Crack is an extremely addictive drug that can have horrible consequences for those who become addicted to it. Crack addiction impacted the lives of not only addicts, but also those around them. Thus, it is vital that a crack addict enters into a drug rehab program as soon as possible in order to overcome their addiction.
What is Crack?
Crack cocaine is an extremely addictive and destructive drug. It is created from powder cocaine and water. It can be smoked or injected. Crack normally causes intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria which is why it is so addictive. Unfortunately there are a multitude of risks that cocaine use presents. These include addiction, damage to the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and other vital organs. Furthermore crack addiction can lead to users making dangerous decisions such as committing robbery, violent acts, and other crimes.
The effects of crack abuse depend on how long someone has been using the drug, how they inject the drug, and how much of the drug they are using. In general, crack users have a more intense feeling of euphoria compared to users who abuse powder cocaine. Thus, crack makes it easier for them to quickly become addicted to the drug.
Is There A Difference Between Crack And Powder Cocaine?
Crack cocaine is a derivative of cocaine. The drug may also be referred to as “crack” or “rocks”. One of the differences between crack and cocaine is that crack can be smoked. The process of smoking crack is called “freebase”. Crack is normally smoked using a small pipe and other paraphernalia.
Cocaine is a naturally occurring chemical that is derived from the leaves of the coca plant, while crack is not naturally derived. In order to produce crack, manufacturers have to combine it with other chemicals. This process is referred to as “cooking”.
The History of Crack Cocaine In The United States
Cocaine has a long history of abuse in the United States. It originally found its way into the ports of the U.S. during the 1970s. Throughout the 70s and early 80s the supply of cocaine was low and the price was high. Once the mid 1980s hit cocaine had become a major drug problem throughout the country. Furthermore, it had become cheap to manufacture and distribute, making the price of the drug come down. Those who could not previously afford it now could. This led to crack cocaine’s development. Crack became an even cheaper and more potent form of powder cocaine. Since then, it has become one of the leading causes of drug-related deaths and ER visits in the United States.
During the 1980s crack was found to be more addictive than powder cocaine. This is due to the fact that it is easily absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs and therefore produces stronger effects. It also was found to cause more severe health problems for cocaine users.
Why Is Crack One Of The Most Addictive Drugs?
Based on research studies, crack is known as one of the most addictive drugs out there. Crack increases certain chemicals in the brain that cause intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria. The chemicals and neurotransmitters that crack effects are critical for controlling moods and feelings. Thus, it can be extremely hard to stop the use of crack cocaine. Additionally, crack addicts often report that their cravings are more intense compared to those who are addicted to other drugs.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Crack Addiction?
Crack is a highly addictive stimulant that produces an intense high by attaching to the same receptors in the brain as other highly addictive drugs like heroin. Crack is also often cheaper than powder cocaine and therefore is more accessible to individuals across the United States.
It is important to understand the warning signs of crack addiction since early intervention is always the best course of action when it comes to rehab. If you or a loved one is displaying these symptoms, then it is important to contact a drug rehab as soon as possible.
The signs and symptoms of crack addiction include:
- Tolerance – users need greater doses in order to experience a high, this increases the risk of overdose
- Changes in mood – users may become euphoric irritable, anxious, paranoid, or depressed
- Negative effects on physical health – users may experience insomnia, high heart rate, liver damage, or respiratory problems
It is important to understand the warning signs of crack addiction since early intervention is always the best course of action when it comes to rehab. If you or a loved one is displaying these symptoms, then it is important to contact a drug rehab as soon as possible.
Treatment For Crack Addiction
There are a variety of substance abuse treatment programs for those struggling with crack addiction. The levels of care for drug addiction include detox, residential treatment, partial care programs, intensive outpatient, and outpatient counseling. There are also medications through medication assisted treatment programs that can help those struggling with a crack addiction.
Crack Addiction Treatment In Cherry Hill, NJ
New Jersey has not been excluded from the cocaine crisis that hit throughout the United States in the mid 1980s. Unfortunately, crack and cocaine addiction continues to be a problem for many people. Thankfully, drug rehab programs can help addicts learn how to live without the use of drugs and address the underlying issues that led them to addiction in the first place. The Healing Center’s drug rehab in Cherry Hill, NJ provides comprehensive treatment for crack addiction. Contact us today or visit our admissions page in order to learn more about our drug treatment facility and how we can help.
