Physical side effects of crack addiction

Smoking crack gives you an immediate and intense high that can lead you to become addicted the first time you use it. As the drug wears off, dopamine levels drop quickly, which may make you feel depressed and can cause intense cravings. Mental effects of crack can include:. Crack cocaine withdrawal symptoms may be:. It can damage relationships and change the way they live their life.

Secretive behavior may be a sign of addiction. If a loved one suddenly acts differently, spending time alone or with a different group of friends, it could be a red flag. If someone is addicted to crack cocaine, they might have financial problems from buying crack or losing their job because of crack abuse.

These issues can lead to borrowing, stealing, or lying to get more money. Crack cocaine addiction treatment may begin with detox, which is the process of removing drugs from your system. The mental withdrawal and cravings that accompany crack detox make it hard to do alone. Some addiction treatment facilities provide support during this difficult time. After detox, you may enter an inpatient or outpatient treatment program, depending on the severity of addiction and your unique needs.

Treatment is based in behavioral therapy that deals with the root of substance abuse. A crack cocaine rehab program may help you live a healthier life through support groups, exercise, and life skills training. At Ark Behavioral Health , we work with you to ensure you receive the best care for your situation.

Learn more about our cocaine addiction treatment programs by speaking with a specialist today. Achieve long-term recovery. Bedrock Recovery Center. Canton, MA. Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. Quincy, MA. Recovering Champions. Falmouth, MA. Spring Hill Recovery Center. Ashby, MA. Don't Wait. As an intense stimulant, it increases certain functions within the body. When smoked, crack passes through the lungs, into the bloodstream and right to the brain.

Many of these reactions lead to seizures, coma, and death. The dangerous immediate effects of smoking crack are:. As if these short term effects are not dangerous enough, many of these lead to long term problems. When people think of drug use they do not always consider the lasting damage that a drug like crack cocaine can do. Some of the long term effects of crack are:. According to the US National Library of Medicine research into the long term effects of crack and cocaine is still ongoing.

There is a lot that researchers still do not know about the long term consequences of this addiction. Addiction to crack cocaine comes with its own dangers. Users describe their first experience with crack as the most profound euphoria that they have ever felt. Unfortunately, they spend the rest of their time chasing that euphoria. This is because crack starts doing damage the first time that it is used. This is partly the reason why it is so addictive. When they start chasing that high, they forget almost everything else.

They become emaciated, their teeth rot, their physical appearance becomes sallow and pocked with sores, and they will do anything to get the drug. The social effects of addiction are just as dangerous as the physical ones. Family and friends who do not use start to avoid the addict. Crack Cocaine is very short acting, meaning many addicts take breaks to smoke every minutes. Considering how destructive the consequences of the drug are, the availability and widespread use of Crack can be surprising.

According to a survey conducted in , children as young as 13 have been exposed to the drug. Considering that one hit can spark a lifelong addiction, these numbers help illuminate the severity of the issue. How Long Does Detox Take?

How Much Does Treatment Cost? Which Rehabs Take My Insurance? One of the greatest dangers of Crack is its addictive potential. Nashville, TN.

View Center. Austin, TX. Some immediate side effects of Crack abuse include:. The long-term effects of abusing Crack can be detrimental. Additionally, Crack Cocaine users are more susceptible to infections because the drug compromises the immune system. The dangers of long-term Crack abuse include:. Depression Permanent damage to blood vessels High blood pressure Liver damage Lung damage Abscesses Malnutrition Severe tooth decay Reproductive damage and infertility Exhaustion Irritability Increased frequency of risky behavior Psychosis Paranoid behavior Kidney failure Stroke Heart attack Death Looking for a place to start?

Reach out to a treatment provider for free today. Make a Call Because of its potency and addictive quality, any amount of Crack use should be cause for concern. Those addicted to Crack put getting their fix above all else, including breaking the law. Knowing what to look for could save your life or the life of someone you care about. A few of the symptoms of addiction, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-V include ignoring responsibilities to use, tolerance, withdrawal, and using more than initially intended.

Anyone exhibiting these symptoms may meet the clinical definition of Crack Cocaine addiction. Learn more about diagnosing an addiction. Once it has come to light that someone is addicted to Crack, the next step is to get them help. This is where an intervention can come in handy.

Interventions are a good way to coax an addict into recovery. When someone addicted to Crack is surrounded by people who care, he or she is more likely to accept treatment. Because people addicted to Crack often exhibit violent or paranoid behavior, it may be beneficial to hire an intervention specialist.

Learn more about staging an intervention.