Treatment for Crack Addiction

How to get a loved one treatment for crack addiction

Learning how to recognize the physical and behavioral signs of crack addiction is the first step to getting a loved one the treatment for crack addiction they need for recovery. Crack is a highly dangerous form of cocaine that creates a short-lived, intense high. Crack cocaine is incredibly addictive.  The euphoric and stimulant effects of crack cocaine, combined with its short duration, can cause some individuals to become psychologically addicted after a single use. Crack addiction exacts a severe toll on users, affecting an individual’s mental, physical, and psychological well-being.  The effects of crack addiction are devastating, but effective addiction treatment options are available that make long-term recovery possible.

Recognizing crack addiction

Crack addiction causes a number of physical changes in users. Crack addicts will exhibit dilated pupils, increased breathing rate and sweating, a dry mouth, and constant sore throat. Slurred speech, incoherent rambling, and inattention are signs of crack use. Smoking crack can cause blisters on lips and fingers, and you may notice a strong chemical smell that lingers in users’ clothing and hair. Long-term crack cocaine use can cause central nervous system impairment, body shakes, heart attack, and seizures.

Once the physical and psychological effects of crack begin to be felt, users’ instincts for self-preservation are overcome by the desire to use. If you think a loved one is displaying the physical signs of an addiction to crack cocaine, observe them closely to see if they are exhibiting any of the following signs of crack addict behavior:

• Aggressiveness, severe mood swings and erratic behavior
• Insomnia
• Violent outbursts
• Psychosis
• Severe depression when not using
• Extreme weight loss
• Lack of personal hygiene
• Stealing items of value from everyone, including loved ones
• Continued use of crack, even as physical health and relationships are affected
• Broken promises
• Drug-seeking behavior to the exclusion of work, school, or personal relationships

How to get someone off crack

Crack addicts tend to be in serious denial. If you recognize the signs of crack addict behavior in a loved one, it is time to get help from a professional drug addiction specialist. When someone is heavily addicted to crack, they need the services of a drug rehab treatment center in order to break their addiction. An addiction specialist can help you with intervention strategies to get someone to admit they have a problem with crack, so they will be willing to enter rehab and start the recovery journey.

Treatment for crack addiction can occur on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Inpatient treatment is considered the best option for heavily addicted to crack cocaine, because quitting the drug causes intense withdrawal symptoms. Currently, there are no medications approved by the FDA to treat crack cocaine addiction. Researchers are working on some promising leads, but for now medication can only help individuals feel a little less uncomfortable while going through detox.

Crack addiction treatment

The most effective treatment for crack addiction is behavioral therapy. Contingency Management and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are the leading behavioral therapies for treating crack addiction. Contingency Management Therapy is effective at helping recovering crack addicts to remain in their treatment programs and abstain from drugs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which teaches recovering addicts how to identify and cope with the triggers and emotions that can lead to drug use, has been found to be effective in preventing relapse.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.