Understanding and Getting Off Crack
Crack cocaine is a powerful potent form of cocaine that comes with a lot of risks. It is a cheaper and more accessible form of cocaine, making it the drug of choice for many experiencing a substance abuse disorder. But understanding what the drug is and how it affects the body will help you or your loved one understand which rehab for crack addiction will work for their unique experience.
Tree House Recovery understands that substance abuse affects everyone differently. That’s why we offer treatment programs and additional support to work with your needs and goals to rebuild a fulfilling life. Contact our admissions team to discover how we can help you today.
What Is Crack?
Crack is produced by mixing cocaine powder with water and baking soda. When this mixture is heated, it forms a solid rock-like substance that quickly creates a euphoric feeling in users who free-base (smoke) the drug. Because crack is a street drug, it has never been used for any medicinal purposes.
Crack-related overdoses have been significantly higher than cocaine overdoses due to the potency and availability of the drug. The number of cocaine overdoses rose from 6,000 to 14,000 between 2015 and 2017. The number has continued to rise as more reports of fentanyl found in cocaine also increase.
The risk of overdose has sparked concern for many experiencing substance abuse, and seeking help to overcome addiction has never been more vital.
Crack Overdose Graph:
Understanding Crack Addiction
Crack addiction will look different for each person, but there are some signs that signify that someone may be experiencing a substance use disorder.
Crack creates an immediate euphoric high and feelings of enormous energy. When the drug wears off, the user’s energy crashes. As a result, signs of crack abuse may include:
- Weak pulse or blood pressure
- A marked decrease in respiration rate
- Vomiting in excess, or dry heaving
- Hyperactivity
- Confusion
- Paranoia or abstract thought processes
- Trembling and fidgeting
- Irritability or violent behavior
- Excessive itching
- Coma or coming in and out of consciousness periodically
Some of the behavioral signs of crack addiction include paranoia, anxiety, rapid speech, hyperactivity, and low appetite.
Side Effects of Crack
Like most substance abuse disorders, there are side effects to addiction. The euphoric high of crack cocaine lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. Because of the amount of dopamine created by the substance’s effects on the reward center of the brain, the absence of this euphoric feeling can put stress on the body and organs.
Some of the side effects of crack addiction include:
- Euphoria
- Hyper alertness
- Lack of appetite
- Paranoia
- Hallucination
- Irritability
- Depression
- Seizures
- Lung failure
- Organ failure
- Heart failure
It is important to seek help if you notice these symptoms and when you or your loved one is ready to take the first steps of their recovery journey.
Crack Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
Because of the way the substance affects the brain, crack is highly addictive, and dependency can form quickly. When that euphoric feeling fades, the user experiences a state of physical and mental exhaustion. This type of exhaustion can create a cycle of abuse that feels impossible to escape.
When someone experiencing this type of substance abuse no longer has access to crack, they can experience crack withdrawal. Symptoms of crack withdrawal include:
- Insomnia
- Exhaustion
- Restlessness
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Paranoia
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Agitation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Heart attack
The Types of Crack Cocaine Rehab in North Carolina
Rehab for crack addiction has three steps that ensure you will have the space, skills, and tools needed to reach and maintain sobriety. These three stages include:
- Medical detox
- Rehab
- Aftercare
Each stage of the recovery process plays a vital role in your journey.
Crack Detox
The first step in treatment for crack addiction is a medical detox. Detox will help you safely flush the drug from your system while managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings in a supervised environment.
Trying to detox from crack at home can be incredibly painful, which can lead to a relapse to ease the pain. This is why we encourage you to find a detox center that works with you and your unique set of needs as you begin your recovery.
While Tree House Recovery does not offer detox in North Carolina yet, we are partnered with detox centers in the area and can help you find the best one for your needs.
Crack Rehab
The second phase includes crack rehab to treat the physical, social, and mental causes and effects of your addiction. Three types of rehab can help you develop the skills you need to rebuild the foundation of your sober life.
Crack PHP
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) for crack addiction treatment is an excellent option for those who can dedicate a certain amount of time to their recovery. Clients in this type of rehab will attend therapies throughout the day and return home in the evenings and weekends.
PHPs are designed to help clients focus on their recovery and rebuild the foundation of their lives. These programs are typically 3-5 months long and can offer a range of therapies designed to help rebuild skills needed to maintain sobriety in the real world.
Crack IOP
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are great for people who are further along in their recovery. With an IOP, clients can continue to work and maintain their personal lives while attending evening therapy sessions throughout the week.
IOPs are typically 90 days long and include a wide range of therapies that help you sharpen the tools you use in your daily life.
Standard outpatient programs (OPs) are also available to those who are unable to commit to an IOP. However, it is important to talk with a professional about which program will be best for you and your situation.
Aftercare
The third and final phase is an aftercare program tailored to support your health and sober lifestyle changes. This program is designed to help you maintain everything you’ve worked so hard for.
Aftercare programs will look different for each person. Some plans may include therapy, weekly check-ins, or even an open invitation to return to the facility and engage with the support community through activity-based therapy programs.
Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment in North Carolina
It can be challenging to find a crack rehab center near you. How do you know what a good drug rehab looks like without seeing it in person?
There are a few factors that can help you find the best crack cocaine rehab centers for your needs:
- How does the facility define success? Success rates are important, but understanding how a center defines success is essential. While Tree House conducts regular surveys to track the well-being of past, current, and future clients, other facilities may define success simply as program graduation without following up to see if their graduates maintain sobriety.
- Are there testimonials with substance? While success is significant, it’s essential to know whether the rehab center has experience treating people with your specific substance use disorder. Look for testimonials that provide real details about the crack treatment process—these can offer valuable insight into your experience.
- Is the team experienced? A strong team of addiction therapists and counselors is crucial. Choosing a rehab facility staffed by professionals who specialize in addiction recovery and embody healthy living and sobriety can make a significant difference in your own journey.
- How important is human connection to the center? Recovery involves rebuilding your life and creating a supportive, sober community. At Tree House, we recognize the vital role of social connection in treatment, so we encourage individuals to seek out rehab centers that prioritize human connection as part of their recovery process.
With these resources, you’ll be able to find a rehab center near you for crack treatment that will help you develop the life skills necessary for long-term recovery.
Tree House Recovery’s Alcohol & Drug Rehab in Wilmington, NC
Crack addiction can be a challenging substance abuse disorder to overcome, but it’s not impossible. Tree House Recovery is ready to help you take the first steps in your journey and help you build the mental, social, and physical strength needed to lead a life that makes you feel fulfilled.
Contact our admissions team today at (910) 812-1728 or online to learn more about our North Carolina drug rehab.
Author
Derek Swain: Addiction Writer
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