Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine (also referred to as crack, or rock) is a solid form of cocaine that users can smoke. It is made by taking cocaine and removing the hydrochloride element (by using baking soda) to create the solid form. Cocaine is found in leaves of the South American shrub Erythroxylon coca. It works by blocking the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain and creates a sense of exhilaration and euphoria.  Crack cocaine became popular in the 1980’s and declined in use during the 1990’s. Currently, crack cocaine use is on the rise and is becoming prevalent in inner cities. Crack cocaine is popular among people living in poverty, and where crime is common.

Dangers of Crack Cocaine

Using crack cocaine can create serious implications to an individual’s physical and psychological health. Short term physiological effects of crack cocaine use include: constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils, increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Large amounts can induce tremors, paranoia, muscle twitches, and outbursts of violent behaviors. Some psychological potential damages include: depression, anxiety, insomnia, eating disorders, psychosis, memory loss, and paranoia. Users of crack cocaine often increase dosage in order to intensify the euphoric effect produced by the drug. Overdose can result in death. Crack cocaine is a highly addictive drug and is extremely difficult to overcome the addiction without help.

Crack Addiction Rehab

In order to treat an addiction to crack cocaine, an individual can contact Beachway Therapy or another crack cocaine addiction rehab center. Beachway Therapy Center specializes in helping the addict discontinue their use of crack cocaine and overcome their intense cravings of the drug. We offer crack cocaine detox, individual and group counseling and after care services. The first stage is to rid the body of the drugs and the toxins produced by crack cocaine. During this detox phase, the individual will experience highly uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. It is important to be under supervision of a medical professional to avoid temptation of using. After the body has been cleansed of the drug, the addict will participate in counseling. Therapists, who are trained in the field of substance abuse and recovery, direct group therapy and one-on-one therapy.

Groups sessions requires meeting with other individuals who share the same addiction problem. During these meetings, each person shares their stories with one another. Group counseling creates a supportive environment amongst each other and helps the addict feel understood and accepted.

Individual counseling is a one-on-one therapy session with an addiction treatment counselor. During these sessions, the therapist works to find the deep-rooted issues that may have been causing the addiction problem. Then they will provide healthy solutions on how to deal with those issues.

After care services assists the recovering addict function in society after receiving treatment. There are many temptations that an addict will face such as pressure from friends, work stress, school stress, and marital and relationship problems that may cause the addict to relapse. After care services provides the addict with housing with other addicts, and counseling sessions to help deal with these triggers.

For more information on crack cocaine addiction, contact Beachway Therapy Center at 1-877-284-0353.