Crack is one of the most addictive drugs available. A solid, rock-like form of cocaine that is smoked, crack gets its name from the crackling sound it makes when heated.
Because it enters the bloodstream rapidly, crack produces a stronger and faster high. This makes it especially addictive.
How Crack Affects the Brain
Crack and cocaine causes the brain to release a surge of the feel-good chemical dopamine—much more than you get from the everyday things you enjoy. This “teaches” your brain to keep seeking the drug, so you take it again and again. Over time, you need more of the drug just to get the same effect.
This can lead to a vicious cycle, where you try to quit but can’t. It’s not just a simple matter of willpower. When the brain is hijacked by drugs—especially one as potent as crack cocaine—most people need help to quit.
Del Arroyo Recovery Center is here to help. Our cocaine addiction treatment program is designed to help you break free of cocaine or crack addiction and start down the path of long-term recovery.
Our drug rehab in Agoura Hills, CA is staffed by medical professionals, qualified therapists, and mental health specialists who will create a personalized program tailored to your specific needs.
Signs of Crack Addiction
Some drugs are generally considered safe when used as prescribed (such as anti-anxiety medications), but this is not true with crack. There is no safe amount of this drug, and using crack cocaine can quickly lead to addiction and chemical dependency.
Here are some signs you or someone you love is addicted to crack cocaine:
- You need more and more of the drug to get the same effects
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug (such as intense cravings, depression, and anxiety)
- You spend a lot of time thinking about the drug and how to get it
- You have a hard time controlling how much you use
- You’ve lost interest in things you once enjoyed
- You’re having trouble meeting daily responsibilities
- You drive or do other dangerous things when you are on the drug
- You keep using the drug even though it’s causing problems in your life
- You take the drug with other drugs, like alcohol
- You hide your drug use from others
- You continue to use the drug, despite how it’s negatively affecting your life and important relationships
Common Crack Withdrawal Symptoms
Crack is a powerful nervous system stimulant. As a result, withdrawal from the drug can affect your mind and body in profound ways. Here are some of the most common withdrawal symptoms:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Nerve pain
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- A feeling of uneasiness
- Extreme fatigue
- Insomnia or sleep troubles
- Nightmares
- Trouble concentrating
- Mood swings
- Changes in appetite
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Paranoia or psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Short-term withdrawal symptoms usually stop after several days of quitting. For some people, however, withdrawal symptoms can last up to 3 or 4 weeks.
Not all drug treatment facilities treat crack addiction. Look for a crack treatment center or recovery center that specializes in treating cocaine addiction and crack addiction. Withdrawal symptoms are best managed by a professional team with medical professionals on staff.
Get Help for Crack & Cocaine Addiction
If you are struggling with substance abuse, Del Arroyo Recovery Center offers a first-class residential treatment program with a strong focus on relapse prevention and aftercare maintenance.
Our drug rehab in Agoura Hills features luxury amenities in a peaceful suburban setting. Our low staff-to-patient ratio allows us to give you the care and individualized attention you deserve.
Del Arroyo is a dual diagnosis center offering mental health care for those with co-occurring disorders. The team at our cocaine addiction rehab center knows how important it is to treat drug addiction and mental disorders at the same time.
Our luxury rehab center serves clients throughout Southern California, including those in Los Angeles, CA, Woodland Hills, CA, Malibu, CA, Westlake Village, CA, Thousand Oaks, CA, and Calabasas, CA.
It’s possible to stop using cocaine and crack with the right help.
Don’t wait another day. Get in touch to learn more about our residential program and cocaine addiction treatment center in Southern California.