vocational training to aid recovering addicts in gaining skills that will benefit them when they reintegrate into society.

There are several support groups in which a recovering crack addict can participate. Developing strong relationships with your community or a group of supportive people will assist you in remaining steady on your course. Forming connections with others who are also recovering addicts can provide valuable support, both emotionally and socially. Furthermore, people who have already gone through the substance abuse recovery process can offer helpful insight.

Post-treatment care is vital to addiction recovery. Through aftercare efforts, you will have the chance to further build on the skills learned in rehabilitation, receive support from those in recovery like yourself, fine-tune your social skills for sobriety, and more. It might take some time to get used to a crack-free life, but it’s worth every minute of effort.

GET CRACK ADDICTION
TREATMENT TODAY

Overcoming crack addiction will be challenging, but it is not impossible. You deserve to live your best life, free of crack cocaine. You don’t have to struggle alone. Contact Psyclarity Health to see how we can assist you with your recovery.