Reading Time: 3 minutes
Crack is a type of cocaine. It’s made by cooking cocaine with baking soda, and then breaking it into tiny, individual pieces called rocks. This substance got its name because it makes a distinct cracking noise when someone heats and smokes it.
If someone is using crack cocaine, there will be multiple telltale signs of an addiction. Today, we’re taking a look at 10 side effects of this substance, so you can identify a problem and help your loved one take steps toward health and healing.
1. Increased Talking
Crack is a stimulant, so a person who’s high on it may become more talkative. In addition to talking more, they may also increase the speed at which they talk. A person high on crack may also jump from one subject to the next quickly, or may not make sense when they are speaking.
2. Dilated Pupils
Since crack cocaine affects the nervous system, it can cause changes to the nerves that impact a person’s iris and pupils. A person on crack may have dilated pupils since their eyes will not adjust to light as they normally do.
3. Hyperactivity
A person on crack cocaine will be more hyper and will have a surplus of energy. This can cause them to become extremely fidgety, and you may notice that they have a difficult time sitting still. A person on crack can engage in various activities while on the drug.
4. Drug Paraphernalia
Crack is typically smoked in a crack pipe. When a person is abusing the drug frequently, they will have these pipes lying around their house or their personal space.
5. Red Eyes
A person abusing crack can have bloodshot eyes, or they may experience swelling around their eyes. If a person’s eyes are red and their pupils are dilated, and they also seem extra hyper, then they may be abusing crack.
6. High and Low Mood Swings
Crack causes a quick high to develop in an individual’s body when smoked, but this effect is short-lived. When someone gets high from the drug, they may feel extremely happy and have a surplus of energy, but they might be extremely fatigued and sad when the high wears off. These extreme highs and lows can lead to frequent mood swings.
7. Depression
Depression is one of the most common symptoms of withdrawal from crack cocaine.
Crack increases the level of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in a person’s brain. This increase of dopamine makes them feel more energized, happier and more confident. However, when the drug is out of their system, their dopamine will be depleted, which can result in depression.
8. Insomnia
Individuals who use crack may experience sleeping problems due to the increased energy they get from the drug. A person who continually uses crack may not sleep for days on end. This can result in extreme paranoia and can be dangerous.
9. Fidgeting
A person using crack will become fidgety when they are on the drug, and even when the effects wear off. When they are on the drug, their nervous system will be stimulated, causing their hands to twitch. They may also grind their teeth.
10. Financial Loss
Crack is an expensive drug to use. Since most people who use the drug feel the need to continually use it to keep their high, they may experience a great deal of financial loss.
Breaking Free from Crack Cocaine’s Grip
Crack cocaine’s allure can be powerful, but its consequences are devastating. The initial euphoria quickly gives way to a brutal cycle of dependence and health problems. Bloodshot eyes, eye pain, and even infections are just a few of the immediate physical signs. However, the damage goes far deeper, impacting both physical and mental health.
The intense cravings associated with crack cocaine make quitting extremely challenging. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, adding another layer of difficulty. The good news is, there is hope. Treatment centers staffed by medical professionals offer a variety of evidence-based options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and support groups.
CBT equips individuals with the tools to manage cravings and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Support groups provide a safe space to connect with others on the path to recovery, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.
Treatment centers can create personalized treatment plans, offering the support and guidance needed to break free from addiction.