Drugs and Alcohol Addiction is a universal problem. There are several ways to overcome it.
Crack Addiction, Treatment and Recovery
Cocaine that has not been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt is known as Crack. This form of cocaine has a rock crystal appearance and can be heated to smoke its vapors.
Crack became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The immediate high it can give and low production costs are the reasons for its grand success. The term "crack" refers to the crackling sound made when it is heated.
Crack addiction is a major public health problem in the U.S.
Around 8 million Americans ages 12 and older reported using crack
at least once in their life. Among students surveyed in 2004, 3.9%
of twelfth graders reported using crack at least once in their life.
Crack is highly addictive and is often available in vials or plastic bags. Smoking is the preferred method for the administration of crack. However, there are reports of users injecting it. The vapors of the crack are absorbed through the lungs, into the blood, and to the brain within seconds. The effect of one inhalation will last 10-15 minutes.
Effects of Crack Cocaine
Constricted blood vessels, increased body temperature and hyper blood pressure are the main physical effects of crack use. Smoking crack may cause respiratory problems and severe chest pains with lung trauma and bleeding. The human liver has a tendency to combine cocaine and alcohol, if they were used mixed, and to produce cocaethylene, a substance which can increase the risk of sudden death.
Crack works on the automatic nervous system. This system manages the sympathetic system which controls some important functions such as heart beat and breathing. Crack can make the brain's neuro transmitters to release dopamine, a chemical in the brain which releases feelings of happiness.
The long term effects of crack include agitation, mood change, bad temper, auditory hallucinations, and extreme paranoia.
Symptoms of Crack Addiction
Changes in blood pressure and breathing rates, vomiting, anxiety, and insomnia are the most common symptoms of crack abuse. Swelling and bleeding of mucous membranes and damage to nasal cavities are also seen among crack smokers.
Treatment
Medications are available to reduce the effects of crack. Normally,
these are used as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Several
medications are currently being investigated for their safety and
efficacy in treating cocaine
addiction. Behavioral interventions-particularly
cognitive behavioral therapy-can be effective in decreasing crack
use by patients. It is important to provide the optimal combination
of treatment and services for each individual.
Call us any time toll free at 1-800-559-9503 for addiction intervention and
one of our trained counselors will ensure attention to you or your loved one.
