Crack is a crystallized version of cocaine and a potent drug made from the coca plant leaves. It is a very addictive drug and smoking gives the user an intense sensation of euphoria that lasts for about 5 to 15 minutes. Upon experiencing the first euphoric sensation, the user will become fixated on experiencing it again. This will eventually lead crack to dominating your life as you always seek out the next high.
When someone becomes addicted to crack, it can feel impossible to go on without it. With the proper support, anyone can recover from this addiction. The best way to prevent worse addictions is to spot the activity before it’s too late. Preferred Med Supply has drug testing kits that can help you spot crack usage in friends, family, workers, or anyone else you may suspect is using crack. If you’re uncertain if someone you know is using crack, these signs can help you know if someone should get tested or not.
How is Crack Cocaine Used?
Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine that comes in a white or off-white crystal. The consistency can either be a softer wax-like substance or hard and brittle. Crack is typically smoked using a pipe as this is the fastest way to feel its effects. The effects will typically last five to fifteen minutes in length.
What Makes Crack Addictive?
When someone uses crack cocaine, their brain begins to build up lots of dopamine and will only release dopamine once the drug is used again. Crack quickly reaches your brain, swarming it with dopamine. This chemical makes you feel happy and pleasurable, resulting in an intense feeling of euphoria. This strong euphoric feeling is what causes someone to become dependent on the drug. Crack can become the most important thing in your life, even if only used once.
Signs & Symptoms of Crack Addiction
Spotting signs and symptoms of any drug is difficult to notice, especially when it’s a friend or loved one. The image attached to substance addiction often causes people to hide their addiction from others. There are, however, signs that you can spot when someone is addicted to crack. If you notice any of the following signs, consider having them drug tested so you can have a definite answer.
Physical symptoms include:
- Red eyes
- Excessive sweating
- Burns on fingers or lips
- Quick or deep breathing
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea
- Breathing issues
- Coughing
- Muscle spasms
- Dilated pupils
Behavioral symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased self-esteem
- Aggression
- Restlessness
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Euphoria
Dangers of Crack Addiction and Abuse
Using crack cocaine is extremely hurtful to one’s physical and mental health. Repeated usage can result in damage to vital organs. The secondary consequences are just as devastating. Research shows that HIV and homicide are the leading causes of death among some crack users.
Crack can lead to serious injuries while using the substance. This can be from violence associated with the buying or selling of the drug. It may also increase the risk of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C.
Due to the fact that crack provides a short high, users will often use a large amount of the drug in a day and spend hundreds of dollars a day on the drug.
Crack Addiction Treatment
Overcoming crack addiction may be difficult, but it can be done. Users that have overcome crack addiction have done so with the help of rehab, family therapy, support groups, behavioral therapy, and dual diagnosis.
The best way to treat a crack addiction is to recognize the signs early. Doing so will prevent the addiction from becoming something even worse. If you know someone that is possible using crack cocaine, visit our shop page today and get an at-home drug testing kit. These kits will give you the answers you need to ensure that someone you love doesn’t go down the wrong path.