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New Jersey Crack-Cocaine Rehab
Crack Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Causes
- Written By: Amanda Stevens, B.S.
- Reviewed By: Dr. Po-Chang Hsu, M.D., M.S.
- Updated:
- Published:
- Reading Time: 8 minutes
Learn more about how our crack addiction treatment program in NJ can help you find recovery.
Crack Addiction & Recovery in NJ
Center Your Spirit
Table of Contents
Crack, also known as crack cocaine, is a naturally derived and highly addictive substance that is one of the most popular street drugs. Using it can lead to a variety of health complications and devastation in other areas of life.
Crack-cocaine addiction is a severe and life-altering condition that requires expert intervention and personalized care. At Absolute Awakenings, we understand the complexities of addiction and the courage it takes to seek help. Our treatment center in New Jersey is equipped with the latest in addiction medicine and therapy, providing a range of proven treatment methodologies tailored to address the unique needs of each individual.
Our approach to treating crack-cocaine addiction combines medical detoxification, behavioral therapies, counseling, and aftercare planning to ensure a holistic recovery process. We focus not only on the physical aspects of addiction but also on the psychological impact, helping our clients rebuild their lives and maintain lasting sobriety.
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understanding Crack
What is Crack-Cocaine?
Crack-cocaine, commonly known simply as “crack,” is a derivative of cocaine, a stimulant drug extracted from the leaves of the coca plant. Crack-cocaine distinguishes itself from its powder form through its processing; cocaine powder is mixed with water and baking soda and then heated until it solidifies into rocks. These rocks can be smoked, delivering a potent, rapid, and highly addictive high to the user.
Crack-cocaine is a potent and highly addictive substance that has profoundly impacted individuals and communities across the globe. This section aims to shed light on the nature of crack-cocaine, its effects, and why it poses such a significant challenge for those entangled in its grasp.
Signs & Symptoms of Crack Addiction
Crack cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance and is deemed highly addictive. Most people who use crack have already abused other illicit drugs, making them more likely to misuse or mix the stimulant with other substances.
Symptoms of crack addiction include itching, accelerated heart rate, dilated pupils, cravings, and changes in daily habits to get or use crack. If you experience nausea, headaches, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and body pain when you’re not taking crack, this indicates early withdrawal.
An addiction to crack cocaine is associated with many common signs and symptoms. The signs of crack addiction tend to get worse over time.
A person might start using crack in small quantities. But once they become tolerant, they won’t experience the euphoria as intensely as before. Some indicators include the following:
- Secretive behavior
- Excessive energy
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Euphoria
A person can change a lot before and after crack use. The symptoms of crack over time will destroy the brain and body. Because crack is usually smoked, it will eat away at the lungs. It can cause lung infections and chronic difficulty breathing.
Due to how it affects the brain, crack can also lead to cognitive decline. This involves memory loss, difficulty speaking, and difficulty thinking.
In recent years, cocaine was involved in one out of five overdose deaths in the United States.[2] Crack cocaine is often mixed with other substances, some of which can cause instantaneous death. The dangers of crack addiction are amplified when the drug is mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
How Do People Use Crack-Cocaine?
How is Crack Used? Can You Overdose on Crack?
Crack use mostly involves smoking or inhaling. While crack is an addictive drug by default, addiction is more likely when smoked than taken any other way.[3] In this case, the euphoria is instant when smoking. Other delivery methods include snorting or injecting it.
Some people mix crack with alcohol. This can increase its risks and lead to seizures, heart attacks, and death. This is also possible when crack is mixed with other stimulants or CNS drugs.
As an illegal street drug, crack production is unregulated and can contain other harmful contaminants. Crack is often cut with cheap substances like rat poison, cat litter, battery acid, talcum powder, and cornstarch, making the substance increasingly dangerous.
Can You Overdose on Crack-Cocaine?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on crack, and in some cases, the drug is so potent it can cause a person to die on the spot. As tolerance develops, more crack is required to experience positive effects. This leads them to take the drug in higher doses, which increases their risk of overdose.
