Cumming Crack Addiction Treatment

Symptoms of Crack Addiction

Crack has serious effects on the mind and body. Using crack cocaine for even a brief number of times can cause a variety of serious health concerns. Prolonged use will only raise the chances of a health complication occurring. When used long enough, it can cause permanent psychological damage and kill the user.

Immediate effects of crack abuse include:

• Dilated pupils
• Aggression, anxiety, and/or paranoia
• Extreme bursts of energy
• Restlessness
• Confusion
• Increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Nausea
• Intense cravings to use more
• Tactile hallucinations or “formication” (feeling of something crawling beneath the skin)

Long-term effects of crack cocaine use include:

• Severe damage to the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys
• Permanent blood vessel damage
• Respiratory issues
• Weight loss
• Tooth decay
• Paranoia
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Death

If you suspect your loved one is exhibiting symptoms of crack addiction, or if you yourself are struggling with dependence on crack, we invite you to contact The Carter Treatment Center for help.

Crack Withdrawal Symptoms

The potency of crack cocaine also triggers strong withdrawal symptoms in a user, tempting them to relapse just to stop or alleviate the pain and discomfort of withdrawal.

Common symptoms of crack withdrawal include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Exhaustion or muscular fatigue
• Night terrors and insomnia
• Full-body tremors
• Uncontrolled moods and emotions
• Irregular heartbeat or breathing
• And more

It is also important to realize crack cocaine is commonly comprised of a number of unidentified substances and narcotics. You cannot be positive what is in a single dosage of crack. As such, the immediate consequences and continual symptoms could be much different and all the more dangerous than the aforementioned list.

Phases of Crack Withdrawal

One of the first steps in breaking crack addiction is addressing the physical dependency. Going cold turkey from crack is extremely difficult. The withdrawal symptoms are very uncomfortable and many people will give into temptation to use again if they are not being monitored. In a medical detoxification center, patients will receive assistance managing withdrawal symptoms from trained professionals.

What happens when you stop taking crack?

• First 72 Hours – Paranoia, body aches, and in rare cases, hallucinations. Many people also experience cravings, fatigue, and insomnia for the first 24 hours.
• First Week – As some of the more potent symptoms fade, feelings of irritability, fatigue, and lethargy may set in. Many people often have trouble sleeping.
• Second Week – Cravings start increasing around this time, as do feelings of depression. The brain has trouble producing dopamine during this time now that it’s been cut off from crack. Dopamine is the naturally produced chemical that creates feelings of pleasure.
• Third & Fourth Weeks – Physical cravings will start subsiding around this time, but psychological cravings remain. Anxiety and depression may still be present, but for the most part, the more acute symptoms should be fading.

Acute withdrawal symptoms usually last for several days, while some of the more long-term effects can take months or years to process. Detox provides treatment for acute symptoms, while the long-term effects are addressed in rehabilitation.

From our locations in Cumming, we proudly serve the communities of Alpharetta, Dawsonville, Johns Creek, Roswell, Gainesville, Duluth, Buford, Lawrenceville, Peachtree Corners, and the surrounding areas of Gwinnett County. Get more information by contacting us online or calling (678) 737-4430 at any time.