Crack
What Is Crack?
Crack cocaine is a specific type of cocaine that is usually found in a rock form, and considered to be more addictive and harmful to the health of the user than regular cocaine. Crack affects brain chemistry causing large amounts of dopamine to be released. This increase in dopamine leads to feelings of euphoria, increased energy and alertness, and a loss of appetite. Crack is very addictive because the initial high only lasts for about five or 10 minutes. Afterward, the user crashes and experiences side effects like depression and fatigue. This cycle of a short-lived high followed by an intense crash leaves any addict wanting more, and it’s a dangerous cycle.
Crack Use Statistics
Crack is known for being the cheaper alternative to cocaine, which is supported by statistics that show 10 percent of publicly funded rehab program admissions are for crack.
In 2009, there were an estimated 1.6 million users of all types of cocaine ages 12 and older in the United States — a percentage of 0.7. This number has seen no change since 2007, suggesting that nothing has been done to effectively reduce the number of people using in the last two years. Increased accessibility of rehabilitation facilities for crack cocaine users may help reduce the number of addicts, and lead tomore favorable statistics.
Dangers of Crack Addiction
Crack cocaine can have many dangerous side effects on the body, both short-term and long-term. Short-term effects of use can include:
- constriction of the blood vessels
- increased blood pressure
- tremors
- cardiac episodes, seizures and respiratory arrest which can lead to cocaine-related deaths
- sensitization, a tolerance that precipitates more drug use, is common in crack addicts
The Cycle of Crack Addiction for New Jersey Addicts
With increased crack tolerance, users often begin ingesting more often and more frequently to get the same effects. This increased dosage can also lead to a phenomena called sensitization, whereby users become more sensitive to crack’s convulsive effects without actually increasing the dosage by taking the crack in a different location than they usually do. The body preconditions itself to taking crack in the same environment and when the environment changes, the high is more intense because the body does not precondition itself. Oftentimes, people with a high tolerance can overdose at a low dosage when taking crack in an unfamiliar location because of sensitization. All of these risks show why it’s necessary for addicts to seek help.
What to Look for If You Suspect a Crack Addiction
Knowing what to look for when you suspect crack addiction in a loved one is vital. Signs of use can include headaches, gastrointestinal complications, nausea, nosebleeds, gangrene, anxiety, weight loss and psychosis. If you are concerned about a loved one using crack, be on the lookout for some of the symptoms and for sudden mood shifts caused by the extreme high/extreme crash cycle.
Crack Rehabilitation for New Jersey Addicts
There are a variety of treatment options available across the country for those addicted to crack. If you or a New Jersey loved one need help finding a facility to get treatment, call us toll free at 1-888-374-5724 to discuss your treatment options.
