Crack Cocaine: The Addiction That Doesn’t Discriminate
If there’s one word that describes the impact of crack cocaine on someone’s life, that word would be devastating. You’re emotionally and physically drained from the extreme highs and lows. You watch your bank account as you seek to finance your increasing habit. You’re addicted to a drug that gives you an instant high. That’s not something you can just stop anytime you like. You know. You might have even tried.
Crack cocaine knows no boundaries when it comes to who might be addicted. It does not discriminate based on socio-economic status, color, or creed. Many famous people, including Robert Downey, Jr. and Lawrence Taylor have successfully fought against the demons this drug has brought to their lives. Others like Whitney Houston and John Belushi succumbed to its power.
It’s sobering to think of what could happen if you continued down the path of crack addiction. Thankfully, there’s help available and people like those at Rehab-Finder.Org who can connect you with the help you need right now.
It just takes one phone call to start. Call us right now at 877-251-4813.
Crack Cocaine’s Instant Addiction
You’ve probably heard people joke about something being “like crack.” It could be a game you can’t put down or an incredible treat you can’t stop eating. Unfortunately, there’s nothing funny about crack-cocaine addiction.
Addicts don’t always see that their behaviors and actions are breaking the hearts of those who love them.
Crack cocaine is so highly addictive that it only takes one hit to be caught up in its web of deceit. It first reared its ugly head in the 1980s, along with the more expensive powder form of cocaine. Think of Studio 54 and the party scene of that era. Back then, many people gave it a try thinking it was a social or recreational thing to do, yet they became addicted. Many crack addicts originally began with snorting coke, only to discover this less-expensive version that delivers an immediate high. This vicious cycle has continued into the current era.
What’s more frightening to consider is that this quick rush can cause instant death as well. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the scariest side effects that can occur. Even first-time users are at risk of a dangerous reaction. All it takes is one hit to possibly lose your life. Is it worth it?
If you’re addicted to crack cocaine, don’t punish yourself − especially if you’re seeking to kick the habit, because that takes courage. Your life is more valuable than 10 minutes of euphoria.
The Devastating Impact of Crack Cocaine on the Body, Mind, and Spirit
You wouldn’t put a gun up to your head and take a chance on shooting yourself. You wouldn’t dream of jumping out of a plane with a parachute that may or may not work. However, every time you light up a crack pipe, you risk instant death due to cardiac arrest. Imagine the devastating toll on your family and friends as they prepare to bury you. Think of how heartbreaking it would be for them to spend the rest of their lives without you, knowing that you could still be here, if you just stopped.
Addiction has a way of messing with your life beyond even your wildest imagination. It reverberates through every aspect of your existence: your family and friends, your career, your love life, your favorite activities, and your financial outlook. Crack-cocaine abusers rarely see this damage because they’re too busy looking to score their next high.
Here’s what crack cocaine can do to you if you continue down this path:
- Short-Term Impact: Initially, you might feel an intense euphoric state as the drug impacts your brain, which is why you’ll instantly crave more of the drug. This quickly gives way to paranoia, hallucinations, erratic and violent behavior, anxiety, and depression.
- Long-Term Impact: Severe mental issues begin to take over your life, such as delirium, psychosis, deep depression, pendulum-like mood swings, and disorientation. Your inhibitions will be lowered, putting you at risk to behave or act in ways that are detrimental to your health.
- Overdose Symptoms: Since the high experienced from crack cocaine is brief, abusers tend to binge smoke it, which amplifies their overdose risk. The most serious impact is cardiac arrest or stroke. Other signs of an overdose include: agitation, itching, cold sweats, irregular heartbeat, or psychosis. If you or someone else are experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
It’s important to remember that addiction is a disease. You are not a loser because of this. Remember, many people have fought their addictions and won. You can be one of those people, too. There are so many understanding individuals who are rooting for you to recover because they’ve been where you are − and they know the way out.
Seeking treatment for crack-cocaine addiction is a path to healing your body, mind, and spirit.
How to Tell If You’re Addicted to Crack Cocaine
What does a crack-cocaine addiction look like? There are some telltale signs that signal someone has a problem:
- Almost all of his or her money is being spent on crack cocaine.
