Crack Cocaine Addiction

The powdered form of cocaine has always been associated with the wealth and glamor of the middle and upper class. However crack cocaine is a much more addictive and grungy drug associated with anorexic-looking inner city abusers of poverty and crime. Cocaine in the form of crack is called “crack” because of the cracking or popping noise it makes when heated up and smoked. It is very common in inner city poverty areas due to its convenience, availability and low cost. When crack is consumed, it takes effect on the entire nervous system (both central and automatic) almost immediately by mimicking the neurotransmitters that control these systems, causing high levels of stimulation.

Smoking crack sends extremely large amounts of cocaine to the lungs, allowing an overflow of dopamine, a pleasure chemical in the brain, to flood the body. This results in an intense and very brief sensation of euphoria and empowerment before a steep downhill plummet into deep depression. Normally the crack abuser will frantically look for another “bump” to escape the looming depression that is caused by crack. The cycle will continue and the user will become addicted in a short amount of time.

The side-effects of crack cocaine use can cause an increase of blood pressure, heart and breathing rates, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, hyper activity, convulsions, lack of appetite, decrease in the need for sleep, damage in the nasal septum and lungs, and can even cause heart attacks and strokes. The use of crack cocaine causes drug addiction extremely rapidly. This is because the body absorbs it quickly. Immediately after the intense high subsides, the user will experience strong feelings of depression. They will instantly want to use the drug again. Frequent users of this drug can be irritable, have a decreased attention span. They can also suffer paranoid psychoses, hallucinations and violent behavior.

Crack cocaine drug addiction is extremely prevalent in users. Even with short-term use withdrawal symptoms will shortly follow the drug abuse. Of course, these symptoms will be much more pronounced in long time cocaine drug addicts. The withdrawal symptoms that will occur will include very intense drug cravings, irritability, hunger, anxiety and paranoia. Because of the physical and psychological intensity of cocaine withdrawal, it is near impossible to stop using crack cocaine without medical attention of some sort.

There are treatment programs available to help with the process of realigning one’s life. If you or a loved one is addicted to crack cocaine, there are treatment options available. Florida treatment facilities can help you learn about drug addiction and the havoc it causes to your life. There are dedicated professionals here to help you steer your life back on track.

Crack Cocaine Addiction