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Crack Addiction Treatment

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. The name comes from the cracking sound that is made as the crystals are heated. 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 make crack a highly addictive drug, with some users becoming addicted even after just one hit of the drug.

Short-Term Effects of Crack

The rapid high experienced from crack includes feelings of euphoria, increased energy and alertness, and an increased sex drive. The high, which occurs almost immediately after smoking crack, only lasts around 5-10 minutes. Other short-term effects of the drug might include:

  • Dilated pupils

  • Increased respiration and heart rate

  • Increased blood pressure

  • Loss of appetite

  • Sleep disturbances or insomnia

Long-Term Effects of Crack

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

  • Severe respiratory damage due to smoking the substance

  • Burns around the mouth from smoking a hot pipe

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

  • Higher risk of infectious diseases

  • Loss of appetite can lead to malnutrition

  • Paranoia and aggressive, paranoid behavior

  • Delirium, psychosis and hallucinations

  • Severe depression if the user stops taking the drug

  • Suicidal thoughts and ideations

Addiction Signs

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

  • Burned fingers or lips from smoking a hot pipe

  • Paranoid thoughts and behaviors

  • Paraphernalia (small plastic bags with white residue, pipes)

  • Picking and scratching the skin

  • Constant need for more of the drug

  • Stealing and lying to obtain money to buy more crack

  • Loss of interest in other people or activities

  • Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression and acute cravings

Treatment for Heroin Addiction

Heroin is a dangerous drug that often requires professional treatment to overcome. At West Coast Recovery Centers, we offer detox and heroin rehab treatment to help addicts stop using heroin safely and discover a new life of sobriety. To learn more about our heroin rehab programs, contact the West Coast Recovery Centers staff at (760) 492-6385.

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

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