Christian Drug Rehab Experts Discuss Effects of Crack Cocaine

Christian drug treatment centers admit thousands of crack cocaine users into their Christian drug rehab programs every day. Crack cocaine has been a devastating problem on American streets since the early 1980’s. Christian drug rehab experts know that few drugs have taken as many lives and caused more harm to the American public. Crack is a form of cocaine that has been processed from cocaine hydrochloride. Instead of needing a more volatile method of processing by using ether, which is the method of powder cocaine production, manufacturers of crack cocaine process the drug with ammonia or baking soda.

Christian drug treatment center experts believe this form of free based cocaine was nicknamed "crack" because of the crackling sound heard when users smoke the drug. Christian drug rehab doctors realize cocaine used in any form is dangerous. However, Christian drug treatment center physicians warn that smoking crack as opposed to snorting cocaine may accelerate the addictive process. Therefore, drug rehab therapists acknowledge the fact that people who smoke cocaine, rather than snort it tend to become addicted far more rapidly.

Smoking crack takes a toll on a user’s body. The drug is a strong central nervous system stimulant that interferes with dopamine processing. This chemical messenger is associated with pleasure and movement. Dopamine release is a component of the human brain’s reward system, and it is a key reason why user’s feel the "high" or "rush" from cocaine use. Some of the damaging physical effects of crack cocaine use include: constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils, increased body temperature and heart rate and higher blood pressure. Hyperstimulation, increased energy, and mental clarity are additional results of crack cocaine use. Heavy crack use contributes to extreme paranoia and delusional thinking, not to mention erratic behavior, mood swings, and possible death by cardiac arrest.