Understanding crack cocaine addiction in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and other parts of Alberta by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug addiction and recovery.
Crack is a highly addictive narcotic derivative of cocaine that was discovered in the United States around 1981. Crack is obtained through the transformation of cocaine once it is mixed with baking soda and then water, ammonia or ether. The crack forms a block of crystals, powder or small rocks that is then heated before inhaling. This is what causes the cracks in the rock and this is the reason that the drug has taken on the name, which is sometimes simply shortened to just rock. The formulas can vary, as well as the results. However, the effects can still be just as devastating from one formulation to the next. Crack is often looked upon as being the drug of choice for lower income people simply because it can sometimes cost only $5 per dose. However, this is a highly addictive drug that has become one of the more expensive drugs in the world, with many people having to turn to prostitution, theft or trafficking as a way of getting the doses that they need.
Abusing Crack Cocaine
Crack cocaine is used by way of smoking it, sometimes through intravenous measures by way of injection. When the drug is inhaled, it has the ability to reach the brain quickly. Some people are already high in as little as ten seconds after taking the first puff. There is then a feeling of euphoria that will last for about five to ten minutes in duration. The descent then comes on with a strong need to resume use immediately, so it is common for someone to then look quickly for another dose. After the feeling of euphoria dies down, it can often be followed by a period of anxiety that can be even worse than the one that you would get from consuming cocaine.
Crack cocaine may be smoked by way of pipes or different sorts and there are often makeshift pipes that are made using rubber hoses, plumbing fixtures, aluminum cans and more. As with other drugs, crack has the ability to numb out negative emotions and it allows users the ability to feel good for a period of time. The more that they consume, the more likely they will feel as though they need to have more and more of it. This ends up being a vicious cycle that will lea some addicts to consume anywhere around 40 or more doses each day.
The Side Effects Of Crack Cocaine
The effects of crack cocaine will be similar to that of cocaine, with the exception that it can be felt a lot quicker and more intense. Think of it like cocaine, but boosted. It can cause several side effects, including:
Lung injury
Digestive problems
Muscle twitching
Perforation of the nasal septum
Increased body temperature
Neurological issues
Rapid heartbeat
Increased body temperature
Elevated blood pressure
Because of these side effects, it is easy to see that the population known for consuming crack will be more likely to suffer from respiratory distress, heart attacks, stroke, gastrointestinal disorders, and seizures. There can also be cases of overdose that will lead to death by way of hypothermia or convulsions.
In order to smoke crack, some people will use soda cans and other instruments that are made from glass or metal. Because of the extremely high temperatures that can come from using such instruments, there can be burns, cuts, open sores on the gums, lips or on the inside of the mouth that can develop.
Symptoms Of Crack Cocaine Use
Someone who is using crack cocaine will often have dilated pupils, chapped nostrils, dehydration, sniffling, dry mouth or lips, speech difficulties and bleeding. You may also see noticeable sores on the mouth and episodes that resemble paranoia, violence and aggression.
Drug Rehabilitation For Crack Cocaine
There are a number of options that you can go with for treatment of crack cocaine addiction. Choosing from inpatient or outpatient care, detox centers, short or long term rehabilitation and other forms of treatment will help tremendously. If you are looking for further information for yourself or someone that you know who may need treatment, it is best to contact a drug counselor today.
Options Okanagan Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.
Our unique and distinctive drug treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.
Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.
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Options Okanagan Drug Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
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