Crack cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. It is derived from powdered cocaine and is made by cooking the powder with baking soda to create a hard crystalline substance. Because most people smoke crack, it produces rapid effects on the central nervous system.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), 6,222,000 people aged 12 or older have used crack at some point in their lifetime.[1]
Crack causes effects like increased energy, a rush of euphoria, fast or irregular heartbeat, and anxiety or paranoia. If you abuse crack regularly, you will develop a substance use disorder. Once you are addicted to crack, stopping the use of it will result in withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal might include symptoms like extreme fatigue, irritability, depression, suicidal thoughts, intense cravings for crack, and more. You will begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours and they can last for up to 3 weeks.
Thankfully, drug rehab programs like Alamo Behavioral Health can help you overcome crack withdrawal. Our inpatient treatment program includes services like medical detox, evidence-based behavioral therapies, and relapse prevention planning. We can help you achieve long-term sobriety from crack cocaine.
What you will learn:
- What symptoms does crack withdrawal cause?
- How long does crack withdrawal last?
- How is crack withdrawal treated?
What are the Crack Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms?
After a while, you might be simply using crack to avoid experiencing withdrawal. This is common among people suffering from crack addiction, as withdrawal can be intense and painful. Thankfully, medical detox programs can lessen your symptoms with medications, making it possible to overcome the withdrawal phase of recovery.
The common effects of cocaine and crack withdrawal include:
- Irritability and anxiety
- Intense fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Heightened need for sleep
- Vivid and unpleasant dreams
- Severe cravings for cocaine and crack
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Symptoms of psychosis
The most intense symptoms of crack withdrawal are psychological. Because of this, medical detox centers provide you with 24/7 access to mental health professionals who can teach you how to cope with the effects you are experiencing.
How Long Does Crack Withdrawal Last?
The length and severity of withdrawal depend on the amount of cocaine or crack you are using. If you are using crack multiple times each day for a long period, you will experience a more intense withdrawal syndrome than an occasional user.
That said, most people follow this general timeline when it comes to crack cocaine withdrawal:
Crash: 24 to 36 Hours
The crash period happens 24 to 36 hours after your last dose of crack. You will feel exhausted, irritable, and hungry. Because you are not smoking crack, your dopamine will be low, causing intense feelings of depression.
Peak Withdrawal: 3 to 7 Days
Acute withdrawal begins sometime on the 3rd to 7th day after your last dose of crack. This is when your psychological and physical symptoms will be their most severe. You might experience suicidal thoughts, fatigue, irritability, symptoms of psychosis, and an intense need to sleep.
The cravings for crack will be severe at this time, which could put you at risk of relapsing. To prevent relapse, you should be receiving care and support from a medical detox program like Alamo Behavioral Health.
Extinction: 2 to 3 Weeks
The third phase of crack withdrawal is known as “extinction” because your symptoms will begin to subside. This occurs around 2 to 3 weeks after you stop using crack. Psychological symptoms like cravings, anxiety, and depression might linger a bit longer than 3 weeks, making it vital that you are receiving support from a medically supervised detox program.
How is Crack Withdrawal Treated?
Crack cocaine withdrawal should always be treated under the care of a medical detox facility. The first step in detox is receiving an in-depth assessment. You will be asked questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of crack abuse.
Once medical professionals gather this information, they can create an individualized detox plan. Your plan will include things like how long you’ll require detox treatment, what medications are best for you, and whether you need specialized care like dual diagnosis treatment.
During detox, your withdrawal symptoms will be controlled using medications. While there is not a specific medication that is FDA-approved to treat crack withdrawal, particular symptoms will be managed using a combination of medicines. For example, if you are dealing with intense depression and anxiety, you might be given an SSRI or antidepressant.
You will also have constant access to mental health professionals during detox. If you are dealing with intense psychological symptoms or severe cravings, a therapist can talk you through your symptoms and help you stay on track.
Once you overcome withdrawal, you will transfer into an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. During these programs, you will overcome the root causes of your crack addiction through individual therapy, support groups, and group counseling.
Find Help for Crack Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from crack addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At Alamo Behavioral Health, we can provide you with the tools, support, and medications you need to overcome crack withdrawal.
Contact us today for more information on our crack detox and treatment program.
References:
- The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Crack Cocaine Fast Facts
