Crack addiction is one of the most devastating drug addictions to deal with. It’s highly addictive nature causes individuals who addicted to crack to do almost anything to get the drug, which is why there is such a strong link between crack addiction and crime in the United States. In addition to the societal and social effects of crack addiction, there are numerous health risks and dangerous side effects caused by crack addiction. Without help, many crack addicts are unable to break the grip of addiction on their own.
What is Crack and Crack Addiction?
Crack is a form of cocaine that is produced by dissolving powdered cocaine in a mixture of water and ammonia or baking soda. It is then boiled down into a solid substance that is dried and broken into chunks called “rocks” that have a white or off-white appearance. The effects of crack are felt immediately and disappear more quickly than cocaine, which can take several minutes to experience and can last for up to 30 minutes.
Crack is one of the most addictive substances around. Users quickly become physically and psychologically dependent on crack, which can quickly spiral into addiction. Once addicted, crack addicts must have more and more of the drug in order to sustain their high and avoid the intense crash that follows their binges. Individuals addicted to crack are no longer able to feel normal or function physically, emotionally or mentally without crack present in their system. This is why crack addiction is so powerful and difficult to overcome without help.
The Signs of Crack Addiction
The signs of crack addiction are very similar to those of cocaine addiction:
Increased blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate
Singed eyelashes and eyebrows
Burnt fingertips
Anxiety
Restlessness
Convulsions
Nausea and vomiting
Coughing up black mucous
Insomnia
Loss of appetite, often leading to malnutrition and weight loss
Cold sweats
Nose bleeds
Damaged lungs
Hyper-sexuality
Paranoia
Delusions
Poor personal hygiene
Stealing money or selling personal items to buy more crack
The Dangers of Crack Addiction
Crack is a very dangerous drug that can cause a heart attack, stroke or convulsions. Habitual crack use can lead to psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations and a condition known as “formication,” or falsely believing that insects or bugs are crawling under your skin. These symptoms can be particularly dangerous as they can lead to depression, violence and suicidal behavior.
The Effects of Crack Addiction
Crack addiction creates many physical and psychological side effects that can become extremely dangerous over time.
The physical effects of crack addiction include:
Seizures
Heart attack
Increased blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate
Cold sweats
Nose bleeds
Damaged lungs
Restlessness
Convulsions
Nausea and vomiting
Coughing up black mucous
Insomnia
Loss of appetite, often leading to malnutrition and weight loss
The psychological effects of crack addiction include:
Depression
Anxiety
Suicidal thoughts
Violence
Schizophrenic-like behavior
Hyper-sexuality
Paranoia
Delusions
Psychosis
Withdrawal from Crack Addiction
Withdrawal from crack addiction is very similar to cocaine withdrawal. There are little physical symptoms, but the extreme craving and mood disturbances it creates can threaten a person’s desire to become sober. Some common symptoms of crack withdrawal are:
Depression
Fatigue
Agitation
Anxiety
Lack of motivation
Muscle pain
Difficulty sleeping
Angry outbursts
Nausea and/or vomiting
Crack Addiction Rehab at Casa Palmera
At Casa Palmera, we understand how difficult it is to overcome crack addiction on your own. Crack addiction leads to intense physical and psychological dependence that is best treated at a professional crack rehab facility. Casa Palmera provides a safe, comfortable environment to undergo the detoxification period, followed by behavioral therapy, counseling and group support. This is accomplished through traditional and alternative treatments that are designed to help you overcome your addiction and learn to live a healthy and balanced life.
Don’t let crack addiction ruin your life of the life of a loved one’s any longer.
Call Casa Palmera today and start the healing process.
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