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Crack addiction is serious, and unfortunately, even using the drug just once can cause this issue to occur. Therefore, professional treatment is extremely necessary for those who have been abusing this dangerous drug.
How Does Crack Addiction Treatment Work?
As stated by the Center for Substance Abuse Research, a person can become addicted after their first time trying crack cocaine, so one should seek out treatment as soon as possible for this issue. In rehab for crack abuse, withdrawal is usually the first part of recovery, and a patient will often be given medications to help them work through their symptoms. Once these begin to subside, the real treatment for addiction can begin.
Crack abuse can lead to a number of serious medical and psychological issues, all of which must be addressed in treatment. You will be able to learn positive life skills for the future and ways to cope with stress and cravings as well as how to avoid relapse. Without this kind of treatment and training, it can be incredibly difficult––and often impossible––to stop abusing a drug as addictive as crack cocaine.
What Methods Are Used in Crack Addiction Treatment?
According to Harvard Medical School, “Psychotherapy remains a foundation for treatment of addiction to cocaine or other stimulants.” Cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, and group therapy have all been used effectively to minimize relapse potential and change patients’ unhealthy attitudes toward substance abuse. The Matrix Model is another effective program that was specifically created for stimulant abusers; over the course of 16 weeks, individuals learn to promote feelings of dignity and self-worth as well as to avoid issues that could lead to relapse.
In general, there are no medications approved for the treatment of stimulant addictions. However, you may receive certain medications as treatments for different symptoms associated with your substance abuse. Antidepressants can be used to treat the depressive effects associated with stimulant withdrawal, and antipsychotics may be used early on to reduce issues with psychosis, which often occur after the cessation of crack abuse.
There are a number of other methods that might be beneficial to your needs, including certain holistic options that have been found to be extremely useful.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Care
Crack is an extremely addictive drug that also causes severe psychological and physical issues in most abusers, especially when it is smoked (National Drug Intelligence Center). If you have been using this drug for a long period of time, it may be necessary for you to seek inpatient care in order to be certain that your rehab center will be able to provide you with the most comprehensive recovery program. In addition, many crack abusers misuse other drugs as well, and if you are suffering from multiple addictions, it will be much safer for you to be in a controlled environment, especially early in your recovery.
Do I Need Crack Rehab?
If you have abused crack even once, there is a strong chance that you are already addicted. It is important to consider whether your use of the drug (and others) is within your control and how severe these issues have become. But in most cases, professional rehab is necessary for one to recover from crack cocaine abuse.
Without treatment, you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself to recover safely and giving yourself little or no tools with which to achieve this change. Treatment can help you learn how to fight crack abuse as well as how to cope with the issues it has caused in your life. Rehab is almost always necessary in the case of crack cocaine abuse, especially because the drug itself is so dangerous.
Recovery Is Possible; Seek Treatment Today
You can recover from crack abuse safely and effectively, but you shouldn’t have to do it alone. We can match you with the best treatment facility for your needs as well as answer any questions you may have about addiction and recovery.