What are the risks of using crack cocaine and how to quit addiction


"Crack will make you addicted from the first time," is how those who have tried the famous cocaine describe it. This drug takes you to another world, where you feel strong and energetic as if you own the world in your hands. But these moments of happiness will not last long, as joy soon turns into a nightmare, to discover that you have become just a ghost captive to a single dose of the drug. You will need help to get rid of addiction and save yourself from this dark path. Here is my  Dalili Medical,  everything you need to know and the most important questions about crack abuse.

What is crack***

 

Crack; It is one of the types of drugs that are manufactured from cocaine, and it is no less dangerous than cocaine, but it is more harmful, as it was first manufactured in America in approximately 1986, and the danger of crack lies in its rapid effect and ease of use, as well as its low price compared to other types of drugs. Crack is originally cocaine after processing it, by adding sodium bicarbonate, ammonia and salt, where it turns into small crystalline pieces or pieces similar to soap shavings, in yellow, pale pink or white colors, but with a harder texture, which is smoked by heating it inside a glass tube, or smelled after crushing it, and it was named this name because it produces a cracking and popping sound when heated, and it is sometimes mixed with marijuana or tobacco.

Does crack cause depression?

 

The most important thing that crack causes you is severe depression, which becomes more severe after each use, this depression can increase and be extremely dangerous, as it pushes you to commit suicide.

Is crack one of the most dangerous types of modern drugs?

 

Psychologists indicate that crack is one of the most dangerous types of drugs currently popular and many people are addicted to it, due to its dangerous effect that begins quickly.

Can crack lead to suicide?

 

It is important to know that crack is considered the most dangerous type of drugs, as it makes you feel alert, euphoric, strong and active at first, and it also makes you feel depressed and may even lead to suicide.

What does crack cocaine look like?

 

It is available as a small substance that resembles rocks. The cracked “rocks” can vary in size and shape and are white to yellowish white in color. They have a hard and sharp texture, unlike cocaine. This drug is usually sold in small plastic bags. Crack can be described as white or brown granules or rocks, and the way it appears affects the street names for this drug.

**Does crack cause addiction from the first time?**

 

It is important to know that crack is a narcotic substance with a strong and effective effect, which makes it addictive when taken for the first time. Crack affects the brain by increasing the secretion of neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of happiness and euphoria. This strong feeling prompts the person to continue using to get the same feeling again, which leads to the body's dependence on the drug and thus reaching the stage of addiction.

It is important to know that crack is a narcotic substance with a strong and effective effect, which makes it addictive when taken for the first time. Crack affects the brain by increasing the secretion of neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of happiness and euphoria. This strong feeling prompts the person to continue using to get the same feeling again, which leads to the body's dependence on the drug and thus reaching the stage of addiction.

When does the effect of crack end?

 

The duration of cocaine and crack in the blood ranges between four to six hours when the drug is used for the first time, and this period may extend to about 12 hours if cocaine is taken at spaced intervals. For addicted people, the duration of the drug's presence in the blood may reach two days. Regarding the duration of crack in urine, it reaches 12 hours when used for the first time, but it may extend to three to four days if the person uses it intermittently. As for the case of continuous addiction, cocaine remains in urine can range from one to two weeks.

Does crack cause immediate addiction?

 

Crack reaches the brain quickly, which can lead to addiction after the first use. Users usually need to gradually increase their doses to get the same effect they felt the first time.

**How ​​can you identify a crack addict?**

 

It is important to be aware of some symptoms and signs that may indicate crack addiction. If you notice these signs in someone, it is necessary to confront them. Here are some signs that may indicate addiction:

**Energy and activity** A crack addict shows unusual activity and vitality, and may suffer from hyperactivity, such as eating excessively or even not needing food at all. He also speaks quickly, and when the effect of the dose wears off, he appears tired and exhausted, and may need to sleep for several days.

**Insomnia** Taking crack causes difficulty sleeping, which affects a person's ability to adhere to work schedules or attend school regularly.

**Mood swings** A crack addict suffers from severe mood swings, as he may deal violently and nervously with those around him.

**Depression** The addict often suffers from severe depression, and may sometimes have suicidal thoughts. When he stops taking crack, he feels sad and depressed.

**Paranoia** Taking crack for a long time can lead a person to feel paranoid.

**Hallucinations** A crack addict suffers from visual or auditory hallucinations.

**Psychological illnesses** A crack addict often faces a group of psychological and neurological illnesses.

**Heart** The person suffers from an enlarged heart muscle, in addition to being exposed to heart attacks and irregular heartbeats.

**Agitation** The person shows aggressive behavior and agitation even towards the simplest things.

**Respiratory system** The crack addict suffers from respiratory problems, which affects his ability to carry out activitiesDaily.

