Crack Addiction
What is Crack?
Crack is a freebase form of cocaine that is a very powerful stimulant that is highly addictive. Crack was given its name due to the sound it makes when smoked. Many first time users normally get hooked instantly due to the way crack addiction works. Most research points to the drug being the most addictive substance on Earth.
Street Names for Crack
- Rock
- Beat
- Hardball
- Devils Drug
- Scrabble
- Dice
Crack Addiction Overnight
The main reason crack has become such a serious addiction problem is it is an almost instant high. When smoked, crack effects can be felt within 10 seconds, when snorted however the effects can last up to 20 minutes. The high is short lived for only 5 – 10 minutes but the addict get a ‘rush of euphoria’ and ‘increased energy’. But after the high has passed the addict normally feels depressed, inadequate, and a craving for the drug, and the addiction takes over and the cycle starts again.
Most addicts started off the same way, just partying with crack for what they thought would only be one night and then the addiction took over their life. Since crack is widely available, cheap compared to other drugs, and easy to conceal addiction rates are very high throughout the world.
Never Mix Alcohol & Crack, It’s Deadly
Cocaethylene is formed when someone drinks alcohol and mixes crack. Cocaethylene creates a more intense high than crack alone but has some serious side effects such as an increase in the heart rate and blood pressure which can be deadly.
The 80′s Crack Epidemic and It’s Return
In the 1980′s crack abuse was one of the top national problems for many countries as the drug was becoming globally available. It was known as the Crack Epidemic of the 80′s. During the 1990′s addiction to the drug decreased due to strong education on the harm of the drug. Most addicts from the 80′s were from lower income areas such as inner cities, but now that the drug is on a rise again there is no economic group excluded and another epidemic may be on its way.
Psychological Effects of Crack Addiction
Crack affects the chemistry of the user and cause feelings such as euphoria, well being, supreme confidence, appetite suppression, increased energy, heightened since of alertness, and the craving for more. Crack addicts dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for feelings of pleasure, supply becomes depleted over long periods of use. Addiction to crack can cause long term depression, anxiety, paranoia, and worse. Crack bonds itself to dopamine transporter ending the reuptake function, which means the dopamine being release is not being reabsorbed. This is why the user feels the ‘high’.
Addiction to crack has some serious effects on the mental well being of any addict. Many addicts report depression, anxiety, and paranoia as some of the most top effects of long term addiction.
Physiological Effects of Crack Addiction
Some of the instant effects can an increase in heart rate, temperature and blood pressure, constriction of blood vessels, and dilation of pupils. When addicts use large amounts of crack the effects they can turn erratic and violent. Addicts can also experience vertigo, tremors, muscle twitches, cardiac arrest, and seizures. Most addicts over time increase their amount to try to reach that original high.
Withdrawal from Crack
During crack withdrawal the signs of addiction become blatantly apparent. Most crack addicts will experience the following:
- agitation
- depression
- intense craving for the drug
- extreme fatigue
- anxiety
- angry outbursts
- lack of motivation
- nausea/vomiting
- shaking
- irritability
- muscle pain
- disturbed sleep
Crack Addiction Help
If you or someone you care about is suffering from crack addiction, contact The Cabin Chiang Mai at contact@thecabinchaingmai.com and inquire about our crack rehab treatment programme.
