Warning Signs of Crack Cocaine Use

Witnessing crack addict behavior? Learn the warning signs of crack cocaine.

Cocaine is a potent, addictive stimulant drug with a high potential for abuse and addiction. It blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, and creates feelings of euphoria and well-being in the user. As a central nervous system stimulant, cocaine has a powerful effect on the body and mind of anyone who uses the drug. Cocaine can be processed with sodium bicarbonate and water to create crack cocaine, which looks like little rocks or crystals. The drug is very popular among young adults aged eighteen to twenty-five, and can be smoked, snorted or injected. Crack cocaine got its name because it crackles when it is heated for smoking. Common street names for cocaine are snow, toot, flake, dice, rocks, nuggets, snow, C, blow, coke and more. If you suspect a loved one of using crack and believe warning signs of crack cocaine use are apparent, keep reading to learn how treatment can help.

Warning Signs of Crack Use

There are specific warning signs in crack addict behavior that signify that something is amiss. Crack abuse and addiction will often give the addict the feeling of over-confidence and they may feel like they can conquer the world. Because the drug quickens the central nervous system it can make the addict hyperactive and he may become very talkative and restless. Some crack addicts become nervous and anxious and may exhibit aggressive behavior. Crack addiction can cause paranoia and the addict could experience respiratory system failure. Other symptoms and warning signs of crack cocaine use may include:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Seizures
• Respiratory failure
• Hallucinations, delirium
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Kidney failure
• ADHD and other mental disorders

Crack addict behavior

Crack addict behavior can be devastating to witness, because the addict can be adversely affected mentally, physically and emotionally. The addict’s pupils may become enlarged, and he may experience an increase in body temperature. Addicts usually begin to neglect their personal hygiene and appearance, and they may begin to withdraw from family and friends. Another sign of crack addict behavior is that the addict may begin to have sleep problems. Often, crack addicts will “binge and crash” meaning that they will be high on cocaine for a few days or a week , and then stop using when their body gives out from exhaustion and they may require prolonged sleep to recuperate. You may notice that the crack addict exhibits bizarre behavior or begins to develop a short fuse and he becomes angry and irritable easily. This is caused by the adverse effects of the drug on the brain. The crack addict will experience many changes in his physical, mental and emotional makeup.

Signs of Crack Use in Men

Cocaine is a known aphrodisiac and stimulant, and signs of crack use in men is typically to seen when they are trying to enhance their sex life. Cocaine allows the addict to perform sexual acts for a longer period of time, and because the reward center of the brain is also stimulated the effects of sex while high on cocaine can be a very pleasurable experience. Crack cocaine also makes the addict more sexually aggressive, delays orgasm and heightens the sense of touch which can lead to stronger orgasms. The negative side to this is that rougher sex can cause injury to the penis, and erectile dysfunction may develop in addicts who have used crack cocaine for a long period of time, or take high doses of the drug. When crack addiction is paired with sex addiction it becomes a powerful obstacle that requires treatment to address both issues simultaneously. Some gay and bi-sexual men also use crack cocaine and methamphetamines to enhance their sexual activity.

Treatment for crack cocaine recovery should be done as an inpatient at a drug rehab center as soon after the warning signs of crack cocaine use are present. The addict should receive a medically supervised detox, and then begin a series of counseling and therapy sessions to address all the physical, psychological and emotional issues that challenge him. If the patient is committed to the recovery process and gives himself enough time in treatment, he can successfully overcome his addiction and the mental and behavioral problems that accompanied it.

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.