A person who has overdosed may be in a state of panic or delirium. They may be violent toward those around them. Some may be unresponsive. In severe cases, it is possible for the heart to stop beating or the lungs to stop working.
Call for emergency medical services right away. A person who has overdosed needs immediate medical treatment to ensure their survival. Watch over the person until the medical services arrive.
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Getting Help at Our Crack Addiction Treatment Center in New Jersey
If you or a loved one is struggling with a physical or psychological dependence on crack cocaine, treatment can help you with your symptoms and overcome addiction. Substance use disorder treatment may begin with medical detox, depending on the severity of your substance use disorder and other underlying health concerns.
Following detox, residential treatment offers full-time care so you can focus on recovery without distraction. The next level of care is Partial Care (PCP) or part-time treatment that offers comprehensive care with outpatient flexibility. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and standard Outpatient Treatment are two levels of ongoing care that support long-term recovery.
During treatment, you will receive the evidence-based benefits of individual therapy, group therapy, experiential therapy, and coping skill development that helps you establish a strong sense of personal autonomy.
Therapy is one of the most common and effective interventions for treating drug addiction as you learn how to cope with cravings without relying on drugs.
Industry-leading modalities include:
Many who have substance use disorders also suffer from mental health concerns like anxiety or depression. Substance use may be an outlet to escape the symptoms of their condition or to artificially deal with life’s problems. When substance use and mental health are present together, dual diagnosis treatment is the best way to ensure each is addressed holistically.
Having professional support can make the process of withdrawal easier and safer. The toughest part of detox is the crucial first days, but treatment can alleviate symptoms and improve comfort during this experience.
Medication-assisted treatment may be available for those suffering from crack withdrawal symptoms. Disulfiram is sometimes used to help people navigate this process safely by reducing cravings and discomfort. Pain medications like Advil® may also be used to reduce headaches and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Answers to Common Questions About Crack-Cocaine
Crack Addiction FAQs
A crack addiction can indeed be fatal. Death often happens due to an overdose. When a person overdoses, they may become unresponsive. Their heart may stop beating, or they may stop breathing.
These complications are more likely when crack is mixed with other drugs or alcohol. It can also occur when a person takes very large quantities of crack. Overdoses are often accidental because the person using the drug doesn’t realize they took too much.
Crack withdrawals include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, sweating, and headaches. Some people experience seizures or heart attacks in severe cases. It’s important to go to seek professional treatment if you’re considering sobriety and recovery. Rehab facilities will have medications and resources that can make the withdrawal process more comfortable.
Crack is prevalent among many demographics but is especially popular among marginalized populations. Crack is cheaper and more readily available than other drugs and is easy to consume (smoking) to experience its effects.
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Find Freedom from Crack-Cocaine Addiction at Our NJ Crack Rehab Center
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Crack-cocaine addiction is a complex condition that can entrap users in a cycle of dependence and despair. Due to the drug’s powerful impact on the brain’s reward system, overcoming addiction requires more than willpower alone. It demands a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of the disease.
At Absolute Awakenings Treatment Center, we understand the unique challenges faced by those battling crack-cocaine addiction. Our expert team is dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments and compassionate care to help individuals reclaim their lives from the hold of addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with crack-cocaine addiction, Absolute Awakenings Treatment Center is here to provide the support and treatment necessary for a life free from addiction. Explore our website to learn more about our programs, our philosophy, and how we can help you or your loved one start on the path to recovery today.
- Falck, R. S., Wang, J., & Carlson, R. G. (2008). Among long-term crack smokers, who avoids and who succumbs to cocaine addiction?. Drug and alcohol dependence, 98(1-2), 24–29. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2564618/ on May 23, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023b, May 12). Other drugs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/other-drugs.html on May 23, 2023.
- Crack Cocaine Fast Facts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3978/index.htm#risks on May 23, 2023.
We follow an evidence-based approach to treating substance abuse disorders at their core. Our belief is in healing the underlying factors that lead to addiction so that relapses can be avoided.
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