Crack cocaine is known as one of the more dangerous forms of cocaine and can be found in rock formation. Crack cocaine is smoked, and is called crack because of the cracking sound it makes when being heated.
While many of the signs of cocaine addiction can be somewhat obvious, crack cocaine addiction symptoms can be a little trickier to recognize. Since crack cocaine is smoked, the typical constant sniffling or nosebleeds that often occur in those snorting can’t be found. The same holds true with the lack of the presence of needle marks for the cocaine addict that shoots up.
Just like with other types of cocaine abuse, crack cocaine is known to cause heart palpitations and has damaging effects to the brain. It has been known to cause strokes and even heart attacks, sometimes resulting in death.
As with cocaine, some of the crack cocaine addiction symptoms is sudden excessive energy and talking, plus crack cocaine users have been known to make unattainable goals and plans while high, and once coming down from their high, have a tendency to want to sleep for long periods of time, seem distracted and irritable. Personal hygiene usually takes a dive, and the addict loses interest in eating and usually loses weight, sometimes in large amounts.
Crack is relatively inexpensive, and with the high only lasting a short amount of time, the user quickly finds they are searching for their next hit and ultimately the next high. Because the drug blocks the production of dopamine (the body’s feel good hormone), the body begins to require more and more drugs to obtain that high, usually compared with that first high that the user experienced, which can find them putting themselves in some compromising positions and associating with people they normally wouldn’t associate with.
Getting cocaine addiction help is the same as any other addiction, first the person has to want help and be willing to admit that there is a problem. Reputable rehab centers are not only available to help with the addiction, but also to find out the psychological and mental reasons behind the person with the addiction problem. There is generally an underlying reason behind the addiction in the first place, and getting to the bottom of that reason can help with the recovery process.
If you recognize these or other symptoms in yourself or someone you love, remember that you aren’t alone and that help is available.
Nick Hayes is a graduate of the Narconon drug rehab program in 2005. Nick takes much enjoyment in writing, and feels there needs to be more information about drugs and alcohol provided to the people of the world. He believes nobody should have to go through an addiction.