- He or she has made crack the most important thing in his or her life.
- He or she no longer worries about engaging in risky situations.
- He or she has stolen from others to support a crack habit.
- He or she has gone into a complete panic at not being able to access crack cocaine.
Putting an End to Your Crack-Cocaine Addiction
Absolutely it’s going to be tough to stop using crack cocaine. This might make it even harder to admit you have a problem. However, once you recognize that there is no way you can continue on this path without falling into an abyss of misery and likely death, you can take that first step. We want to help you explore those options that are available to you and help you reset your destiny starting now.
Addicts don’t always see that their behaviors and actions are breaking the hearts of those who love them. It’s devastating to watch someone you care for − whether it’s a spouse, a parent, a child, a sibling, a friend, or even a colleague − spiral downward due to crack-cocaine abuse. You can help them. We are here to provide you with the support you need to intervene and get them into a treatment facility.
Here are some of the cues that you might be dealing with an individual in the throes of a crack-cocaine addiction:
- Suffers from the “jitters” − shaky or trembling body movements
- Manic bursts of energy that are short-lived (10 to 30 minutes)
- Burn marks around the mouth area from crack-cocaine pipe
- Irritability and depression, especially after crashing from a high
- Unpredictable behavior
- Disruptive sleep patterns
The important thing to remember is that when you are helping a loved one overcome addiction, what he or she needs most from you is love, support, and encouragement. Get guidance on how to intervene so that your efforts are successful. Your goal is to help this person see that they need treatment for them.
What to Expect With Treatment for Crack-Cocaine Addiction
Here’s the good news in all of this: You can become well again. The key to remember is that being treated for addiction is similar to treatment for any other disease. You should not feel ashamed that you need help. Would you deny yourself or a family member treatment for cancer or diabetes because you were embarrassed by it? Of course not! The same goes for treatment for drug addiction. Your focus is not on reliving that past; it’s about becoming healthy and enjoying a fulfilling life once more.
Since each individual’s needs are different, it’s important to explore the various treatment options available. Some people prefer a traditional 12-step plan and choose a facility that provides that experience. Others might respond better to holistic or faith-based approaches. There are co-ed or single gender facilities options, too. When you speak with our experts, they’ll help you understand what your options are and identify the best treatment path for your personality.
While the program contents’ themselves may vary, here is a general snapshot of what you might expect when you begin your treatment for crack-cocaine addiction:
- Your Arrival: As soon as you arrive at your treatment center, you’ll be greeted by your medical team, who is ready to help you return to healthy living. They will evaluate you, get your vitals, and discuss your overall treatment plan with you. Learn more about rehab centers.
- The Detox Experience: Your body will need to undergo detoxification to rid it of any residual crack cocaine and help reset your system for clean living. This experience can take anywhere from a day to a week or more. You’ll be monitored and guided through this process by your medical team.
- Rehabilitation for Success: After your system is cleared of crack cocaine, your rehabilitation process begins. Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll likely engage in group sessions, attend meetings, and learn about other activities and coping mechanisms that you’ll incorporate into your lifestyle so that you can stay clean.
- Aftercare: The next step will be to re-enter the world you once knew, but with a fresh outlook and inspiration to live a healthy, full, and sober life. To help you navigate past situations that could trigger a relapse, you’ll find that you have ample support and resources available to keep you on the path to clean living. This might include attending 12-step programs or other meetings. Learn more about aftercare.
There’s no magic bullet that will take away your addiction. It will take work and effort. Staying drug-free will be a conscious decision you make each day from hereafter. However, by opting for treatment, you’re giving yourself a new lease on life. You can do this.
Treatment Costs and Payment Options
You’re probably wondering how much treatment might cost. Don’t let that be a deterrent from seeking help. No matter what, it’s going to be far less costly in the long run than continuing to use crack cocaine.
At Rehab-Finder.Org, our experts can help you find the right treatment plan not only for you as an individual, but also for your budget. We’ll do the legwork with your insurance company and facilitate with the treatment center. If the best place for you is outside of your city or state, we’ll even help arrange your travel. Bottom line is, we want you to get better.
As for our services, they are free of charge to you. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
Call us today so that we can put you on the path to wellness. You can beat crack cocaine.
