Cocaine is a strong central nervous system stimulant that when abused, can result in severe psychological addiction. It is derived from the coca plant, which is indigenous to areas in South America such as Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, and Peru. It has been used and abused for hundreds of years, primarily for its stimulant effects. Cocaine comes in a powder form that can be snorted or added to liquid and injected. In the United States, cocaine remains one of the most widely abused illicit substances, with more than one million people abusing this drug on a regular basis. On its own, cocaine is an extremely dangerous drug of abuse, as it can cause significant cardiovascular complications, vital organ damage, and fatal overdose. When it is combined with other chemicals, however, cocaine can be transformed into crack cocaine, which some argue is even more dangerous to abuse than cocaine in its purest form.
Crack cocaine is a rock crystal-like substance. It is made by boiling a combination of powder cocaine, baking soda, and water and then cooled, forming the rock-like substance. In order to be distributed, it is cut down into “rocks” and sold. Usually, crack users will take the rock, melt it down until it liquefies, and then inject it or they will smoke it through a crack pipe. The rush that a user feels upon injecting or smoking crack is said to be even more powerful than injecting cocaine alone. The stimulant effects that crack cocaine then produces are intense, however only last for 15-20 minutes. As a result, those who are abusing crack cocaine and who want to maintain their high continue to inject the substance to do so, which is highly risky because abusing too much crack cocaine at one time can lead to overdose.
Substance abuse therapists, medical researchers, and past users claim that crack is cocaine’s most addictive form. Because crack cocaine is so addictive, and the physical and psychological health costs are so high, there is a tremendous need for effective crack cocaine rehab throughout the country. Studies have shown that in order to properly treat any type of addiction, including crack cocaine addiction, that a combination of medication and therapy (such as that offered through an inpatient or outpatient treatment program), is the best, most effective form of treatment for this specific disease.
At our crack cocaine rehab in Florida, we work to support and empower people so that they can overcome their active crack cocaine addiction, even if they have tried rehab before with little to no success. Call our crack cocaine rehab today for a free consultation at 800-338-5770.
CRACK COCAINE IS VERSATILE
As mentioned before, crack cocaine comes in a solid, rock-like form, however, it can be consumed in several different ways. Not only can users melt down the rock to inject it or put it in a glass pipe to smoke it, but they can also manipulate it in ways that allow them to abuse it with other substances. It is extremely common for those who abuse crack cocaine to also abuse other addictive substances at the same time. For some, combining crack cocaine with another stimulant substance, like Adderall or meth, is attractive as it can increase the boost of energy and euphoria that they experience. For others, substances like alcohol or opioids are used in conjunction with crack cocaine to help ease the hyperactive effects that it can produce. For example, someone who goes on a crack cocaine binge might inject an opioid like heroin or fentanyl to help bring the body back to a state of normalcy as opposed to feeling so high-strung. Because crack cocaine can be smoked and injected like many other addictive substances, users already have the proper tools available to abuse other substances for these purposes. Also, it is an easy drug for users to take along with them wherever they go, as they can inject it anywhere they are without others taking notice.
Sadly, because of how versatile crack cocaine is, it makes it an easy drug to continue to abuse. And, the longer that this substance is abused, the more effects it can cause on the user which may eventually require his or her admission into a crack cocaine rehab to mitigate.
THE EFFECTS OF CRACK COCAINE
Abusing a drug like crack may be an easy, simple way to obtain a quick rush of being high, however, regardless of how fast the high might come and go, the effects of this type of abuse can be long-lasting.
During the rush of taking crack cocaine, the user’s brain is triggered to release dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter that produces feelings of euphoria and satisfaction. Large amounts of dopamine then flood the body, causing the user to feel elated. This high is merely temporary, and as soon as the user starts to come down from that high, he or she craves the high again. This perpetuates a back-to-back pattern of use that keeps individuals continually chasing a high. However, the body cannot replenish its store of dopamine enough before the user comes down from his or her high and wants more, meaning that with each subsequent hit, the high weakens in intensity.
It can be difficult to understand why individuals continue to abuse crack cocaine over and over despite the high becoming less and less euphoric, however, more goes into why they continue to use despite this effect. When crack cocaine is abused, it also interacts with areas of one’s limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memory. Therefore, the brain continues to recall the substance that caused the euphoric high and the emotions surrounding that high, producing cravings for continued use even if the high is not as good as the last. Essentially, the brain has rewired itself in a manner that keeps craving crack cocaine no matter the high it produces. Unfortunately, over time, the brain becomes used to the high levels of dopamine that the crack cocaine abuse has continually produced. As a result, a user must continue to increase how much crack cocaine he or she is abusing in order for the brain to feel high because he or she has built a tolerance to this drug. Exposing the brain (and the body) to higher levels of crack cocaine can place a user in significant danger.
PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF CRACK COCAINE
Crack cocaine can cause serious damage to organs and systems. Death resulting from overdose and subsequent heart attack is a very real risk. Intravenous drug users also put themselves at risk of a variety of diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Like many stimulants, crack cocaine abuse can cause tooth-grinding that leads to tooth decay when combined with dry mouth. Crack cocaine use can also lead to the collapse of nasal passages (from snorting) and gastrointestinal issues ranging from nausea to kidney failure.
With frequent or chronic abuse, crack cocaine causes physical problems such as irregular heartbeat and spikes in body temperature and blood pressure. People who struggle with crack cocaine addiction often have appetite problems, nasal congestion, and sleep issues that range from insomnia to oversleeping.
In addition to all the risk factors associated with crack cocaine, people who smoke crack cocaine often suffer lung trauma. It should also be kept in mind that illicit manufacturers of crack cocaine may add one or more toxic substances to crack cocaine in order to “stretch” the drug. For this reason, people who smoke crack cocaine are at risk of developing the kinds of serious complications related to ingesting hazardous toxins.
Other serious physical effects that crack cocaine addiction can cause can include the following:
- Heart damage
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart arrhythmia
- Blood clots
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizures
- Angina (chest pain caused by narrowed arteries that restrict blood flow to the heart)
- Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
- Myocarditis (inflamed heart muscle)
- Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
- Endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart)
In addition to the countless cardiovascular effects that crack cocaine abuse can cause, the continued abuse of this substance can also begin to change the structure of the brain. For example, genetics within brain cells can become altered and a protein that is found in the brain that has ties to substance use disorders is also known to build up in excessively high levels. Also, nerve cells begin to grow within the limbic system the longer that crack cocaine is abused, which can make ending this type of abuse extremely difficult.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF CRACK COCAINE
Psychologically, people who abuse crack cocaine often develop intense paranoid fantasies and violent tempers. While a user might appear euphoric at first, agitation, restlessness, and anxiety develop over time. After a crack cocaine binge, depression, exhaustion, and anxiety often result. This is known as the “crash.”
From a psychological standpoint, crack cocaine addiction can cause the following:
- Paranoia
- Anger
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Depression
The effects that a person will endure as a result of crack cocaine addiction will be dependent on the length of time that he or she has been using, how much he or she has been consuming, and how often use has been occurring. Typically, those with more severe addictions to crack cocaine tend to experience the most dangerous and potentially deadly effects than those with less intense addictions.
Today, more than 15,000 people die in the United States each year from crack cocaine addiction. When effects such as these start to occur, it is time to contact our professionals at our crack cocaine rehab before it is too late. We are available around-the-clock, seven days a week to answer any questions you or a loved one may have at 800-338-5770.
WHY ATTENDING CRACK COCAINE REHAB IS NECESSARY
Most people who become addicted to crack cocaine start with casual or occasional use. In fact, several people who wind up addicted to crack cocaine began experimenting with cocaine in social settings. Similar to the opioid crisis where many people begin their abuse with prescription painkillers and then switch to abusing heroin because it’s cheaper and produces the same effects, people who abuse cocaine often transition to abusing crack cocaine for the same purposes. Unfortunately, the longer that crack cocaine is abused, the more it teaches the brain that the mental rewards it is receiving are so great that the only thing to worry about is where the next high will come from.
People who become addicted to cocaine wind up doing things they could never imagine doing when sober. Stealing money, avoiding close friends, harming their own children—cocaine addiction causes intense physical, emotional, and spiritual damage. This damage is inflicted on both the addict and the addict’s loved ones, causing everyone who is touched by this disease to suffer for as long as the addiction is active. Most commonly, those who are hooked on crack cocaine quickly become preoccupied with their use to a point where they neglect their responsibilities at work, home, or school, causing them to become unemployed, get expelled, and/or experience continued conflict with their families. As a result, several problems can start to develop as a result, such as financial issues, problems finding a place to live, and difficulty getting a job. Without basic human needs, such as shelter and income, those who are addicted to crack cocaine can easily begin engaging in unfavorable (and sometimes dangerous) behaviors to survive. Plus, regularly being under the influence of crack cocaine can cause an individual to participate in several questionable and risky behaviors that not only put themselves in danger but also jeopardize the health and wellbeing of those around them.
While it’s not to say it’s impossible, but getting sober and developing a strong foundation in recovery on one’s own is rarely ever done, especially when that person is battling an addiction to crack cocaine. This is because the cravings for continued use can be extremely overwhelming and the symptoms of withdrawal that can develop when use stops can be too much to bear. In most cases, it takes the help of trained professionals for an individual to put a final stop to their crack cocaine addiction. Thankfully, this help can be found through crack cocaine rehab.
