Crack Addiction Facts You Need to be Aware Of

Before we go on to discuss crack addiction facts, it would be prudent to start off this article with a little bit about what crack is. One of the most powerful and destructive drugs available on the market today is cocaine, and in particular, crack cocaine. Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine that resembles crystals or rocks. It is heated and then smoked, and it gets its name from the fact that it makes a cracking sound when it is heated. Crack cocaine is a cheap form of the drug, and it is this that makes it so popular with addicts.

However, it is extremely addictive and can result in a host of problems, both mentally and physically, for those with the addiction. It is hard to understand why anyone would continue to abuse crack cocaine when it can cause so many problems. Those with no experience of addiction find it almost impossible to get their heads around the fact that addicts continue to smoke crack, despite it being so dangerous. Nevertheless, because the drug is so addictive, most have no control over their use. In fact, some people become addicted to crack after their very first use. This is just one of the many crack addiction facts that most people are unaware of.

Key Crack Addiction Facts

• Crack cocaine is highly addictive and those who smoke it will feel its effects immediately.
• It is a stimulant drug that causes various bodily functions to speed up or increase, including breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, and body temperature.
• Cocaine makes people feel euphoric and confident, but it can also produce feelings of paranoia, over-confidence, and aggression.
• Crack cocaine, when smoked, is absorbed into the bloodstream instantaneously, creating an intense high that will peak after around ten minutes before wearing off and leaving the user feeling immense sadness or depression.
• The short-lived effects followed by the crashing comedown causes users to take more of the drug, which can lead to overdose. It also contributes to increased tolerance and addiction.

Street Names for Crack Cocaine

Most people refer to the crystallised version of cocaine as crack, but on the street, it is known by many other names, including:

• Apple Jacks
• Jelly beans
• Snow coke
• Nuggets
• Kryptonite
• Candy
• Cookies
• Crumbs
• Sleet
• Sugar block
• Ice cube
• Hard rock
• Grit
• Gravel

The Risks of Crack Cocaine Use

Possibly the biggest risk of crack cocaine use is the fact that it typically leads to addiction. Those who take the drug will want to avoid the devastating come-down so will take more of the drug as soon as the effects wear off. This means that the user’s body is constantly adapting to the presence of the drug; this can lead to an increased tolerance, which in turn leads to addiction.

This, coupled with intense cravings that those who are not taking the drug will usually experience, increases the likelihood that those who try crack, even once, could become addicted.

Another huge risk associated with crack cocaine is the fact that many users will overdose because of the strong urge to continue taking more and more of the drug. Large doses can contribute to immense pressure on the body, which can result in convulsions, stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.

Many crack cocaine users will also take other drugs or alcohol in a bid to calm down the jitteriness they feel from the cocaine. This increases the risk of overdose and death.

While snorting powder cocaine can have a detrimental effect on the cartilage in the nose, smoking the drug also causes long-term damage to the lungs. Many crack users will suffer from breathing problems, chest pain and coughing. Some will cough up blood if their lungs become severely damaged.

Crack cocaine can also be injected once it has been heated, but this is very dangerous. Those who inject the drug are risking damage to their veins. They may also suffer from gangrene or ulcers, and those who share needles run the risk of viruses such as hepatitis and HIV.

Crack Cocaine and the Law

• Crack cocaine is a Class A illegal drug in the UK – it is illegal to possess, sell or give away.
• Those found in possession of crack cocaine could face up to seven years behind bars, even if they only had enough for personal use.
• Those who are charged and convicted of supplying crack cocaine face life in prison as well as an unlimited fine; supplying includes giving the drug to someone you know, even if you give it away for free.

Treating Crack Addiction

Since crack cocaine users experience powerful cravings for the drug, it can be very difficult to overcome a crack cocaine addiction. It is necessary for the individual to quit all mood-altering substances before rehabilitation can begin.

Those who are detoxing from crack cocaine will experience deep depression and sadness as well as an intense craving for the drug that can be enough to send them straight back to crack again. Knowing that taking the drug again will make the symptoms subside is often all a recovering addict needs to start using again. Without the right help and support, most crack addicts will relapse.

It is, therefore, crucial for those detoxing from the drug to do so in a medically supervised facility. Recovery.org.uk is an organisation staffed by professional counsellors and therapists, many of whom have experience when it comes to helping those who have been struggling with a crack addiction. They understand the importance of a good rehab facility that can provide first-class care and support to those who want to kick this destructive drug.

It is our goal to ensure that those who are trying to overcome addiction can easily and effortlessly access treatment providers that have the experience and knowledge of their addiction to be able to make a difference.

We understand that relapse rates for crack addiction are high, which is why we work tirelessly to find the best organisations both within the private and public sector when it comes to treating crack addiction. For more information on our free, confidential service and how we can help you or a loved one to conquer addiction, contact us right now.