Crack cocaine is a highly addictive and potent form of cocaine. Like other illicit drugs, crack cocaine can have devastating effects in both the short term and long term.
Understanding these negative effects is important if you are looking to recover from crack cocaine addiction. But what exactly are the negative crack cocaine effects?
That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post. Read on for the effects of crack cocaine addiction, including the impact it can have on your physical and mental health, withdrawal symptoms, and how you can overcome your addiction.
The Short-Term Effects of Crack Cocaine
Smoking crack cocaine delivers a quick and intense high. Typically, the high from crack cocaine is short-lived - it only lasts around 15 minutes. However, the effects can linger for several hours.
The initial high from crack cocaine typically involves increased energy, heightened alertness, and a sense of euphoria. However, these short-term effects are accompanied by various damaging side effects on both the body and mind.
There is a wide range of immediate dangers of cocaine, whether it be powder cocaine or crack cocaine. Here are some short-term effects of crack cocaine to be aware of.
Cardiovascular Strain
Crack cocaine abuse can cause an increased heart rate and high blood pressure. It can also increase the risk of irregular heartbeats. Because of this, you may also experience chest pain and other cardiovascular issues.
Respiratory Challenges
Inhalation of crack cocaine vapours can lead to ‘crack lung’, a condition marked by severe respiratory complications. Users may suffer from coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. It is vital to note that this can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Mental Health Implications
Some of the initial desired effects of cocaine include euphoria, increased confidence, a higher level of focus, more energy/ less tiredness, and a better level of focus. However, there can be negative immediate to short-term effects of crack cocaine use.
Crack cocaine’s stimulant properties can worsen existing mental health problems. It can also trigger the onset of mental illnesses in those who are susceptible.
For example, users may notice increased levels of paranoia. It can also cause dysphoria and delusions. In some instances, crack cocaine use can increase the risk of anorexia.
The Long-Term Effects of Crack Cocaine
While the short-term effects of crack cocaine are alarming, the long-term consequences of cocaine use pose even greater risks, affecting various aspects of an individual's life.
Addiction and Dependency
Crack cocaine is notorious for its addictive effects. Regular use can quickly lead to dependence, making it challenging for users to quit without professional intervention. Addiction centres and drug rehab programmes become crucial for those seeking recovery.
If you think you may be addicted to crack cocaine, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs of addiction. Although symptoms can vary from person to person, some symptoms include intense cravings, lack of control, having the desire to stop but struggling to do so, and secretive behaviour surrounding drug use.
Physical Health Deterioration
Prolonged crack cocaine use takes a toll on the body. Those who regularly take crack cocaine may be at risk of pulmonary complications and chronic respiratory conditions.
Some pulmonary complications associated with crack cocaine include alveolar haemorrhage, noncardiogenic pulmonary oedema, thermal injury, pneumothorax, pulmonary infarction, and pneumonia.
Crack cocaine use could cause permanent damage to blood vessels, and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Since crack cocaine use increased in the 1980s, more people are having both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes associated with cocaine use.
Mental Health Decline
Long-term crack cocaine use is associated with severe mental health issues. Crack users may experience persistent anxiety, depression, cognitive impairments, and hallucinations.
The impact on mental health may not only affect the individual but also their relationships and daily functioning.
Crack cocaine use is linked to post-traumatic stress disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and suicide. Likewise, excessive use of stimulants can lead to cocaine-induced psychosis. This has similar symptoms to acute paranoid schizophrenia.
Social and Economic Impact
Crack addiction can lead to strained relationships, loss of employment, and financial ruin. People who take crack cocaine may find themselves isolated from friends and family, facing legal troubles, and struggling to maintain a stable life.
Using crack can strain relationships with family and friends. The drug can change a person's behaviour, making them unpredictable, irritable, and sometimes aggressive. Loved ones may find it difficult to communicate with someone who is under the influence, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Additionally, sustaining a crack habit is expensive. The constant need to buy the drug can quickly deplete savings and lead to financial instability. As you become addicted, you may resort to draining your bank accounts, borrowing money, or engaging in illegal activities to fund your addiction, further exacerbating financial troubles.
It’s important to remember that crack cocaine is illegal. Engaging in its possession or distribution may result in legal consequences. This can result in fines, probation, or even incarceration, creating a cycle that further hinders your ability to lead a stable life.
How Do I Overcome Crack Cocaine Addiction?
There are several approaches to overcoming cocaine addiction. Some people find support groups such as Cocaine Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous helpful, whereas others opt for a more comprehensive approach consisting of detoxification and rehabilitation.
At Help4Addiction, we can help you overcome your addiction to cocaine. Our addiction experts can connect you with the best crack cocaine rehab clinic for you.
We have been helping people overcome their addictions to drugs and alcohol for many years and can give you the best chance of beating your addiction too. Whether it be snorting cocaine or taking crack cocaine, we can help.
Recovery is a journey that requires commitment, support, and professional guidance. By completing a drug detox, addressing the root causes of addiction in therapy and receiving comprehensive treatment, you can embark on the path to recovery and regain control of your life.
The truth is that addiction is not a life sentence, and with the right treatment for crack cocaine addiction, you can begin your drug-free future.
