What is crack?

Crack is the freebase form of cocaine and is usually smoked in order to achieve the desired effect or “high.” It has several nicknames such as base, cavvy, hard, iron, or rock. However, it is most commonly referred to as crack. In its purest form, crack cocaine is a jagged-edged, off-white nugget that resembles candle wax only with a slightly higher density. In other purer forms, it reminds one of a brittle plastic and is almost crystalline.

Effects of crack use

The effects of crack use can be both physiological and psychological in nature as are the dependencies on it. One of the most addictive drugs in the illegal market today, crack cocaine acts directly on the brain by overloading the dopamine receptors and that creates confusion within the organ, lowering brain activity. It has been found out that even after no crack for 10 days under crack addiction rehab, the brain shows lowered activity. Thus, it takes time to regain the normal brain functioning. The other effects of crack use include:

Primary physiological effects:

• bizarre, erratic, or violent behavior
• constricted blood vessels
• dilated pupils
• increased blood pressure and heart rate
• increased body temperature
• muscle twitches
• paranoia
• tremors
• vertigo

Primary psychological effects:

• alertness
• cravings for more of the substance
• euphoria
• hallucinations
• increased energy
• increased irritability
• insomnia and restlessness
• loss of appetite
• potential paranoia
• supreme confidence

Crack is considered the most addictive form of cocaine as well as one of the most powerfully addictive drugs available on the streets. It is the intense desire to experience that initial high that becomes the driving force behind the cravings for smoking more crack cocaine. As the tolerance for the drug continues to build, so does the dependency on it. Additionally, the cravings grow stronger and stronger until overdosing is likely. In most cases, a crack overdose can be fatal.

The Delray Recovery Center can help you

Should you or a loved one notice that any of the physiological or psychological effects listed above apply to you, you should consider getting professional help from an addiction treatment and recovery center that offers a crack addiction rehab program. Our different rehab programs are some of the most effective in the US and the majority of our former clients have remained substance-free since they returned home to their community.