Crack Rehab Programs
Learning about the specific risks associated with your own or your loved one’s crack cocaine use gives you a better understanding of the severity of the issue and a knowledge of what to look for in a crack rehab program. Knowing the physical and psychological effects of crack cocaine you make an informed choice on choosing will help a drug rehab which is suitable for your needs. Crack is a compressed, rock-like form of cocaine which is smoked. Addiction to crack has risks associated with it which are not usually a concern with cocaine, and crack users also sometimes take heroin to curb cravings. This presents new concerns when choosing a suitable drug rehab facility.
Crack is prepared to be smoked. The small rocks of cocaine are placed into a pipe and inhaled directly into the lungs. The mechanism of smoking is the same as breathing, so crack reaches the bloodstream very quickly. The effects peak at around two minutes after taking the drug, and then taper off after ten minutes. It is possible to inject crack, but this is much less common than smoking and produces a similarly fast-acting and intense high.
The effects of crack are similar to those of cocaine, except that they take hold more quickly and are stronger. The user will experience increased alertness, an overwhelming euphoria and a huge boost in confidence. These effects are caused by the increased levels of dopamine in the brain. Crack stops neurons from picking up the dopamine which has been released, and it stacks up to produce euphoria. Their body temperature raises, the heart rate increases and feelings of hunger are subsided. The fact that the effects of crack disappear quickly means that repeated doses in one evening are very common.
Frequent use of crack causes the brain to change how it functions. It becomes hard-wired to depend on the drug, altering its structure to accommodate the elevated dopamine levels. This causes tolerance to crack, which means the user needs more and more to produce the same effects, which further compounds the problem. If the drug is withdrawn, the brain clamours for it, making it more difficult for the user to get clean.
The risks of crack are most pronounced for people with heart problems. The drug increases heart rate, which can cause heart attacks and exacerbates blood pressure problems. Crack can also cause convulsions, even in young and healthy users. The fact crack is smoked means frequent use can also cause chest pain and breathing problems. Psychologically, anxiety, depression and serious paranoia are commonly reported. Some crack users take heroin to control cravings, which opens up a whole range of additional risks.
Although there is no drug treatment to help users get clean from crack, drug rehab centres still have many suitable options. Generally, psychological withdrawal symptoms are the main focus of treatment for crack addiction. Counsellors will help users identify the reasons that they were driven to take drugs, and teach them healthier coping strategies. Residential drug rehab centres offer round-the-clock support, but for some users counselling alone in a non-residential setting will suffice. If heroin use is also a problem, you will need more from your chosen drug rehab program.
We provide free advice on the different drug rehab centres available and the different treatments offered by each. Drug rehab programs employ various treatment models, and we can help you out if you’re having trouble deciding between them. We can help you determine which model is most suitable for you or your loved one and point you in the direction of a suitable centre. Drug addiction is difficult for anybody close to the individual, and we are here to help you. Pick up the phone and see what free help we can give you.