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Crack is made by chemically altering cocaine into a “base,” or smokeable form. This process is simple and is often done by users and street dealers. Crack is a purer form of cocaine, however, dealers often “cut” crack with substances similar in appearance to increase their profits. This poses a danger to users, as it is nearly impossible to know what substances have been added. Because smoking crack cocaine allows the drug to be absorbed faster, it creates a fast and intense high. This high lasts less than ten minutes, and leaves users with an intense comedown. This short duration results in extreme cravings. Users will often smoke more and more to avoid the effects wearing off. In effect, users develop tolerances and dependencies quicker than with most substances.
Crack creates a fast-acting euphoria that increases alertness and reduces inhibitions. When crack is smoked, a chemical called dopamine is released in the brain. Dopamine is responsible for reward and pleasure, and its release creates crack’s characteristic rush. Dopamine is naturally released when we perform pleasurable activities, such as spending time with friends or eating. Releasing Dopamine is one of the ways our brains tell us that behavior is good and should be repeated. In effect, when the chemical is artificially released during crack use, it reinforces the behavior, tricking users into thinking that crack use is a positive behavior. Over time, those addicted to crack no longer get the same pleasure from natural dopamine levels. Things that once made them feel joy no longer have the same impact because they do not release as much dopamine as the drug. You may notice that things that once made you feel good no longer have the same effect because your brain needs the rush of drugs.
Crack use is accompanied by specific signs. If you suspect that someone close to you is abusing or addicted to crack, there are certain areas to focus on. First, look for behavioral changes. People under the influence of crack may act manic and unpredictable. They often talk too quickly, seem inappropriately upbeat, and are easily distracted. Physical signs, such as dilated pupils, twitching, and shortness of breath are also characteristic of crack addiction. Signs of abuse or addiction may include:
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it may be time to seek help. Crack addiction can result in catastrophic effects – lost careers, finances , relationships, and more as users abandon their former lives in search of more drugs. Professional treatment is the safest and most effective way to constructively detox and recover from addiction to crack cocaine.
Crack pipes are easy to spot. These glass tubes are often stuffed with steel wool and will often be cracked and covered in burn marks.
Crack addiction is often accompanied by the inability to manage daily tasks. Neglecting chores declining hygiene are often red flags.
Crack addiction is often accompanied by intense highs and lows. Periods of euphoria followed by depression are warning signs.
When under the influence, crack users rarely sleep. These periods are often followed by a crash that consists of days of sleep.
With the right treatment, crack addiction is very treatable. At Tree House Recovery, we provide holistic, individualized care that including addiction education, individual therapy, writing therapy, and fitness therapy. We treat the whole person in order to give our clients the strength to find a lasting recovery. Tree House Recovery has great success because we don’t simply treat the addiction. We teach the tools necessary for our clients to manage their addiction by themselves. We replace self-destruction with healthy habits and life skills.
Tree House Recovery is a men’s addiction treatment center located in Costa Mesa, California. We provide sustainable recovery treatment to any man who needs it. To learn more, contact us as soon as you are ready. Don’t wait to reach out — call the Tree House admissions team today at (855) 202-2138.
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