Crack Addiction

How Addiction Happens

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “crack is cocaine that has not been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt.” This results in a rock-like crystal whose vapors are smoked after being heated. The name “crack” came from the sound the drug makes when heated.

Crack is a highly addictive form of cocaine. Because it goes directly into the lungs, the effects are felt faster and more intensely than other forms of cocaine use. The “high” or euphoric feeling that results does not last very long. Due to the addictive nature of the drug and the short-term high, tolerance is quickly developed. More and more crack must be taken in order to keep getting the “high.” Most highs last about 5-10 minutes when smoked, versus 15-20 minutes if snorted.

Addiction symptoms are aggravated by the fact that users will “crash” after the high. Crashing involves loss of the euphoric feeling followed by a depression. To keep the depressed feelings at bay, crack abusers will often use more crack to hold off symptoms. They also may indulge in using other drugs like alcohol or marijuana to fill the void between smokes.

Although crack is mostly smoked, it can be injected. Users who cannot access other forms of cocaine will sometimes inject the rocks.

Effects of Crack

Crack addiction has many of the same effects as other forms of cocaine. Many of the long-term physical effects may not be felt, as they are mostly internal.

• Cardiovascular problems
• Irregular heartbeat
• Aggressive paranoid behavior
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Delusions
• Lung cancer
• Brain seizures
• Hyper-sexuality

Short-term effects that keep the users coming back to the drug include the “high” feeling, mental clarity, alertness, and reduced fatigue.

Using alcohol and crack together can be potentially fatal. Alcohol and cocaine mix to form cocaethylene, a substance that increases the risk of sudden death. Although rare, sudden death can even occur with just using crack. No known distinguishing factor has been found for determining who may die suddenly with use of crack.

Signs of Crack Addiction

Watching for signs of crack abuse in yourself or a loved one can help aid in getting the right treatment. Warning signs include:

• Singed eyelashes and eyebrows
• Burnt fingertips
• Losing touch with family and friends
• No interest in school, work, or social activities
• Stealing money or valuables
• Paranoid behavior

For people whose lives are affected by crack addiction, support groups are available. For example, there are meetings in many neighborhood churches and community centers. Online support groups are also available for people who seek out assistance in dealing with their affected loved one.

Withdrawal and Treatment

Crack addiction withdrawal can be extremely discouraging. Due to the highly addictive nature of crack and the lows felt when not using, cravings can be intense during withdrawal. Other withdrawal symptoms include:

• Agitation
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Lack of motivation
• Muscle pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety
• Angry outbursts
• Nausea or vomiting

Treatment for crack addiction is similar to other addictions. Enrolling in substance abuse treatment centers or finding a counselor can be helpful. Self-help group can also offer needed support. Although no prescriptions have been approved for use in medicinal treatment of crack abuse, cognitive behavior therapy has proven to be effective in treatment.