Crack Addiction Treatment

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Crack Addiction Treatment in San Diego, California

Crack is a crystal form of cocaine that is heated and smoked to achieve a faster, more intense high than standard cocaine powder offers. The name comes from the cracking sound that is made as the crystals are heated. 

Smoking crack cocaine first became popular in the 1980s, partially because of how quickly the effects of the drug can be felt when using this method. Because of this, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act differentiated between crack and other cocaine types in 1986 and imposed more intense legal consequences for having and using crack cocaine.

In addition to being the most powerful form of cocaine, crack also carries the most risk. The rapid, intense feelings of euphoria followed by severe depression, sadness, and irritability make crack a highly addictive substance, with some users becoming addicted to crack even after just one hit of the drug.

Risk Factors of Crack

Three of the most commonly cited risk factors and causes for cocaine addiction include genetic factors, physical factors, and environmental factors. Those with a first-degree relative struggling with a cocaine addiction, and especially children of addicts, are more likely to become addicted. Physical factors can also come into play, as continuous use of cocaine can alter brain chemistry. Further, environmental factors can also have an impact on addiction, as people often turn to the drug as a way to numb their feelings and escape their everyday life.

Some potential risk factors for crack addiction specifically include:

  • Cocaine addiction
  • Family history
  • Neighborhood

 

  • Social/economic disadvantage
  • Stress 
  • Trauma

Signs of Crack Addiction

The risk of addiction is extremely high with crack cocaine. Signs of an addiction include:

Physical Signs: Burned fingers or lips from smoking a hot pipe, picking and scratching the skin, and paraphernalia (small plastic bags with white residue or pipes)

Social Signs: Constant need for more of the drug, loss of interest in other people or activities, and stealing/lying to obtain money to buy more crack

Mental Signs: Paranoid thoughts/behaviors and withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, and acute cravings

Effects of Crack Addiction

Short-Term Effects

In addition to the feelings that result from crack highs, other short-term effects of the drug include:

  • Dilated pupils

  • Increased blood pressure

  • Increased respiration and heart rate

  • Loss of appetite

  • Sleep disturbances or insomnia

Long-Term Effects 

Repeated use of crack can also lead to dangerous long-term effects, such as:

  • Burns around the mouth from smoking a hot pipe

  • Damage to vital organs, including the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys

  • Delirium, psychosis, and hallucinations

  • Higher risk of infectious diseases

  • Loss of appetite can lead to malnutrition

  • Paranoia and aggressive, paranoid behavior

  • Severe depression after the user stops taking the drug

  • Severe respiratory damage due to smoking the substance

  • Suicidal thoughts and ideations

Crack Usage

The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicates that approximately 6,222,000 people in the U.S. ages 12 and older used crack at least one time in their lives. Further, 150,000 people between the ages of 12 and 17 and over one million people between the ages of 18 and 25 used crack at least one time.

When crack cocaine is smoked, inhaling crack vapors creates an instant high. Usually, within seconds after inhalation, an individual experiences intense feelings of euphoria. Those who smoke crack often feel an increase in energy, alertness, and sex drive as well. However, these false feelings of pleasure only last around 5-10 minutes total. Because of how quickly effects disappear, many will repeat doses in an attempt to prolong the high. 

Immediately following crack highs are intense lows. These can include depression, sadness, tiredness, paranoia, and irritability. Further, individuals can experience hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis.

Because of the intensity of crack highs and lows, users often find themselves trapped in binge cycles. Individuals are often desperate to feel the euphoric effects of crack again once they wear off and desperate to fight off the lows that follow. Binge cycles can have detrimental psychological and physiological effects on a person, sometimes resulting in overdose.

Treatment for Crack Addiction

Crack is a powerfully addictive substance and the most dangerous and powerful form of cocaine. Our staff at West Coast Recovery is here to help, whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction. We offer treatment programs to help you overcome your addiction and discover a new life of productivity and sobriety. To learn more about the details of our treatment programs, contact West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6385.

We work with most major insurance companies on an in-network basis.

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