For decades, crack has been a nightmare for users and their families. Made infamous during the crack epidemic of the 1980s, the drug has wreaked havoc on American families for years. Crack has always been remarkably potent, highly addictive, and incredibly cheap to produce. Therefore, it has long been a formidable foe in the fight against addiction. Through understanding why crack is so uniquely positioned for potential abuse, we hope to combat the horrors of crack addiction. We also hope to answer the question: How can I quit smoking crack?
What Exactly is Crack?
Before diving deeper, it is important to know exactly what we are up against. Crack, also commonly referred to as “rock”, is a smokable freebase form of cocaine. Like cocaine, crack acts as a local anesthetic, numbing the face, tongue, and other areas. More often than not, crack will be “cut” or adulterated with another substance. This is so a supplier can artificially increase the bulk of their stock. It means that most crack found on the streets is not “pure” but rather is cut with other dangerous chemicals or substances that resemble crack.
Crack gained its notoriety during the 1980s. It presented a cheaper, more easily produced alternative to cocaine. Primarily smoked, crack produces an intense, short-term “high” in users. The length of the high is usually 30 minutes to an hour. For this and other reasons, crack addiction has become widespread. Users may require more and repeated uses to feel the same effects. They also experience the effects for a much shorter time than, say, heroin or methamphetamine. This leads to habitual use, which often results in full-blown crack addiction.
How Hard is it to Quit Crack?
Crack addiction can bring immense hardships to one’s life. It can also bring hardship to the lives of the addict’s loved ones. Known for being highly potent and addictive, users can develop addiction in as little as one use of crack. Once addiction is established, it becomes harder and harder to quit. The body grows accustomed to the drug’s effects.
How can I quit smoking crack? While it may be difficult, finding a support system to help end your addiction is essential. The only thing harder than experiencing crack addiction oneself is to watch a loved one suffer through it. By finding the appropriate medically supervised detoxification program, one can be free of crack addiction and live a prosperous, drug-free life.
List of Crack Withdrawal Symptoms
When a user stops using crack, the body reacts in several different ways. It is important to remember that the frequency of use and amount used can affect a user’s individual withdrawal symptoms. It can also affect the user’s withdrawal timeline. Common withdrawal symptoms associated with crack use include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Exhaustion
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Shaking
- Insomnia
- Emotional outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating
Crack Withdrawal Timeline
Crack withdrawal typically occurs roughly 72 hours after the last use. Physical symptoms of crack withdrawal typically subside after a month. That said, they been known to last for several months depending on certain factors. These factors include frequency of use, possible polysubstance abuse, and physical makeup.
How Can I Safely Quit Smoking Crack?
When quitting crack, the proper precautions must be in place. These precautions will increase successful recovery results and cut down on risk. So how can I quit smoking crack? The safest and most effective method of quitting crack is medically supervised detoxification at an appropriate detoxification facility.
By choosing medically supervised detox, one is in a great position to achieve a successful recovery. Many studies suggest addiction is easiest to kick when a person has a dedicated and appropriate support system. Too many cases of unsupervised solo crack withdrawal have ended in tragedy. This tragedy could have been prevented had the person sought proper addiction treatment.
At a good detoxification facility, medical professionals swiftly and appropriately deal with any risks of potentially dangerous situations that could arise. By mitigating risk and effectively giving oneself the tools for success, those seeking medically supervised detox often see the best results.
Crack Detox Center in Memphis Tennessee
Here at Detox West Tennessee we are waiting with open arms to help get your life back on track. Located in Memphis, TN, we provide a comfortable environment conducive to healing. Our residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation and detoxification center is equipped with all the tools necessary to help you kick your drug dependency. We offer medically supervised, evidence based detox programs. These programs were built to help you maintain your sobriety for good. There has never been a better time to take control of your dependency. Allow us to help you take the first steps in your personal recovery journey. Contact us today.