Signs and Treatment of Crack Cocaine Abuse

 

Crack cocaine is an incredibly dangerous drug, and is even more addictive than powdered cocaine, it's also more difficult to treat. The drug seriously damages vital organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs. People who abuse crack cocaine will experience serious, and sometimes irreversible deterioration in their quality of life.

The drug is often inhaled through a glass or metal pipe, people who abuse crack cocaine often have these sitting around their homes. An abuser may also suffer from burned hands and lips from holding the heated pipe and placing it to their mouth. The effects of the drug don't last long, and a user may need another fix in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.

Signs of crack cocaine abuse vary from person to person. Physical signs may be dilated pupils, and sweating, as well as a decreased appetite. Abusers may also have a lot of energy, they may be moving around and talking a lot more than normal.

The drug also causes several mental problems. An abuser may be depressed, anxious, and paranoid. They will also have volatile mood swings, being normal one moment and then acting completely unlike themselves the next. The drug can also cause powerful hallucinations that can be very scary both to the abuser and those around them.

There are several ways to treat crack cocaine addiction, however, like with many other addictions they won't be helpful unless an abuser admits they have a problem and want to seek help. They may choose to enter rehabilitation or seek medical help. It's very hard to quit the drug and several types of treatments may be necessary, for an abuser to finally get clean.

Crack cocaine is one of the most serious addictions out there. The drug can cause severe mental and physical damage, if not taken care of. Many treatments are available once a user admits they have an addiction and want to get help.

Basic Differences Between Cocaine and Crack-Cocaine

Anybody who watches the news these days knows that cocaine and crack-cocaine are both street drugs that have created addictions in virtually every demographic. These drugs destroy lives and families, leaving many people wondering what these drugs are and the differences between them. Here is a brief explanation of each of these powerful drugs.

Each drug originates from the cocoa plant. Generally grown in South America, the raw forms of cocaine are then smuggled into the United States. Some dealers sell the cocaine in this form; others turn it into crack, increasing their profit margins.

Cocaine is often "snorted" by the addict where it is absorbed through the nasal passages. Other users will inject the drug using needles. Another method of consumption is to smoke the drug, either alone or by adding it to a "joint," or marijuana cigarette.

Crack, on the other hand has additional substances cut into the product. Instead of being a powder, like pure cocaine, crack is a solid that is generally off-white in color. It may have yellow or brown tints to it depending on what is used to "cut" the cocaine. Baking soda and baby laxatives are popular choices to use. Crack is then smoked, usually in a crack pipe. Like cocaine, it can also be added to a joint.

Both substances increase heart rates and cause a quick "high," followed by a crash. This crash is the reason that many people crave more of the product.

Neither drug is safe and both can cause permanent damage to the heart, central nervous system and the bodily systems it is ingested through. Once a person becomes addicted to cocaine in either form, quitting can be very difficult and even dangerous. If you or someone you know is dependent on cocaine or crack, it is best to seek help from a medical professional.