If you’re wondering, “what is crack?” it’s likely that you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse. Crack is incredibly addictive and can take hold of a person’s life after just one use. The good news: there is hope for recovery. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we provide a safe detox to get crack (and other drugs or alcohol) out of your system. If you’re looking for crack addiction treatment in Florida, you’re in the right place. You or your loved one must get help to detox. The process can be painful and dangerous to do on your own. At Serenity House, we’ll help you to begin the path to recovery safely.
Crack Vs. Cocaine
Wondering, “what is crack?” Let’s check out the crack definition. Crack is made from cocaine that has been mixed with water and another substance, such as baking soda. After mixing cocaine with water and another substance, the mixture is heated and then cooled. As it cools, the mixture forms “rocks”. These individual rocks are sold as crack. Crack is less expensive than pure cocaine and is highly concentrated. Dealers usually sell these rocks for $10-$25 each. Then, users smoke the rocks to get high. The effects of smoking crack are instantaneous- as soon as the user inhales the drug, the high begins. The high only lasts for 5-10 minutes. This often leads to many, many uses throughout the day.
Sometimes, drug dealers mix crack with other drugs, to save money or make their drug seem more potent. Additives can include lidocaine, Adderall, Ritalin, and more. Since there is no legal use for crack, a drug user can’t know precisely what substances are in the portion of drugs they purchase. This also means that it’s impossible to be sure of the concentration of cocaine within the drug. Using a crack rock with a high concentration of cocaine can lead to an overdose, which can lead to seizures, coma, and death. If you think that someone you love is experiencing an overdose, it’s important to get them medical treatment right away.
Symptoms Of Crack Use
During the high period of crack use, users experience:
- A sense of euphoria
- Heightened alertness, a rush of energy
- Increased heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Decreased appetite
After the high wears off, users begin to experience withdrawal. These symptoms trap the user in the cycle of addiction. A crack cocaine detox center can provide therapy and holistic treatment that help with the most severe effects. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Depression, agitation, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts
- Intense cravings for more crack, which can lead to criminal behavior, such as theft
Long Term Effects Of Crack Use
Crack is known for it’s the ability to ruin lives quickly. After long term use, many crack users develop symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia. These can include hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Crack users often neglect their physical, mental, and dental health as they search for their next high. Over time, the depression and anxiety associated with the withdrawal of the drug can become the norm. People who use crack regularly find that over time, they need the substance to feel normal. They begin to use the drug to get through the day, rather than just to get high. During addiction treatment, evidence-based addiction therapies help each individual learn to understand their addiction and find long-term strategies and coping skills for recovery.
Ready to Get Help? Call Serenity House
If you or someone you love is using crack, hope is not lost. Recovery is real, and it’s a possibility for anyone who wants to get clean. At Serenity House, we offer a medically supervised detox to help our clients safely get crack and other drugs out of their systems. We understand how easy it is to slip into an addiction, and we’re here to help, not judge. Call Serenity House at 866.294.5306 to talk with a counselor about how we can help get you started with your recovery.
