Crack Cocaine

What is crack cocaine addiction?
The effects of crack cocaine
Treating crack cocaine addiction
Detox

What is crack cocaine addiction?

Recognising the signs and symptoms of crack cocaine addiction are vital into getting the right treatment as soon as possible.

It is far more potent than cocaine and offers a more intense but shorter high, which is a recipe for a highly addictive drug.

Crack cocaine is the crystal form of cocaine, it is usually a mixture of cocaine and baking soda. Users usually smoke it by heating the mixture and then inhaling the vapour through a glass pipe. It is also possible to inject crack.

Crack cocaine was developed as a cheaper alternative to cocaine, making it more easily affordable to users. Generally, those who want a faster, cheaper more intense high are attracted to crack cocaine.

The effects of crack cocaine

The effects of crack cocaine are more immediate and more intense than the use of Cocaine. You may be experiencing respiratory problems, coughing, shortness of breath or even lung damage if you’re smoking it.

Coming down from the drug will cause severe depression, which can make it harder and harder to come off. The addiction to crack cocaine can be so severe that you’ll feel like you will do almost anything to get the drug.

Other symptoms you might be experiencing:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased rate of breathing
  • Dilated pupils
  • Craving the drug more intensely
  • Lack of sleep
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Erratic or violent behaviour
  • Irritability
  • Psychosis
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Feeling of euphoria

If you find yourself continuously using crack cocaine overtime, it will increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke, seizure or breathing failure.

When suffering with a crack cocaine addiction, you may also struggle with dependence of other substances, such as heroin or alcohol. This is known as poly-drug use and is especially dangerous, as it increases the risk of fatal overdose.

Treating crack cocaine addiction

Our expert recovery team at Steps Together have a specialist programme designed to provide all the support and care to help you to overcome crack cocaine addiction.

Through the Detox Programme, we will help stop your addiction. While this may seem like a daunting prospect, our experienced and recovery team are well equipped to guide you through the whole process. The Therapy Programme also involves counselling, exercise and a well-balanced diet to give back your nutrition and peace of mind.

Detox

At Steps Together, we understand how daunting the prospect of completely stopping crack cocaine can seem, but we have also seen first-hand that it is possible and that it is worth every second.

The treatment we offer at Steps Together begins with a detox process, which allows the drug to leave your body.

During this period you may experience some withdrawal symptoms. Although these symptoms are not usually life-threatening, there may be some discomfort experienced during this time.

Withdrawals and rehabilitation

Because of the intensity of the drug and how it works, the withdrawals of a detox are worse than the withdrawals you would experience from cocaine.

Crack cocaine withdrawals symptoms could include:

  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Mood Swings
  • Agitation
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Depression
  • Cravings
  • Insomnia
  • Shaking
  • Irritability

As withdrawal symptoms can be very intense and overwhelming, our expert clinical team will support and help you through the process.