Early Warning Signs of Crack Addiction

by Admin on Thursday March 16, 2017

Learn to identify early warning signs of crack addiction

Crack cocaine is the crystal, free-base form of cocaine. Known as a "wonder drug", its popularity is - in part - due to its particular qualities of inexpensiveness, ultra-potency, and causing a fast-acting high. When someone begins using, it may be difficult to miss the early warning signs of addiction, so be aware.

As one of the most dangerous stimulants, crack use can induce a fast, euphoric high. By smoking, the stimuli in the body produces effects similar to those arising form intravenous injections, speeding up severals mental and physical processes, which - at the same time - seem to mimic an increase of energy, attention and focus.

The effects of smoking are seen in such a rapid way, because the drug is quickly absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream, traveling at a very nigh pace to the brain and the rest of the body.

Signs and symptoms of crack use are quick to be felt and peak quickly; the whole process can be experienced between 5 10 15 minutes. This short-term experience is what leads to an abrupt abuse cycle, that with time develops first into dependency and last, into an addiction.

Because crack is a very dangerous, unpredictable and addictive substance, no one that tries it can have the certainty that they will only use it once or in a casual/recreational way. Common signs of abuse may be both physical and psychological and.

Some of these common signs of abuse, at the physical level are:

Dilated pupils
Insomnia
Increased heart rate
Hypertension (raised blood pressure)
Fasciculations / twitching of the muscles

Psychologically, signs and symptoms of use, are:

Volatile mood swings
Psychotic symptoms
Persistent and obsessive thoughts
Inability to stop despite a strong desire to do so

Early warning signs of addiction will manifest rapidly; someone that suffers from this type of addiction will carelessly be part of dangerous situations, or engage in problematic behaviors to continue obtaining and consuming the substance.

Signs and symptoms of crack use that will help you find solid ground for an intervention include:

High levels of depression
Increased anxiety, stress, and worry
Being highly irritable and easily agitated
Intense cravings for more crack.

Other early warning signs of crack addiction include inattentive behavior when in possession of drug-related materials and/or equipment; this also serves to help friends and family in identifying when someone is suffering from an addition to crack.

Common signs of crack abuse will lead to erratic behavior; suddenly an abuser may be doing something that would seem almost impossible if they were in a sober state. These mannerism could go from being suddenly anti-social, to lying, stealing or selling possessions in order to obtain fast, easy money to buy more drugs.

Furthermore, people who abuse crack will often mix it with other substances whether to smoke it or to take it intravenously. This poses a higher level of danger and raises the probabilities of suffering an overdose. An overdose of crack can result in extreme rapid heartbeat, a spike in blood pressure, seizures, stroke and/or death.

In addition to these dangers, long-term effects of abusing the drug can also lead to:

Liver, kidney and lung damage
Respiratory failure
Malnutrition, weight loss
Severe tooth decay
Sexual problems, reproductive damage and infertility (for both men and women)
Delirium or psychosis
Permanent damage to blood vessels of ear and brain

Crack addicts are not likely to admit that they have a drug problem or that they need help to overcome it. In fact, many abusers will often believe that they have everything under control and that reaction from friends and loved ones are simply mislead. If you think you are witnessing some of the early warning signs of crack addiction in someone that you love, the best way to help them turn their life around is to encourage them to go into a recovery program.

Maybe you will need professional assistance in order to coordinate an intervention and help your loved one get into treatment, but this is essential for their health. Seeking help today may be the only way to protect and preserve your own sanity as well as give your loved one a real shot at a balanced life without crack addiction.

Sources:

https://www.addictions.com/crack-addiction/

http://cocaine.org/crack-cocaine/telltale-signs-symptoms-of-crack-addiction/

https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/crack-cocaine/symptoms-signs/