How Crack Affects Your Ability to Function

Drug abuse and addiction has become an epidemic in not only the United States, but other parts of the world. Crack, which is the solid form of cocaine, is among one of the drugs to which a generous portion of the population is addicted. According to the National Institution on Drug Abuse, 33 percent of emergency room visits are from people addicted to crack cocaine. Additionally, 16 percent of jail inmates committed their crimes to get money for crack. These statistics come from the fact that crack cocaine causes the user a functional inability.

Short-Term Effects of Crack

Crack cocaine is a stimulant users mostly smoke. Smoking this substance causes it to affect the user immediately. Almost instantaneously upon smoking crack, the person experiences an extreme sensation of euphoria. This feeling comes from the drug interfering with the balance of dopamine in the brain. The heart rate also increases, making the person feel as though he or she has a surplus of energy. A person who has just smoked crack will feel like the king or queen of the world, and this high will last anywhere from five to 15 minutes. When the crack high ends, the individual crashes and may become depressed. The need to smoke more crack to obtain the feeling of greatness overwhelms that person.

The Mission to Get More

Crack affects the brain more than any other part of the body. The user may feel that he or she cannot live without this substance. Because the high only lasts a short amount of time, an addicted person can spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on re-boosting the psyche to experience extreme pleasure and euphoria. When the individual runs out of money, he or she will literally do anything to get more crack. Getting another hit becomes the main priority in that person’s life, which causes the individual not to function in other areas. Ninety percent of crack users do not keep up with hygiene, child care, or proper diet. Weight loss is a very common symptom of crack abuse, as is sexual dysfunction. Someone who abuses this substance may also appear to be homeless because of the lack of changing clothes, and bathing in severe cases. Some crack users may disappear from work for hours or days, or lose their jobs altogether. Students that were once in school will drop out to pursue getting more crack just to feel the pleasure it brings. Individuals who are generally good citizens may end up with a criminal record during a crack binge. It is not uncommon for a crack addict to steal money from family and friends, and then graduate to a greater crime such as robbing a person on the street or holding up a convenience store. The game of crack smoking is one that is very dangerous. It can affect the lives of many people. The user will be left with no money, no friends, and nothing to show for the few minutes of pleasure that crack brings.

Recovering from Crack Addiction

The positive side to crack addiction is that it is mostly psychological and emotional, unlike other drugs. Very rarely does a person suffer from physical withdrawal symptoms after stopping crack smoking. If physical symptoms do occur, they will most likely consist of shaking or sweating while the drug is leaving the system. The worst of the withdrawal is in the mind. The person may suffer with anxiety, depression, and an incessant longing for more of the drug. The individual may also have sleeping problems and irritability. Withdrawal symptoms of crack usually last approximately 72 hours.

Preventing Relapse

A person with a crack addiction has to go through three stages: detox, treatment, and aftercare. Detoxification is the easiest part of the process because it moves quickly. After detoxification, the individual will need to seek counseling to prevent a relapse. He or she will have to change the established circle of friends as well. Additionally, the person may want to continue with therapy for a great while after stopping. Crack addiction recovery is a long-term process. The fight continues for the rest of the person’s life. Functionality will return, but not without a great amount of effort from the affected party.

Source

National Institute on Drug Abuse Cocaine Facts