Reaching out and getting help at a crack cocaine rehab immediately eliminates the risk of overdose, as clients who enroll in a program are no longer able to abuse this deadly substance. They also eliminate the possibility of suffering any further damage to their bodies or minds. The added support of being surrounded by medical and mental health professionals can make it easier for a client to get through the process of detox, which is known to be extremely painful when attempted on one’s own. In fact, detoxing independently is one of the main triggers for relapse, as going back to using can erase all withdrawal symptoms that a person is experiencing. At a crack cocaine rehab, going back to using is not an option. Additional reasons why attending a crack cocaine rehab is necessary for those who are addicted to this drug include the following:
- The provision of a safe, quiet environment where a client’s sole focus is on recovery rather than when to use next
- Connecting to others in recovery in an effort to build a network of support and encouragement
- Working directly with professionals who can help to uncover hidden causes behind the crack cocaine addiction so that the entire problem can be healed, rather than just one part of it
At our crack cocaine rehab, we understand the necessity of professional treatment. We know that without it, countless individuals could have easily lost their lives to their battle with crack cocaine addiction. If you are struggling with an addiction to this deadly substance and do not know where to start, contact our crack cocaine rehab right now.
HOW Our CRACK COCAINE REHABILITATION PROGRAM CAN HELP
12 Keys is a crack cocaine rehab center located in Jensen Beach, Florida. We apply evidence-based treatments to customized plans for each and every client who comes to us looking for a second chance at life. Many of our clients struggle with crack cocaine addiction and are unsure of how to end their abuse for good. With the help of our experienced and compassionate team, our crack cocaine rehab serves as the answer for the many people who come through our doors. Our holistic substance abuse recovery program combines medically assisted detox, multidisciplinary evidence-based therapies, 12-Step care, and comprehensive aftercare.
For starters, our crack cocaine rehab is only as successful as our staff, which is a great thing, since our staff is comprised of some of the best in the business. The mental health and medical professionals we have employed are qualified to treat all aspects of substance abuse, including the mental health disorders that commonly co-occur alongside addiction. This means that we have the right people in the right places to help our clients determine the primary concerns – the substance use disorder and/or the mental health issues – so that both issues can be treated simultaneously. All of our care providers work with one another to ensure that each client is being met with a comprehensive approach so that his or her mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing are being healed together as part of the bigger picture. Whether you or your loved one began using crack cocaine because of preexisting depression or you are suffering the aftereffects of substance abuse, our staff can help you heal and grow stronger.
Throughout a client’s entire involvement with our crack cocaine rehab, he or she will not only have the guidance and support of our staff members, but he or she will also be provided with detox services if necessary. Our crack cocaine rehab focuses on helping all clients maintain their comfort during their detox so that they can handle their withdrawal symptoms as quickly and effectively as possible. When a client has completed detox, he or she can begin to get involved in several different therapies that are designed to help him or her begin addressing issues that have added to or developed in response to the crack cocaine addiction. These therapies, all of which are evidence-based and clinically sound, include individual therapy, group counseling, behavioral therapies, experiential therapy, and even family therapy, to name a few. Based on the needs of each client, he or she will participate in therapies deemed most appropriate for his or her overall healing.
Our crack cocaine rehab, which only enrolls a limited number of clients at one time, offers more one-on-one therapy than most other rehabs in the country. This small size also lets us keep group sessions small and non-threatening, which our clients appreciate.
When inpatient care ends at our crack cocaine rehab, our staff works with clients and their family members to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan that addresses specific lifestyle needs. For more information on our crack cocaine rehab, call us today.
From managing cocaine withdrawal symptoms to uncovering and treating the roots of addiction, you can rebuild your life, health, and relationships at 12 Keys’ Florida crack cocaine rehab.
GET PROFESSIONAL HELP AT 12 Keys IN FLORIDA TODAY
If you are addicted to crack cocaine, then you are already far too familiar with just how dangerous and painful this type of addiction can be. You know that the more you use, the more you and your loved ones suffer. And even if you desperately want to stop using, finding the courage to do so can seem impossible. However, when you reach out and contact us at our crack cocaine rehab, we can get you moving towards a life that supports long-term recovery.
With every day that your crack cocaine addiction continues comes more and more likelihood of severe consequence or death. Being trapped in a cycle of addiction can make it feel as though there is no way out alive, but at our crack cocaine rehab, we know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
So, if you are ready to stop your crack cocaine addiction and get on the road to recovery, do not wait any longer. Call our crack cocaine rehab right now. We can help.