How Crack takes effect in the body and causes the user to feel can never be exactly determined, as it all depends on how ‘pure’ the substance is. The Cocaine used to form Crack may have been mixed with other drugs, which only makes Crack all the more dangerous and unpredictable. The chances of overdosing on Crack are very high, and an overdose can lead to fitting, respiratory failure, heart attack, stroke, coma, and in extreme cases, death.
Common signs of Crack abuse include:
- A euphoric feeling
- Increased alertness and hyperactivity
- Dilated pupils
- Lack of appetite
- Increased heartbeat
- Strong cravings to use more Crack
Crack Cocaine is highly addictive, and addiction can begin to take hold from the very first time a user takes the drug. A user is often consumed and overwhelmed by the intensity and short duration of the high that Crack Cocaine produces, compelling them to take more straight after the first hit. Crack Cocaine addiction can lead to major mental and physical health problems, as it is the strongest form of Cocaine and is usually at least 75% more concentrated.
Warning signs of Crack Cocaine addiction include:
- Sweating profusely
- Erratic and compulsive actions and behaviour
- Talking very quickly
- Irritability and aggression/anger
- Dilated pupils
- Muscular spasms
- Feeling giggly
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Lack of appetite
As Crack Cocaine is more concentrated than Cocaine, withdrawal symptoms are more intense and difficult to overcome when a user suddenly stops taking the drug. The severity of a person’s withdrawal symptoms will depend on their weight, build and whether they have any underlying mental health conditions, as well as the severity of their addiction and metabolism.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression and low mood
- Paranoia
- Anxiety and panic
- Anger and aggression
- Nightmares
- Fatigue
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Emotional outbursts
If you or someone you love is struggling with a Crack Cocaine addiction, you should try to get help as soon as possible. Crack is so addictive that many users put their drug-taking above all of their other priorities, including their health, relationships and job. If you have noticed the above withdrawal symptoms either in yourself or another person, the next step is to get help as soon as possible via a rehabilitation facility.
When you speak to an addict about their drug addiction, be prepared for any response, including aggressive or defensive behaviour. Remember that their brain has been programmed to abuse Crack Cocaine, and that it will not be easy to convince them to stop taking the drug. If you are struggling to speak to an addict, you can use an intervention to try and persuade them to seek help and begin treatment. An intervention is a process in which family and friends of an addict approach them to discuss their drug-taking behaviours, encouraging them to get help. This can be done with or without the help of a professional interventionist. Sometimes, hiring an interventionist can be worthwhile, as they are trained in handling clients who experience violent or aggressive behaviour (both of which are common behaviours in Crack Cocaine addiction).
