Crack cocaine, or crack as it is more commonly called, is a free-base, smoked version of the illegal drug cocaine. When it is smoked, crack delivers a short but extremely intense high lasting 5-10 minutes. This severe euphoria makes crack highly addictive as users continue to chase that fleeting sense of joy. It is considered the most addictive form of cocaine. While the inner city epidemics of crack use are rarely discussed in mainstream media anymore (largely because of the skyrocketing opioid use), crack addiction in Ohio is still a reason for concern. If you or a family member is struggling with a crack addiction in Ohio, reach out to Midwest Recovery online or call us at 833.627.0039 today to learn how our team of medically-trained professionals can help you overcome your addiction, get on the straight and narrow, and instill in you life skills to enjoy a long term recovery.
What Is Crack and What Does It Do?
To better see the early signs of crack addiction, it can be helpful to understand a little more about this dangerous form of cocaine. Pure crack cocaine has the distinct appearance of looking like off-white rocks, which may seem crystalline. However, when sold on the street, the crack could be cut with other dangerous substances, some of which are unknown, toxic, and possibly even more lethal.
When someone smokes crack, their effects are almost immediately noticeable because the drug is absorbed straight from the lungs and into the bloodstream. While the actual effect of crack tends to cease in five to ten minutes, the stimulant will instantly speed up their mental and physical processes. Seeing the signs of crack addiction early and intervening to get help can literally be the difference between life and death.
What Are the Early Signs of a Crack Addiction
As you become aware of the early signs of crack addiction in those you love, you will want to have a non-hospital facility in mind to help tackle and overcome a crack addiction in toledo. This is where Midwest Recovery comes into play. Our team of doctors and compassionate staff have overcome and recovered from some of the same struggles. We are well-positioned to understand the journey and help to heal not just from the addiction to crack but also from any underlying issues. If you fear a friend or family member is using and abusing crack, here are some of the signs of crack addiction to look out for:
- A crack user is feeling euphoric, focused, and energetic
- Bursts of energy seemingly from nowhere
- Suppressed appetite
- Hallucinations making the user think bugs are crawling under their skin
- Inability to sleep
- Mood swings, including heightened aggression
Crack paraphernalia in their life, room, or backpack, including:
- A pipe for smoking
- Tubes
- An antenna
- Lighters
Obvious signs of visible changes to their body including:
- Muscle twitches
- Finger burns from the lighter or torch used to cook the crack
- Dilated pupils
- Nosebleeds
- Being more restless than usual
- Lip blisters or burns from smoking a pipe
Crack is highly addictive and lethal. If you observe these signs of crack addiction and worry that someone you love is using crack cocaine, you should contact Midwest Recovery immediately. Your call will be confidential and might save a life.
Learn More at Midwest Recovery
Watching someone special fall into a hole of despair at the hands of crack can feel hopeless, but it is never too late to help. Learn how Midwest Recovery’s approach to battling crack addiction in Ohio might be the answer. Contact us using our secure online form or call us at 833.627.0039 today.
