Help for Crack Abuse

Cocaine Hydrochloride is the chemical known as crack. It differs from cocaine in that it is made from cocaine in a process known as freebasing. Freebasing is using cocaine powder and cooking it with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to produce “rocks” that you can smoke. A pipe is the most common smoking apparatus for crack and because it is smoked, the effects of crack are more intense and quicker than powder cocaine. Once again, like other drugs, the smoked crack effects are short lived in comparison to that of the powder cocaine that is snorted.

Crack, instead of cocaine, is more dangerous for many reasons. The chances of overdosing are greatly increased because it is inhaled and immediately absorbed through the lungs, to the blood, and carried to the brain. There is also a greater risk of poisoning leading to a coma, convulsions, or even death. Because there is a five to seven minute sudden intense feeling of pleasure it quickly subsides and leads to depression. The depression is effectively treated by more crack. This cycle enhances the likelihood of addiction. 

The short term effects of crack range from reduction in ambition, concentration, drive while increasing confusion and irritability. It causes a great deal of interruption of a users’ personal and professional life. Prolonged use may lead to paranoia, psychosis, hallucinations or formication; a perceptions that snakes or insects are crawling under the skin.

Due to its potency and high chance of addiction, simple possession of crack can land a person in jail with a felony record. Possession of any other drug is a misdemeanor offense which can be punishable by one year in prison. Today, small time dealers and first offenders receive an average of ten years and six months.

In order to stop crack abuse, most users need some type of treatment. It is a powerful and highly addictive drug. Withdrawal symptoms are common even among short term users when they stop using; therefore the relapse rate is very high. For those who are long term users, the symptoms are far more pronounced as with those who use higher doses. Most will find it difficult to get out of a crack addicted cycle because of the drug’s intense physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawals cause the user to crave the drug and without it they can become anxious and paranoid. This is what makes it difficult to prevent the use of crack.

During treatments, the addict can begin to recover from their crack addiction. There are also many rehab centers that offer resources to ensure long term success. There are outpatient, inpatient, residential and short term treatment available. After care treatment can be very effective if used in conjunction with a more comprehensive program.

Aftercare consists of sober living environments, wellness programs and therapy. However, like any treatment program, it is only as effective as the person wanting the treatment wants to stop. Treatment will first address the physical addiction and then work on the emotional side of addiction. Using different methods of treatment helps creates a solid foundation for a successful recovery.

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