Crack cocaine is an addictive, illegal drug. This potent stimulant is a solid form of cocaine. Using crack cocaine can change the way your brain and body work. These changes can make it very challenging to stuff using crack without professional treatment and ongoing sport.

This article will explore what crack looks like and how to identify crack addiction.

If you or someone you love struggles with crack cocaine addiction, you must seek treatment as quickly as possible. Compassionate, holistic treatment is available at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team now to explore our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What Does Crack Look Like?

Cocaine is most typically found in a white powder form. Illicit drug dealers and manufacturers create crack cocaine by adding chemicals, Including baking soda, to powdered cocaine. The result is a crystallized or rock-like form of cocaine.

Crack cocaine can come in a range of colors, from clear white to off-white or yellow. The “rocks” of cocaine may vary in size and shape.

Crack cocaine can vary in color based on the additives used to make it. Sometimes, illegal dealers will add other substances, including sugar, caffeine, or other drugs, to crack cocaine. This can increase the weight of the rocks, allowing dealers to charge more money for them.

Users smoke crack by heating it and inhaling the vapors. Crack produces a smell like burning rubber, plastic, or chemicals when heated. Some people may confuse the smell of crack cocaine with the smell of an illicit methamphetamine lab. For this reason, it can be challenging to identify crack cocaine by its smell.

The Effects and Risks of Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine abuse can change how a person looks, thinks, and behaves. The solid form of cocaine produces a more intense high. Some signs of crack cocaine intoxication include:

•  Intense bursts of energy
•  Heightened mental alertness
•  Euphoria
•  Rapid speech
•  Bloodshot eyes
•  Dilated pupils
•  Hoarseness or sore throat  after crack is smoked
•  Tremors

People may exhibit behavioral changes, including:

•  Missing work or school, or falling behind on other responsibilities
•  Isolating or only spending time with others who abuse drugs
•  Not sleeping or sleeping too much
•  Loss of appetite that results in weight loss
•  Neglecting hobbies, relationships, and hygiene
•  Being sneaky or secretive
•  Having legal, social, or financial trouble
•  Exhibiting new or worsening mental health symptoms

Crack cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that is highly addictive. People who use crack cocaine frequently may become physically dependent on it. Addiction to cocaine and crack can result in short and long-term health problems.

People who develop an addiction to crack or cocaine require intensive addiction treatment programs, starting with a medical detox program.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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Treating Crack Cocaine Abuse and Addiction

Crack cocaine addiction can have serious, life-threatening consequences. Identifying crack cocaine addiction is the first step toward getting help.

Addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. People require tailored, comprehensive treatment programs to address the unique underlying roots of their substance abuse.

Here is an overview of what to expect from a crack cocaine addiction treatment program.

Assessment

The first step of treatment is typically a thorough assessment. A substance abuse evaluation includes:

•  Questions about your current and past substance abuse
•  A complete mental health and medical history
•  A family history of  substance abuse and addiction
•  A physical examination
•  Lab testing

This information will help medical and mental health professionals create an effective treatment plan.

Detox

For many people with crack cocaine addiction, a medically supported detox program is the first step of recovery. During detox, people receive supervision and treatment to help them manage withdrawal and have a safe detoxification.

A detox treatment plan may include:

•  Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety throughout detox
•  Mental health treatment, including individual and group therapy
•  Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
•  A secure, supportive environment
•  Holistic therapies, including yoga, mindfulness, nutrition support, and massage

Research shows that participating in a medical detox program increases the likelihood of having a safe, complete detox.

Treatment

After detox is complete, people begin to participate in a comprehensive treatment program. Depending on their unique needs, they may receive inpatient or outpatient care.

A treatment plan may include:

•  Mental health treatment
•  Medication management
•  Relapse prevention education
•  Coping skills
•  Individual, group, and family therapy
•  Behavioral Therapies
•  Screenings and assessments
•  Aftercare planning and support

Participating in a medically assisted treatment program can help people safely quit using drugs and learn how to prevent relapse in the future.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with crack cocaine abuse or addiction, you must seek treatment as soon as possible. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health Specialists to explore our detox and treatment programs. You may reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Drug Intelligence Center: Crack Cocaine Fast Facts
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Crack cocaine use: a review of prevalence and adverse effects
3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Crack cocaine and cocaine hydrochloride. Are the differences myth or reality?