Crack is an addictive drug that resembles small hard shavings of soap. The drug can create an intense craving shortly after use, since the initial high of the drug dissipates quickly. Aside from the health impact of crack addiction, which is significant, use of the drug may also cause social and relationship problems.
Drug
Crack is a smokable form of cocaine, a highly addictive drug otherwise sold as a fine powder that is inhaled or injected into a vein. According to the Cleveland Clinic, crack reaches the brain more rapidly than other forms of cocaine. Individuals who take any form of cocaine typically experience a feeling of euphoria, an increase in energy and a lowering of inhibitions. These feelings rapidly fade and are soon followed by a strong craving to repeat the experience.
Symptoms
Someone who is addicted to crack will feel unable to stop taking the drug and may develop a tolerance to it, which causes the individual to require higher and higher doses to experience the same effects. Some signs of a crack addiction that may be visible to friends and family include unexplained weight loss, changes in sleep patterns, paranoia, loss of interest in social activities or pleasurable things, hallucinations and money trouble as the individual overspends to purchase more of the drug.
Treatment
According to Rehab International, crack addition does not necessarily need detox because the addiction is primarily psychological. Instead, addicted individuals may need intensive inpatient treatment with psychological counseling to overcome the cravings to repeat the highs associated with cocaine use. Some individuals become suicidal when they stop using crack. Because the drug produces no physical withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, many individuals underestimate the severity of the addiction, explains Medline Plus.
Health Dangers
Cocaine in any form carries significant dangers, including a risk of heart attack, seizures, stroke or irregular heartbeat. A regular crack user may also experience depression, sexual difficulties, paranoia, insomnia and mood swings. Some users develop an inability to feel pleasure. Others on crack become violent due to extreme paranoia. An individual may become addicted to crack after a single use.
Social Impact
Crack is considered a lifestyle drug, since most addicts also become psychologically tied into the lifestyle associated with using the drug. Crack use often occurs in social circumstances and quitting may require the user to distance himself from his friends or social group to successfully remain abstinent. Individuals addicted to crack often experience monetary difficulties and may turn to criminal activity in order to fund their drug use.
