Crack cocaine, also known as crack, is a highly addictive drug that is smoked, which causes immediate euphoric effects. A person can become addicted to crack after just one use. People who use crack often become engaged in risky, dangerous, and reckless behavior.
Smoking crack causes an immediate, intense high that wears off in approximately 15 minutes after the last use. The intense and short-term high causes a person to use several times a day. Crack addiction causes changes in a person’s physical health, behavior, mood, and mental health.
How crack cocaine affects the brain
Crack cocaine is a strong central nervous stimulant that interferes with the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and movement and is released as part of the brain’s reward system. After trying crack cocaine, a person will quickly develop an intense craving for the drug since the chemistry of the brain’s reward system has been altered. (Center for Substance Abuse Research, University of Maryland).
Signs of crack cocaine addiction
Physical signs of crack addiction include dilated pupils, weight loss, lack of appetite, and deterioration in physical appearance. Some behavioral symptoms are lack of interest in activities, a decline in motivation, financial problems, and changes in relationships.
Some psychological signs are irritability, aggression, mood changes, and paranoia. Crack addiction can cause financial difficulties, job loss, personal relationship issues, family problems, and even incarceration.
12-step treatment for crack cocaine addiction
The 12-step recovery method-used in Alcoholics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous involves fellowship and mutual support through regular group meetings as a path toward recovery from addiction. Although 12-step programs are not affiliated with any religious group, there is a spiritual component in a “higher power” of some kind that helps members achieve and maintain abstinence. (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2000).
Crack is a powerful drug, and crack addiction is treatable. Any addiction must be treated as a three-part disease of the mind, body, and spirit for the best success in recovery. At Cypress Lake Recovery Addiction Recovery Center, we use a 12-step recovery model at our men’s residential campus. Our 10-acre spiritual sanctuary provides a serene, soothing atmosphere for clients to successfully recover from addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, get help now. We all deserve to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life without the control of drugs or alcohol.
Cypress Lake Recovery specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204
