Navigation: Crack Cocaine Overview, Abuse and Effects of Crack Cocaine, Crack Cocaine Addiction
Crack cocaine is a variant of cocaine that can cause problems for a person even after the first use. It is so potent that an addiction can begin to develop soon after using it for the first time.
Users are inclined to keep taking the drug, and their need for it continues to grow until the habit becomes uncontrollable. They need to take more crack to reach that initial “high” that they used to enjoy.
So here we’re going to talk all about crack cocaine: what it is and how its abuse affects people.
Crack Cocaine Overview
Crack cocaine is a hard substance that has an off-white tint. This drug has a mineral-like form and is made by mixing ammonia or baking soda into the powder form of cocaine. The mixture is heated with a torch or a lighter until they form into the “rocks” that we know as crack cocaine.
People who take crack cocaine often vaporize it in a glass pipe and inhale it. This glass pipe is often called a rose or a stem because they are sold with a rose inside of them.
Some people heat the crack cocaine in soda cans or aluminum foil. Others who want to experience an intense high may even inject crack.
The name “crack cocaine” comes from the fact that it makes a cracking or popping sound once it is heated. But it has other street names including base, candy, rock, rocks, kryptonite, sleet, and hard.
Although cocaine is called “the rich man’s drug”, crack is comparatively cheaper. This makes it accessible to all types of people. But crack is rarely used by those who are new to substance abuse. It is often taken by people who are already addicted to regular cocaine.
Despite its price, crack addiction can be very expensive for the addicted individual because it affects all aspects of their life. It quickly becomes a very expensive habit to maintain.
Abuse and Effects of Crack Cocaine
Any use of crack cocaine is considered abuse because it is an illicit substance. Since the drug is typically smoked, the drug reaches the brain very quickly. This produces a high that is not only immediate but also intense. The effects, however, are short-lived.
Someone who uses crack cocaine will feel euphoric, tense, and hyperactive. They may exhibit uncharacteristic behavior such as talkativeness or overconfidence.
Because of how potent crack is, there is a high risk of overdose from using it. Crack cocaine overdose is often fatal—and it can happen even during someone’s first time using it.
People with kidney problems or high blood pressure have a higher risk of fatal complications from smoking crack.
Additionally, the short-lived nature of crack cocaine’s high makes users prone to retaking the substance. The need to take more and more doses to prolong its effects often leads to drug overdose. This makes crack cocaine a highly dangerous drug.
Crack cocaine overdose is usually preceded by dilated pupils and sweating. A person who has overdosed may act aggressively or anxiously. They may also experience seizures, rapid heart rate, chest pain, nausea, seizure, stroke, and hallucinations. Watch out for these signs and symptoms if you think someone you love is abusing crack.
Crack Cocaine Addiction
Compared to regular cocaine, crack is much more addictive. Addiction can begin to develop the first time someone tries it. Some people try to maintain to the high of crack cocaine by repeatedly taking it over a short period of time.
Crack is highly addictive because it sets off excessive amounts of dopamine, which is the happiness-inducing chemical. This conditions the brain’s reward system into wanting more of the pleasurable drug. This also leads to a diminished natural production of dopamine, which further makes the user dependent on crack.
It can eventually reach a point where the person needs to keep taking crack just to feel normal. If they attempt to quit at any point, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. Between these severe withdrawal effects and the intense cravings, addicted individuals often relapse.
It is very hard for people to recover from crack cocaine addiction without the help of medical professionals and addiction experts. Addiction is characterized by the continued use of a particular drug even if the person is already struggling with its adverse effects.
If someone in the family is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against substance abuse. Because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.
What is Crack Cocaine and What Makes it Different from Regular Cocaine? https://t.co/XqDA34EqjK #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
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