Crack Cocaine Detox

What Is Crack Cocaine Detox?

Crack Cocaine poses serious risks to a person’s health and well-being. Anyone who is addicted to Crack Cocaine has to stop using the drug to break free from their addiction. This is the purpose of Crack Cocaine detox, the first step in the recovery process. When someone undergoes detox, they refrain from using Crack Cocaine until their body begins to readjust to not having the drug in its systems. Although this sounds simple, detox is challenging because it provokes withdrawal symptoms, some of which are severe. For this reason, people should not go through Crack Cocaine detox at home and without support. Detox from Crack Cocaine is safest and most successful when undertaken at specialized treatment facilities with medical supervision.

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Understanding Crack Cocaine

Cocaine is an addictive stimulant which is produced from the South American coca plant. In the United States, the federal government classifies Cocaine as a Schedule II drug, meaning that it is illegal for recreational use. Nevertheless, drug traffickers continue to supply Americans with Cocaine and fuel vicious cycles of addiction throughout the country. Crack Cocaine, or “crack,” refers to Cocaine which takes a rock-like or crystal form.

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Drug users typically smoke Crack Cocaine and sometimes combine it with different drugs, such as Marijuana and Heroin, to amplify its effects. Since Crack Cocaine costs less to produce than powder Cocaine, “crack” is quite common and popular. Crack Cocaine abuse is especially prevalent among younger Americans, including teenagers.

As soon as Crack Cocaine is inhaled into the lungs, the drug unleashes an immediate sensation of euphoria called a “rush.” A typical “rush” lasts no more than 15 minutes. Crack Cocaine is very addictive and users often experience an overwhelming craving for more of the drug after their first use. Crack Cocaine may also cause users to feel paranoid and anxious, to act aggressively and, in some cases, to die from an overdose.

Some of the long-term consequences of Crack Cocaine addiction are depression, psychosis, infertility, heart disease, respiratory problems, seizures, and brain damage. After only one exposure to Crack Cocaine, someone can develop a tolerance to the drug’s effects as well as a desire to use it again and in greater doses. As someone continues using Crack Cocaine, they will become dependent on it to avoid withdrawal. This tragic cycle quickly results in addiction, which may overtake a person’s life.

Crack Cocaine Withdrawal and Detox Timeline

Withdrawal from Crack Cocaine occurs in two phases: acute withdrawal, which happens immediately after Crack Cocaine abuse ends, and post-acute withdrawal, which unfolds over the course of several weeks or months.

The symptoms of acute withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Tiredness
• Paranoia
• Emotional instability
• Difficulty with concentration
• Lack of sleep

The symptoms of post-acute withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Feelings of emptiness
• Disinterest in life
• Intense cravings for Crack Cocaine

As a result of these symptoms, it is likely that people who attempt to stop using the drug without the assistance of a detox program will find withdrawal to be unbearable. During a detox program, patients recover under medical care. Medical professionals block them from access to Crack Cocaine and help them avoid relapse and manage withdrawal.

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Within 24 to 72 hours of beginning detox, patients will experience withdrawal symptoms. Most acute withdrawal symptoms arise within the first 24 hours. In rare cases, patients also experience hallucinations. Throughout the first week of detox, withdrawal also brings about severe fatigue and insomnia. During the second week, cravings for Crack Cocaine become most intense and patients may feel anxious and depressed.

Fortunately, by the third and fourth weeks, the brain begins to fully adapt to operating without the dopamine surges which characterize Crack Cocaine abuse. During this final stage of withdrawal, a patient’s emotions could be unstable and they may continue to experience depression. After one month of detox, a former Crack Cocaine addict can start a new life without it. After detox, former addicts should continue treatment by getting therapy and joining support groups. Some symptoms of post-acute withdrawal may persist for several months.

Find the Right Support for Crack Cocaine Detox

The burdens of Crack Cocaine addiction are crippling, both for the addict and for her family and friends. Fortunately, there are recovery centers which are dedicated to helping people detox from harmful and illegal substances, including Crack Cocaine. If you or someone you want to help is struggling with addiction to Crack Cocaine, please call a compassionate treatment provider today to learn more about the options for detox programs. Although detox itself is not a pleasant experience, rehab centers across America are available to provide you or your loved one with support during this important first step to sobriety and a better life.