The risks of crack and other substances like it are high. Even a drop of blood can transmit hepatitis C. It can live outside the body for years and you can catch more than one strain. If you plan to smoke crack, it is important to wear protective gear. Wrap the pipe ends with rubber bands or cardboard matchbooks to prevent the burns. A lip protector can help you heal your lips after a smoking session. Remember, combining drugs with crack increases your health risks.
Symptoms of addiction
The psychological and physical effects of crack addiction can vary. Initially, a crack addict may exhibit changes in appearance and mannerisms. He or she may have dilated pupils and nosebleeds. Behavioral changes may include restlessness, trouble sleeping and frequent mood swings. Eventually, these signs may be accompanied by physical withdrawal symptoms. If you notice any of these changes in a crack addict, contact an addiction specialist.
Once a crack addict begins treatment, they will likely undergo one of three types of treatment: inpatient, outpatient or residential. Regardless of the type of treatment, crack addicts usually spend 90 days in a crack addiction treatment program. During inpatient treatment, they will learn how to deal with the reality of life without the drug. Treatment programs help addicts understand the nature of their addiction and prepare them for reintegration into society. Approximately one third of female crack users become involved in prostitution within a year of their first dose. Of those, 86.7% did not participate in prostitution before crack.
Effects on the brain
The effects of crack cocaine on the brain may be more dramatic than previously thought. Research on cocaine addicts has shown that their brains are less dense than non-abusers’. The research also found that cocaine abusers lose nearly twice as much gray matter as non-abusers. Those who abuse the drug may be at risk for dementia, memory problems, and other problems associated with aging. In one study, researchers from the University of Cambridge observed that cocaine abusers had significantly less grey matter than non-abusers.
Another effect of crack on the brain involves the brain’s response to stress. Animals given crack become acclimatized to the drug and seek it out during stressful periods. This habit becomes a dangerous one. In addition to affecting the brain’s response to stress, crack also speeds up the body’s overall functioning, including heartbeat and speech. During this period, the user loses sleep and appetite. He or she may also develop delirious or paranoid thoughts.
Sources
In the UK, the report Drug Misuse Declared in 2000 raised alarm bells as it revealed that crack cocaine use had increased, particularly among young adults between the ages of 16 and 29. In America, drug experts noted a similar alarming trend. They also noted that crack cocaine had risen suddenly in Boston, Massachusetts. Researchers there cited several possible sources, including drug dealers and street vendors. Here are some of the main sources of crack cocaine in the UK.
Among the many possible causes of crack use, the question of its occurrence has been studied extensively. Several studies have been published on the subject. In Canada, crack cocaine use has been linked to a wide range of negative outcomes, from social marginalization to elevated morbidity. In addition to the euphoria and rapid gratification from smoking crack, users often face high rates of infectious diseases, which can contribute to further complications.
Addiction
Whether you have a crack addiction or another drug abuse problem, it is vital to get a proper evaluation. During an evaluation, a substance abuse professional will assess your mental and physical health to determine the appropriate treatment option. Treatment for crack addiction should also address the emotional and psychological damage caused by the habit. Some crack addiction treatment programs are inpatient, while others are outpatient. However, the level of treatment required will depend on many factors, including your level of addiction and your personal priorities.
Withdrawal symptoms are common with crack addiction. Without the drug, clients experience a range of distressing physical and psychological symptoms, from fever to muscular pain. In severe cases, clients may even develop suicidal thoughts. It is important to seek treatment for crack addiction as early as possible to prevent further damage. The withdrawal symptoms may last for up to a week. A person may also experience trouble sleeping or experiencing depression. There are no specific medications for crack addiction, however, and treatment is only available to those suffering from the condition.
Treatment
For individuals who do not wish to have daily interruptions, outpatient treatment is an option. This type of treatment requires just two or three hours a week of attendance and varies in commitment levels. While some outpatient programs require 20 to 30 hours of treatment per week, standard outpatient treatment involves a few hours a week. Outpatient treatment may be an appropriate step down from inpatient treatment or a necessary component of long-term recovery.
While withdrawal symptoms associated with physical use of crack usually disappear after about a week, the psychological ones can last for months. Among the most intense is an extreme craving for crack. During this period, it is imperative to continue in crack treatment because relapse is the leading cause of death by overdose. Additionally, crack users are susceptible to developing a tolerance, which increases the amount of drug required to produce the same effect. Once their tolerance has decreased, crack treatment can be an effective alternative to relapsing.