Crack cocaine and cocaine are chemically, almost identical. Both are highly addictive and dangerous. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse and are considering detox and treatment, you may be wondering what to expect. In addition, you may be nervous to take the first step towards recovery.
The first thing to consider is continuing addiction is far more dangerous and uncomfortable than detox and treatment. Some addicts feel like they will physically die without crack or cocaine, but the truth is crack and cocaine are deadly. Thus, the longer an individual uses, the more likely they will die from their addiction or suffer irreversible lifelong consequences.
If you need more motivation to get sober, consider these health consequences of crack and cocaine.
Short Term Negative Effects Include:
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Panic and Psychosis
- Rapid oral health deterioration
- Convulsions and seizures
- Sudden deaths
Long Term Negative Effects Include:
- Permanent blood vessel damage
- High blood pressure
- Heart attacks, strokes, and death
- Severe chest pains
- Respiratory failure
- Abscesses
- Malnutrition
- Severe tooth decay
- Hallucinations
- Sexual problems
- Infertility (for both sexes)
- Psychosis or delirium
- Severe depression
These effects are serious, and unfortunately very common among habitual users of crack and cocaine. However, these adverse effects are only the health effects. Many users also lose their job, custody of kids, and even their homes. Moreover, these extreme cravings can cause users to sell personal items, commit crimes, and act violently.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse disorder, take comfort in knowing detox and treatment are far better than the consequences of continuing to use.
What to Expect During Detox?
It’s reassuring to know that withdrawal symptoms and detox from crack or cocaine are not dangerous, but they can feel uncomfortable.
General Withdrawal Symptoms Include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia
- Anhedonia
- Physical aches and pains
- In extreme cases, suicidal thoughts
An individual detoxing on their own is at a higher risk of binging because of their discomfort, rather than an individual who is at a rehabilitation facility or has professional help managing withdrawal symptoms.
Due to the psychological and emotional component of detox, it’s important to utilize a treatment program, therapist, or addiction counselor. This is helpful for understanding and coping with immediate and ongoing symptoms as well as creating healthier behaviors to avoid relapsing.
Fortunately, individuals who want to overcome crack or cocaine addiction can benefit from inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Research suggests that both styles of substance abuse treatment offer equal benefits. The choice can be made with an individual’s family and treatment team, as well as an addiction counselor. Learn about the differences between treatment options here.
What to Expect During Treatment?
Treatment varies depending on the different substance abuse treatment programs, staff, and methodologies. Be sure when choosing a substance abuse treatment program, to do your research. Crack or cocaine addiction, just like any drug or alcohol addiction, should be treated individually with evidence-based practices that are safe and effective.
Typical treatment plans will incorporate behavioral intervention in the form of group, as well as individual therapy. Contingency Management or motivational styles of therapy have been shown to help with crack addiction. CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a common treatment utilized for overcoming addiction. EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a psychotherapy that has also shown promising results to help people with addiction.
Of course, successfully overcoming addiction to crack or cocaine is hard. It’s crucial to have help from friends, family, and professionals to be successful in recovery. Harm Reduction Center in Boynton Beach, Florida has many treatment options available that are individualized to the client.
Our facility promotes the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities using evidence-based practices. The Harm Reduction Center is both state-licensed through DCF and AHCA which allows us to treat those with substance use disorders as well as mental health disorders and co-occurring disorders.
Not only will this allow each client to obtain the maximum potential at recovery, but also help to lower recidivism rates. Our values at the Harm Reduction Center are to provide person-centered, evidence-based services, where we treat all people with respect, fairness, dignity, and equality.
Don’t wait to seek help, start recovery today.
