Effects of Crack Cocaine
Crack cocaine is one of the most destructive drugs on the illicit market. It is destructive of a person’s mind, their health, personality, spirit, and life. Crack can cause a dependence within just the first few uses and can quickly lead a person to give up the best parts of his or her life.
A Canadian filmmaker creating a documentary on drug addicts found out just how fast crack works. He tried crack once while he was working on the film. Within three years, the three-time award winner had lost his beautiful 4,000 square foot home and had to fight to save himself from the addiction. About his experience, he said, “Crack has to be the most mentally addictive drug in the history of mankind.”
One of the problems with crack cocaine is that the effects last such a brief time. Within just five to fifteen minutes, a crack addict needs to smoke another rock. Keeping up with the supply of crack needed easily drives a crack addict to theft, prostitution, drug dealing or other crime. Very quickly, the person’s entire life is a vicious circle of getting more drugs, using them and then getting more. Every good thing in his or her life quickly drops by the wayside.
The other major problem with the drug is the intense cravings for more that kick in as soon as the drug’s effects wear off. The grip of these cravings makes getting more of the drug more important than integrity, family or health.
Health Effects
Crack is such a strong stimulant that it creates severe stresses on the heart, the vascular system, the lungs and the brain. Blood vessels constrict from the stimulation of the drug and over time, can harden. Then when further stimulation occurs, these damaged blood vessels can rupture, leading to a stroke. Damage to the heart can lead to a fatal heart attack or cardiac arrest.
Premature aging may occur because of the drug’s effect on the brain and the hardening of arteries. Crack addicts often live marginal lives, with non-existent medical care and terrible diets.
The more crack cocaine consumed, the more damaging the effects of the abuse and addiction will be. Too much crack use can result in an over-stimulated state with an increase in body temperature and convulsions. Death can result.
Mental Effects
Mentally, the crack user becomes paranoid, defensive and confused. Despite the false sense of power and control when high, as soon as the high is over, the person is likely to be depressed, isolated and secretive. He may suffer hallucinations.
For a short time, performance and dexterity may improve. But as soon as the high wears off, crack addicts are likely to lose concentration and suffer severe mood swings. This can lead to accidents when driving as drivers on crack can make unpredictable moves and lose control of the vehicle.
The crack user will normally be forgetful and unable to complete projects or meet deadlines. Long-term users have problems moderating their responses to life situations. This will often result in job loss and homelessness.
The following is a list of many of the effects often seen from using crack cocaine: Agitation, insomnia, nervousness, vomiting, nausea, overheating, restlessness, hyperactivity, psychosis, palpitations, delirium, seizures, stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, anxiety, irritability, heart failure and death from respiratory failure.
Withdrawing from Crack Cocaine
Withdrawal can be extended, lasting from one to three weeks. In addition to depression, anxiety, paranoia, and irritability, the person in recovery can suffer from exhaustion, apathy, disorientation and hunger.
Recovery at Narconon
Even after suffering these severe effects, a person can recover a sober life at Narconon. Where others may feel that there is no hope, there can be hope with Narconon. The Narconon program is an eight to ten week program that addresses the damage done by addiction. The drug residues that are lodged in the fatty tissues must be removed, which is accomplished through the phase of recovery called the Narconon New Life Detoxification. This phase uses time in a low-heat sauna, a strict regimen of nutritional supplements and daily exercise to activate the body’s ability to flush out those old, stored residues. As the cocaine residues are flushed out, the person can once again find the bright viewpoint they had before drug use.
Those completing this phase also comment on how their cravings are much lower or gone at last. Reduced or eliminated cravings are an essential part of recovering from crack cocaine addiction as it is triggered cravings that send a person back into drug abuse and the addictive lifestyle.
Find out how Narconon can bring about recovery for someone you care about who is struggling with cocaine addiction.
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