**Sex** A person can be exposed to complete impotence, and it may reach infertility.

**Cough** Also, he suffers from a severe cough that may be accompanied by black phlegm.

Are crack and crystal meth the same substance?

 

Both crystal meth and crack affect the nervous system, but they are not extracted from the same source. Crack is extracted from cocaine with the addition of some other substances, while crystal meth is extracted from methamphetamine with the addition of other chemicals. Crystal meth is characterized by its crystalline form that resembles glass or crushed ice, although it is different from cocaine.

**How ​​long does crack remain in the body**

 

The duration of crack in the body varies according to the type of sample, as the duration varies in blood, hair, saliva and urine. This duration is also affected by the pattern of use and the characteristics of each individual. Here is the average duration for each type:

- In blood and saliva: The dose can remain from 12 to 48 hours after the last use.

- In urine: The dose lasts from 2 to 4 days after the last dose.

- In hair: The dose remains for a longer period, as it can last for several months, and in some cases for years after the last use.

**Components of crack (bufa)**

Crack is a type of drug made from cocaine, and is considered one of the fastest-acting drugs on the central nervous system. Crack or bufa consists of several components, including: cocaine, ammonia, cornstarch, talcum powder, sodium bicarbonate, in addition to other unknown components.

**How ​​does crack affect the brain?**

 

Using crack can lead to a range of brain problems in users, including:

- Anxiety.

- Paranoia and panic attacks.

- Loss of sexual desire.

- Difficulty thinking.

- Problems concentrating.

- Difficulty making decisions

**What are the symptoms of crack addiction and abuse?**

 

Crack or cocaine users show clear signs of their use, the most prominent of which are:

- **Excessive impulses:** The user feels an abnormal increase in energy and motivation, which goes beyond any reasonable excitement. This may manifest in excessive activity such as talking quickly, eating excessively (or even not needing food at all, despite not eating anything), or moving nervously. When the effects of the dose wear off, users show signs of extreme fatigue, and may sleep anywhere and continue to sleep for several days. This sharp swing between hyperactivity and fatigue clearly affects their daily behavior.

- **Deterioration in sleep habits:** Crack or cocaine negatively affects the normal sleep pattern, which leads to the user missing school, work, or other obligations. Excessive stimulation also causes a feeling of exhaustion.

- **Severe and unpredictable mood swings:** Crack users become prone to bouts of violence and danger towards others.

- **Severe depression and suicidal thoughts:** Especially when trying to stop using, as the user feels sad and depressed.

- **Paranoia:** Long-term use of crack can lead to a feeling of paranoia.

- The appearance of various types of auditory and visual hallucinations.

- The occurrence of a type of delirium.

- Suffering from some other psychological disorders.

- Exposure to some heart attacks and enlargement of the heart muscle.

- Agitation and aggression for the simplest reasons.

- Affecting the reproductive system and increasing the possibility of infertility.

- Serious damage to the respiratory system, which affects its ability to perform its functions fully.

- Severe mood swings and abnormal behaviors.

- Suffering from some mental illnesses as a result of a stroke.

- Exposure to complete sexual impotence.

- Overdose may lead to sudden death.

- Skin color changes to green or gray in some cases.

- The appearance of black spots on the body in some cases.

- Severe cough accompanied by black phlegm.

- Severe frustration that may lead to suicidal thoughts.

**Crack drug withdrawal symptoms**

When you stop using crack, withdrawal symptoms begin to appear, which can be very painful and dangerous.

The addicted person suffers from a range of symptoms, such as:

- Muscle pain.

- Diarrhea.

- Fever.

- Depression.

- Anxiety attacks and a strong desire to take more crack.

In cases of chronic and serious addiction to crack, suicidal tendencies may appear.

**How ​​is crack used?**

 

The methods of taking crack vary between individuals, as some prefer to inject, while others choose to sniff or smoke. However, smoking is the most common and widespread method among drug users.

1. **Injection:** Crack is injected by crushing the rocks and dissolving them in a liquid, then injecting them into a vein.

2. **Sniffing:** The rocks are crushed and turned into a powder, then inhaled using a tube.

3. **Smoking:*   This is the most common method, where crack pieces are heated and the resulting vapor is inhaled.

**How ​​is crack addiction diagnosed?**

 

A doctor can diagnose crack addiction by conducting a set of tests to measure the level of the drug in the blood and its effects on vital organs. In addition, the following symptoms may be observed:

- Noticeable weight loss.

- Increased depression.

- Lack of interest in personal appearance and hygiene.

- Runny nose.

- Inflammation of the nervous system.

- Sleep problems.

- Loss of interest in social activities.

- Decrease in interest in personal pleasures.

- Hearing or seeing hallucinations that do not exist.

