Treatment for Crack Addiction
Learn about the effectiveness of treatment for crack addiction
Crack cocaine is a hard, mineral-like substance with an off-white tint. Crack is made by mixing baking soda or ammonia into the powder form of cocaine, which dries into the "rocks" known as crack cocaine. It is most often vaporized in a glass pipe and inhaled, though some people use soda cans or aluminum foil to heat it. Crack is supremely addiction, but there is treatment for crack addiction.
Crack cocaine's name comes from the cracking or popping sound it makes when heated. Other names for it include: rock(s), base, candy, cookies, kryptonite, sleet or most commonly, crack.
As an illicit substance, any use of crack is considered abuse. Because it is smoked (rather than snorted through the nose), the drug reaches the brain more quickly, producing an intense and immediate high. This high, however, is short-lived.
The effects of the drug provoke the appearance of crack addict behavior, which is not too difficult to notice. The symptoms include:
-Euphoria
-Hyperactivity
-Tension
-Talkativeness
-Insomnia
-Suppressed appetite
-Nosebleeds
In addition to these physical symptoms, the behavior of a crack addict changes dramatically, showing signs of:
-Aggression and volatile mood swings
-Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and paranoia
-Persistent and obsessive thoughts about smoking crack
-Tendency to put a high priority on obtaining the drug
Due to its potency, there is a high risk of fatal overdose from using crack cocaine. Even someone using the drug for the first time can overdose, which is why finding facilities that offer treatment for crack addiction becomes a priority.
Figuring out how to get someone off crack can be extremely difficult for families and friends. The first, and most important, thing that a relative can do is show your support. Make sure the person knows that they are loved and everyone in their inner circle is willing to do whatever it takes to help them in their struggle against crack addiction. A supportive home environment can make a big difference in a recovering addict's life.
Try not to throw blame around but, rather be supportive and encouraging. Bear in mind that they are going through some things that you might not understand. Your support in their sober efforts, even through potential relapse, can have a major positive impact on their long-term recovery.
Because not everyone knows how to get someone off crack or any drug, and may not really understand the whole process without expert orientation, getting help from centers that provide treatment for crack addiction is recommended from the moment the signs of crack addict behavior appear.
Treatment for crack addiction usually begins with detoxification. This is a controlled withdrawal from crack cocaine that is usually performed at detox centers where doctors are able to monitor patients for severe physical symptoms of crack withdrawal.
It's important to keep in mind that a person that has shown crack addict behavior, may also experience intense psychological effects from withdrawal, such as mood swings, agitation and anxiety during the this period. Withdrawal can be more severe if the patient has used crack at high doses for an extended duration, and may even experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome, necessitating close mental health follow-up treatment.
After finishing detox, many patients transition to an inpatient or residential rehab center or other form of structured center to continue their treatment for crack addiction.
An inpatient or residential rehab stay is typically followed by a period of ongoing aftercare, in which patients return to their daily lives but continue to visit treatment centers (or a pre-arranged aftercare clinic or clinician) on a regular basis to receive continuing therapy and other needed treatment.
The best treatment for crack addiction also includes ongoing outpatient treatment sessions through qualified rehab centers, where someone in recovery from crack meets with mental health or addiction therapists weekly on an ongoing basis. Someone in recovery will also benefit from community supports like sober activities and meetings, and should be encouraged or required to participate in some sort of support group setting.
The treatments provided by crack addiction treatment facilities can be highly effective when followed through, particularly when the patient has the support of their families. It's never too late to start recovering and getting back on track. Call (877) 804-1531 for help finding qualified crack addiction treatment facilities that can help you break free from addiction. Call today!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2994240/
https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/crack-cocaine/withdrawal-detox/