Crack Addict Behavior

Are you trying to determine if someone you care about exhibits crack addict behavior? Learn to recognize the signs of crack addiction.

Man exhibiting crack addict behavior.

Facts About Crack

This drug is one of the most preferred among substance abusers. The US Justice Department reports approximately one to two million people use crack.

Crack is a form of cocaine. It is made by taking cocaine and mixing it with baking soda. There is about 75-90 percent cocaine in it. From there, the person preparing the drug follows a procedure that results in forming crystals with a rock-like appearance. When lit, these crystals make cracking sounds, and this is how the drug received its name.

Individuals who use this form of cocaine receive a lesser effect than taking it in its typical powdered form. However, it is highly addictive and someone can become physically as well as mentally addicted after using it just a few times.

Recognizing Crack Addict Behavior

It can be a heartbreaking and frustrating feeling to watch someone go through a drug addiction. A person caught up in this situation needs support and help from you to understand what the drug is doing to him/her physically, emotionally and mentally. Here is a list of common crack addict behavior to help you determine if this is the drug your loved one is using.

Physical and behavioral signs include:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Glassy eyes
• Restlessness
• Confrontational attitude
• Erratic behavior
• Signs of paranoia
• Nervousness
• Insomnia, followed by sleeping for long periods
• Dramatic increase or decrease in appetite and weight
• Frequent sniffing
• Rambling speech
• Manic episodes
• Licking lips due to dry mouth
• Drinking a lot of water
• Aggression
• Depressed demeanor
• Large pupils
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis

Other signs to watch for:

• Evasive behavior when asked direct questions
• Frequent short absences that may be spent getting a quick high
• A distinct change in attitude/behavior upon the addict's return

Physical Effects of Crack

It's important that someone who is addicted to crack receive help quickly because the risk of overdose is very high. This is due to crack's quick absorption into the bloodstream. There are other physical effects from the drug that can lead to severe health problems in the future.

These include:

• Possible damage to lungs and nasal septum
• Increase in blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Inability to catch one's breath
• Increased risk for strokes and heart attacks

Withdrawal Symptoms

People who attempt to get off crack on their own face some rather daunting withdrawal symptoms, including hunger paranoia, cravings, irritability and extreme anxiety. These symptoms make an addict want to use the drug again, and this is why it's so difficult to stop. People who have been on the drug for a long time will have to undergo medical attention to ensure they remain medically stable throughout the withdrawal process.

Helping Your Loved One

Helping a loved suffering from an addiction can be hard to deal with because these people are under the control of the substance. They may not believe they have a problem and will shut out people who don't support them in their addiction. Sometimes family members turn their backs on addicts because it's too difficult to watch them go through it. Unfortunately, this is not the best thing a family can do.

If you want to help, you will need to support your loved one through the ups and downs of addiction. There will be days he or she will want to quit the addiction and other days when it doesn't seem like any progress has been made. All you can do is encourage your friend or family member to seek help, and explain that the behavior he or she exhibits relates to the crack. It may be useful to print out the above behaviors and discuss them. Don't be surprised if you are ridiculed or shut out during the confrontation. Leave it for later and continue to be available if needed.

Enabling

You can show support for your friend or family member without becoming an enabler. Sometimes addicts will take advantage of someone's love and concern in order to get money for their next fix. Be mindful of this; refrain from giving out loans for any reason, and do not engage in any transportation to help the person acquire the substance. If your friend or family member asks for help with buying food or other needed items, you can provide assistance, but do not buy something that he or she can sell for money to buy drugs.

Addicts have a disease and need treatment for it. Unfortunately, treatment fails if the patient is not a willing participant and wants to quit. Be patient; your loved one will need your help along the long road to recovery.

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