- Transformation into a more nervous personality.

**What are the factors that determine how long crack remains in the body?

 

There are many factors that affect how long crack remains in the body, the most prominent of which are:

1. **Weight**: The more a person weighs, the longer the drug remains in the body, as toxins tend to accumulate in fat cells. Thus, increasing the number of these cells provides additional places to store toxins.

2. **Physical Ability**: Physical abilities vary betweenIndividuals, some people have weak physical ability while others have better physical strength. Therefore, healthier bodies are able to resist toxins more effectively.

3. **Age**: As we age, the efficiency of organs and cells in resisting toxins decreases, which leads to an increase in the duration of these toxins in the body.

4. **Nature of use**: The effect of the drug varies depending on the method of use. People who use the drug intensively or for long periods need longer to get rid of toxins than those who use it for shorter periods.

What is the difference between crack and cocaine and which is more dangerous?

 

It can be likened to the difference between the original product and the counterfeit version, as cocaine is the main source of crack, which is responsible for the stimulant properties it has. However, due to its high price, a cheaper version known as crack has been produced, which provides similar effects. However, there are some important differences between them:

1. **Cocaine**: Cocaine is extracted naturally from the coca plant, and comes in the form of a white powder that is inhaled. Its effects begin to appear within 1-5 minutes of use, peak within 30 minutes, and then disappear completely from the body within an hour.

2. **Crack**: Crack can be considered a cheap and manufactured version of cocaine, as it is produced by adding cocaine to other chemicals, and comes in the form of small rock pieces. It is smoked, which allows it to enter the body faster and leaves a stronger effect than cocaine.

**Which is more dangerous?**

 

Crack is considered more dangerous than cocaine, as it is a manufactured substance that contains harmful chemicals, while cocaine is extracted naturally from the coca plant. In addition, crack moves from the lungs to the brain within 15 minutes, which increases the risk of overdose.

**Symptoms of crack drug abuse:**

When using crack, you may feel as if you have wings that allow you to fly, as if you are sitting on the throne of this planet. These are the initial impressions caused by crack, but there are also side effects resulting from the drug entering your body, which include the symptoms of cocaine and crack abuse:

1. **Euphoria and happiness:**   You will feel great euphoria and happiness as a result of the increased levels of dopamine and adrenaline hormones, which play a major role in feeling happy and active.

2. **Energy and activity:**   You will say goodbye to a life of laziness completely, as crack increases energy and activity levels significantly, making you able to work long hours on difficult tasks without stopping.

3. **Insomnia:**   You will suffer from insomnia, as you will remain awake for long periods due to the excessive activity resulting from the high levels of dopamine in the body.

4. **Increased sexual activity:**   You will notice a significant improvement in your sexual activity, whether in terms of increased desire or erection strength, but you may also experience unusual and violent sexual behaviors.

5. **Pupil dilation:**   You may need to wear sunglasses even at night, as the pupil dilates, leading to sensitivity in the back of the eye, making you unable to tolerate light.

6. **Nervousness:**

You will feel increased nervousness and tension, which may affect your behavior and interactions with others.

7. Weight loss: "You have lost significant weight" is a phrase you may hear during the period of crack use, as this drug activates the glands responsible for the metabolism process.

8. Talkativeness: It is characterized by a loss of the ability to concentrate, as you talk a lot and interrupt the conversation frequently, and move between different topics suddenly and without a clear goal. These new characteristics appear as a result of stimulating the speech centers in the brain due to crack use.

**Long-term damage and complications of crack use:**

Continuing to use crack may not be the right choice, as this drug causes serious psychological and physical damage in the long term, including the following:

1. **Addiction:** You may become addicted from the first dose, which leads to the brain centers becoming dependent on the drug, and it becomes difficult to function normally without it, causing difficult withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.

2. **Severe depression:** The state of happiness you were feeling will end, and over time, you may suffer from severe depression that may lead you to think about suicide, as a result of the decrease in the level of the happiness hormone that was increasing thanks to the drug.

3. **Delusions:**   You may be exposed to illogical thoughts such as "Someone wants to kill me" or "My wife is cheating on me" or "The intelligence wants to recruit me", and these delusions result from the chemical disturbances caused by the drug in the brain.

4. **Auditory and visual hallucinations:**   Do you feel that you hear voices or see people around you? Or do you feel insects walking on your body? This is not true, but rather auditory and visual hallucinations resulting from a significant increase in the level of dopamine in your body.

5. **Heart attacks:**   If you feel sharp pains in your chest as if your heart is going to stop, this may be a sign of a heart attack resulting from narrowing of the blood vessels and blood clots.

6. Paranoia: "I can fly", "This world is mine", "I can earn a million pounds in a minute" - these thoughts and beliefs that recur in your mind indicate that you are suffering from paranoia, which may lead you to make irrational decisions that expose you to serious risks.

