Break Free from Drug Addiction at our Beautiful Dana Point Treatment Facility
The abuse potential for an illicit drug like crack cocaine, or simply “crack,” is enormous. Crack derives from powdered cocaine, and is generally much cheaper than cocaine, making it easier to acquire. Recovering from a crack addiction takes a physical and psychological toll, but with the help of certified addiction specialists, it is easier to cope.
Even one hit of crack can rewire the brain, causing the smoker to crave more of the drug to maintain the euphoric high they experienced. However, once the “pleasure signals” in the brain are tapped out, the euphoric rush is no longer possible, and instead continues to use crack as a way to overcome their physical dependence on the drug.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Crack
Crack has a very short high, and users crave more energy once they come crashing down after the drugs wear off. They may also feel intensely depressed as they search for more crack, because the drug interferes with the brain’s reward system. The effects of crack are also far more intense and immediate compared to powdered cocaine, although the high is usually not as long.
Some of the short-term effects of crack include:
- Paranoia
- Tactile hallucinations
- Bizarre behavior
- Erratic mood swings
- Disturbed sleep
- Irritability
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of appetite
Long-term effects of crack can include:
- Severe respiratory problems
- Damage to vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys
- Malnutrition caused by sleep deprivation and loss of appetite
- Aggressive and paranoid behavior
The prolonged use of crack cocaine can cause severe physical and mental damage that a user may live with for the rest of their life.
Crack Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
The first step is admitting to your crack addiction, and taking steps to proactively change. Starting crack drug rehab may sound unappealing, even shameful or intimidating. It doesn’t have to be. Those who try to quit crack on their own face an uphill climb trying to get sober and stay sober, particularly if their social circle has others who are actively using crack or other illicit substances.
The best way to overcome crack addiction is to detox in a safe, medically supervised atmosphere and then addressing the underlying psychological aspects of their addiction. Detox is the first step to recovery, which is a medically supervised process to safely cleanse the body from crack or any other dangerous substances in the body.
Common symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Cravings
- Anxiety and depression
- Extreme fatigue, including passing out
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
How Can I Recover from a Crack Addiction?
Have you decided a life of using and wondering where your next hit is coming from isn’t a life you want to live? You can change for the better. At Dana Point Rehab Campus, we provide compassionate care to those struggling with crack addiction. At our facility, we offer multiple primary levels of care, including detox/stabilization, inpatient residential treatment, and a partial hospitalization program.
We also offer a variety of evidence-based treatment options, including behavioral counseling, medical detox supervision, evaluation and treatment of co-occurring mental health issues, and long-term treatment programs to prevent relapse. Follow-up care may also involve support programs in your community.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a doctor-patient relationship. Read our Privacy Policy and Patient Bill of Rights.
