Crack cocaine is a frighteningly addictive drug that affects regions of the brain quickly and lays the groundwork for lifelong struggles right away. Its highly addictive qualities and low price in comparison to powder cocaine make crack a major problem across the country. It’s not a drug of the past. There are still Americans who are struggling with addiction and need crack rehab programs to find sobriety. This is why Banyan offers Massachusetts addiction treatment to help these individuals find sobriety from this dangerous drug dependency.
The Difference Between Crack and Cocaine
Regular cocaine is a hydrochloride salt, while crack cocaine is a drug that is created by mixing powder cocaine with water and baking soda into a solid that is typically smoked by users. The phrase crack is a reference to the crackling sounds that heating the drug will produce. Crack cocaine acts differently in the brain than powder cocaine, essentially rewiring the brain’s limbic system and reward circuits within as little as one use of the drug. It is a far more concentrated substance, making the likelihood of addiction that much more intense.
The difference in appearance is indicative of how each substance is ingested. So, while most people using crack cocaine will heat up the rocks and inhale the vapors that are released, someone abusing powdered cocaine will typically snort the substance through their nostrils or rub it on the inside of their gums. Another key indication between the drugs is the type of high that is produced and how long it will last. Regarding pure powdered cocaine, snorting it will lead to a longer high that takes more time to feel the effects. Crack, on the other hand, produces a far more intense rush that is noticeably shorter than its pure counterpart.
When coke is snorted, a person will feel it take effect within 5 minutes, hitting its peaks between 20 to 30 minutes and fading after a couple of hours. A crack high will be felt in under a minute, peak after 5, and only last up to an hour. No matter the case, using either drug at any point opens a person up to a lifelong struggle that can affect them physically, emotionally, and financially.
What Does Crack Do to the Brain and Body?
This drug is typically smoked, which makes it especially dangerous. Crack cocaine’s influence can hit the brain in as little as 10 seconds.2 The stimulant causes a release of excess dopamine within the brain, creating feelings of euphoria and extreme bouts of energy in users. While not a common phenomenon, it is even possible for someone to develop a full-blown addiction after only one use. This stands in opposition to the effects of a variety of other substances, many of which see an addiction forming after prolonged usage and the development of tolerance.
While being high on crack rewires the reward systems of the brain to create the groundwork of intense addiction, it also affects the body negatively. When users are under the influence of crack, they may have extreme energy. But when they are not under the influence of the stimulant, they may be exhausted. Typically, crack cocaine addicts are malnourished and exhausted from a lack of routine sleep and proper eating schedules. This can cause a wealth of health issues that need to be addressed for healthy sobriety.
Symptoms of Crack Use
The symptoms of crack addiction are typically easy to spot in a loved one. When a person is addicted to crack, they may exhibit crack addict symptoms such as:
- Reduced sleep
- Nosebleeds
- Muscle twitching
- Aggression and mood swings
- Hallucinations and paranoia
- Drastic weight loss
Crack cocaine paraphernalia includes tools users need to smoke the drug, such as crack pipes, which look like glass tubes with a bulb at the end. Dirty spoons or spoons with signs of burn marks are also indicative of a crack problem.
If you suspect that your child, friend, or loved one is struggling with such an addiction, we are here to help. Contact us to learn about potential options for drug detox from crack use for those who are 18 or older.
Can You Die From Crack Cocaine?
While it is entirely possible to overdose on this drug, being addicted to crack also opens the door wide open for dangerous outcomes like assault, HIV infection, and homicide. For someone new to using the substance, the body is that much more likely to reject the presence of the drug and leading to disastrous health outcomes.
Negative effects of crack cocaine use include:
- Seizures
- Intense anxiety
- Difficult breathing
- Coma
- Sexually transmitted diseases as a result of risky behavior
- Susceptibility to crime or assault
- Overdose
It is also possible to experience negative side effects after mixing different substances together. It is not uncommon for someone that is addicted to crack to also combine their stash with substances like heroin, opioids, or alcohol in order to heighten the experience. Despite the increased potency, it makes the prospect of overdose, withdrawals, and other negative consequences that much more likely. You don’t have to keep struggling alone. Our team of professionals is waiting to help you discover a better sober life.
Treating Crack Cocaine Addiction
Many patients undergoing crack cocaine or cocaine addiction treatment at our drug rehab in Massachusetts need extra support to deal with the emotional effects of stimulant addiction. Prolonged crack cocaine use can cause depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and even suicidal thoughts in some patients. Effective treatment programs are focused on supporting patients through these challenging steps of recovery.
Healing from cocaine and crack abuse starts by getting help from our team at Banyan’s Massachusetts Addiction Treatment Center. We support patients through the entire addiction recovery process by offering a variety of therapies and care levels that can comprehensively address all facets of a person’s dependency so that they can overcome it. Whether someone is in need of residential care, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient treatment, our team of clinical professionals can help you make a positive change in your life.
To learn more about our crack rehab program, contact Banyan Massachusetts today. Sobriety is waiting.
Sources:
- NCBI – The Neurobiology of Cocaine Addiction
- NYC Health – Cocaine Abuse & Addiction
- DHS – Facts You Should Know about Crack
- NIH – Causes of death among crack cocaine users
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At Banyan Massachusetts, our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction is able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.