7. Loss of sense of smell: This symptom is not temporary as is the case with the Corona virus, but rather a permanent condition resulting from the destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, which leads to nosebleeds and loss of sense of smell.

8. Infection with AIDS and hepatitis C: Can you have sex with people who carry these diseases? With crack, this is no longer a far-fetched possibility, but a real possibility due to your reckless sexual behavior and lack of concern for following preventive measures, which makes you vulnerable to chronic diseases.

I want to stop using crack, or at least take a break. What can I do?

 

The first few days or hours after stopping use can be difficult to get throughBut if you can resist the urge — and stay away from drugs — you’ll soon start to feel better. The urge to use may be strong at first, but it will ease over time.

The following strategies can help you get off crack:

- Find out about treatment programs.

- Join a self-help group for support and to connect with others in recovery.

- Stay away from all other drugs, including alcohol.

- Check into a detox center for a few days.

- Avoid carrying cash or credit cards.

- Stay away from people and places associated with drugs.

- Promote your health by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising.

- Stay busy with work, school, and other activities that don’t involve drugs.

- Tell your friends and family that you’re avoiding drugs, and ask for their support.

**How ​​to Treat Crack Addiction**

 

You are certainly aware of the seriousness of drug addiction, so treating this addiction requires urgent medical intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan that is not limited to abstaining from the drug, but also aims to radically change your lifestyle through the following steps:

1. **Comprehensive medical examination:**We start by getting to know you and your health condition by conducting medical examinations and tests that include a blood picture, a virus analysis, a drug analysis, in addition to liver and kidney function tests, in order to assess your health condition and choose the most appropriate treatment program for you.

2. **Painless treatment of withdrawal symptoms:**We realize that this step may cause you anxiety, but you can overcome it painlessly through a drug program that aims to remove toxins and treat withdrawal symptoms, which may include (an urgent desire for the drug, severe depression, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, physical pain, agitation and violence, drowsiness, and numbness in the extremities). You will be able to overcome these symptoms easily and painlessly. The second stage of crack addiction treatment comes by breaking the physical dependence on the drug. When you stop taking it, you will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Treating crack addiction at home is impractical, as it will be very difficult to control the desire to take crack without medical help.

**3. Psychotherapy and behavioral rehabilitation:** The treatment aims to achieve recovery rather than just abstinence, and this principle is the main key in treating addiction. Through it, we seek to change your life completely and free you from the control of drugs through:

- **Individual psychotherapy and behavioral rehabilitation sessions:** Where we work to address the causes that led to addiction, change your behaviors and thoughts, and teach you new positive behaviors, in addition to how to control the compulsive desire that drives you to use.

- **Group therapy sessions:** Where you find yourself surrounded by a supportive therapeutic community consisting of doctors and other patients who share your experience and exchange experiences with you, which encourages you to continue treatment.

- **Treatment of psychological disorders associated with addiction:** Known as dual diagnosis, through psychotherapy sessions and medications that help restore the body's chemical balance.

We help you return to society, teach you how to live without drug dependence, and how to deal with difficult situations, stress, depression and loneliness that you may face, without the need for drugs to avoid relapse.

**Detoxification:** Withdrawal symptoms begin several hours after the last dose taken, and last for up to seven days. The detoxification plan includes the use of a set of medications that help relieve these symptoms.

**Psychotherapy** Psychotherapy includes a variety of methods, the most appropriate of which is chosen according to the type of addiction the patient suffers from. Among these methods are:

**Cognitive Behavioral Therapy** Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most common methods in treating addiction cases. This type of treatment focuses on modifying unhealthy behaviors that led to the emergence of the desire to addiction. It also works to identify the problems and dysfunctions in the patient's thinking, and reformulates these ideas in a way that helps him become a normal person who does not need addiction as a means of escaping his problems, but rather learns how to confront them and deal with them effectively.

**Group Therapy**

This type of therapy is implemented by gathering patients suffering from crack addiction in joint sessions. The patient feels motivated and supported when he sees others facing the same challenges and being able to overcome them. Studies have shown that this therapeutic approach contributes significantly to improving the condition of patients.

**Motivational Therapy**This strategy is based on motivating the patient by offering material or in-kind rewards, which encourages him to make progress in treatment. When the patient does not show any progress, he does not receive the reward, which motivates him to make more effort to achieve his goals.

**12-Step Therapy**This type of therapy is used to treat mental illnesses, in addition to dual diagnosis cases, as it deals with addiction accompanying mental illnesses. This treatment is based on 12 specific spiritual steps that the patient follows, with the aim of restoring the spiritual side that he lost during his addiction period, which contributes to helping him get back on the right track again.