The crystal rock form of cocaine, created by boiling powder cocaine, produces extreme but short-lasting highs or rushes from the stimulant of the central nervous system. The boiling process, the Office of National Drug Control Policy states, causes a crackling sound that gives this form of the drug the name "crack." Crack, this organization states, came to prominence in the 1980s. It can damage the heart, brain and other major organs of the body. It may cause seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.
Inability to Sleep
The Cleveland Clinic reports an inability to sleep as a sign of crack addiction. Crack stimulates central nervous system. A person addicted to it continually has this substance in his body, keeping him awake and very alert. A person under the influence of crack cocaine has difficulty finding any way to sleep.
Weight Loss
Weight loss occurs as a result of crack use as it suppresses the appetite, the Cleveland Clinic reports. The person's metabolism increases from the stimulating effect of the drug on the heart and body systems, which causes the weight loss to occur. The person does not have interest in food as she continues to use crack because the sole thought of the crack addict usually is to get and use crack.
Personal Appearance Alterations
Most crack addicts give up on their personal appearance, letting their personal hygiene go. Addicts may not wash and do not care about clean clothes. Again, the person usually focuses on getting and using the drug, and nothing else.
Runny Nose
Crack may induce a continual runny nose or rhinitis by irritation of the drug on the mucous membranes inside the respiratory tract. The addict may habitually have rhinitis from smoking crack, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. The addict's nostrils also may bleed from the irritation, especially if the irritation is on a consistent basis.
Legal Problems
The person who smokes crack continually wants the drug in her system. She will lie and steal for the drug. This causes many legal problems to occur, especially related to the police. Financial trouble and loss of housing may occur because of the expense of the drug as well as the inability to work while addicted to crack.
Psychological Changes
Psychological changes occur such as paranoia and hearing voices, the Cleveland Clinic indicates. The addict may become more aggressive as well, the Office of National Drug Control Policy states. The brain's chemicals altered by crack can produce unrealistic thinking, which may include hallucinations, the Cleveland Clinic states.
