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Identifying the Signs of Crack Withdrawal

While heroin is the biggest “bad word” in the world of drug addiction at the current moment, we are not that far removed from the crack cocaine epidemic that its remnants don’t still send chills down your spine. Crack cocaine is still the preferred drug of choice in less affluent locations, especially in the country’s larger cities. Crack cocaine has highly addictive properties, which leads to a significant number of people becoming addicted to it with as few as one to two uses. Obviously, the first thing you want to do to help yourself or a loved one who is addicted to crack is to get them professional help, and one of the quickest ways to identify a crack addiction is to be aware of the signs of crack withdrawal. When a person is addicted to crack cocaine, they will begin to experience crack withdrawal symptoms in a relatively short period of time after their last use.

3 Minute Read | Published Aug 23 2023 | Updated Mar 02 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
David Levin
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
David Levin
Reviewed by

How to Identify the Signs and Understand the Dangers of Crack Withdrawal

A crack addiction is very demanding. A person can begin to experience withdrawal in a little as 30 minutes to an hour after their last use. This rapid occurrence is due to the rate that crack is metabolized on a cellular level. Because the drug is metabolized so quickly, the body and brain quickly demand more.

Recognizing The Signs & Symptoms of Crack Withdrawal

At Better Addiction Care, we work with people who are struggling with drug abuse, drug addiction, and alcoholism, along with their families, in order to help them understand their condition and assist them in finding the appropriate treatment program for them. The first step in identifying a crack addiction is learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of crack withdrawal. Because crack withdrawal sets in so rapidly, it is likely that you will witness a person struggling with a crack addiction going through withdrawal at some point.

Following is a crack withdrawal symptoms list to help you familiarize yourself with signs and symptoms associated with crack withdrawal.

  • Suicidal ideations (thoughts of taking their own life)
  • Aggression and acts of violence toward others
  • Sleep disturbances, including vivid nightmares
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations, mental disturbances and other forms of psychosis
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Strong cravings for the drug
  • Restlessness and irritability
  • Exaggerated feelings of paranoia
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Lack of motivation
  • Depression
  • Musculoskeletal pain

The Cause of Crack Withdrawal Symptoms

Crack cocaine is a stimulant that possesses the properties to alter the natural chemical balance in the brain — disrupting the production of the brain’s neurotransmitters. This shift in chemistry interferes with the production of serotonin and dopamine, impacting the person’s emotions, thought processes, behavior and perceptive ability. When there is continued use, the brain and the body makes the adjustment to the disruptions, and the abnormal chemistry becomes the new norm. When the person stops using, they will begin to experience some of the physiological and psychological occurrences on the crack withdrawal symptoms list above.

These symptoms are the result of the body and brain demanding the drug in order to maintain the brain chemistry created by crack use, making the use of crack withdrawal medication highly effective in the treatment of a crack addiction, especially during the detoxification process.

The longer a person abstains from crack use the more intense the withdrawal symptoms will become, making it important to find the right inpatient drug treatment center to provide the services and care that will be needed in order to experience a complete recovery.

While crack withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, the use of crack withdrawal medication administered by a trained medical profession will mitigate the impact of withdrawal, making it easier to completely detoxify the body.

To learn more about crack withdrawal and how to find the right treatment center call (800) 429-7690 to speak with one of our addiction specialists or visit our site at https://betteraddictioncare.com/.

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