Is Crack Cocaine Still Causing Deaths in the US?

Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine which has been processed to produce a crystal rock which users heat and smoke. It gets its name from the crackling sound it makes while smoking. The high that crack produces is a short-lived high, only lasting about 10 to 15 minutes. This drug is much cheaper than other cocaine which makes it easier to obtain. However, the short amount of time that the user experiences the “high” can contribute to the expense of it when bingeing or once a full-blown addiction has developed.

Effects of Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine is a stimulant which causes increased energy. This drug also makes the user feel euphoric and happy. They believe that they can accomplish tasks faster and in more detail than they would otherwise. The increased energy, focus and attention are short-lived and then the user experiences depression, irritability, and an intense craving for more of the drug. Those who abuse crack regularly have increased heart rate and can suffer from muscle spasms and seizures. They have an increased potential for heart attack, respiratory failure, seizures, and stroke. All of these can end in death. Often, crack is mixed with other substances which can be toxic for the user. Smoking crack can also cause users to feel hostile, angry, and paranoid.

Deaths From Cocaine and Crack Cocaine

Those who abuse crack cocaine build a tolerance to it and need to smoke it more and more to achieve a “high.” Once addicted to crack, an individual is at a much greater risk of overdosing on it or having other severe symptoms which can result in death. Some of the long-term effects of crack are:

  • Severe damage to heart, kidneys, and lung
  • Malnutrition and extreme weight loss
  • Tooth decay and tooth loss
  • High blood pressure which can lead to a heart attack or stroke
  • Respiratory failure
  • Reproductive damage and infertility (for men and women)
  • Increased times of risky behavior in order to obtain drug

An individual does not have to overdose on cocaine to die from using it. However, people can overdose on cocaine the first time used. You have no way of knowing how much you can use without it being too much for your body to handle. If using regular cocaine, you have no idea how pure the substance you are using might be. If smoking crack cocaine, you do not know what other toxins have been added to it. No matter how you are using cocaine or how often you are using, you could suffer a sudden heart attack or stroke resulting in death.

Treatment for Crack Cocaine Addiction

If you think that you or a loved one may be addicted to crack cocaine, there is help available at many addiction treatment centers throughout the United States. A licensed professional will design a program specifically for you and your addiction to cocaine. This will target your cravings for crack and see that you have a safe detoxification from the drug or drugs which you have been abusing. Many individuals abuse alcohol along with the cocaine which is also a very dangerous practice. Detoxing from cocaine is not life-threatening. However, the emotional element of detoxing can be very uncomfortable. A specialist can see you
through this procedure.

After detoxing, you will go through a treatment program which will teach you the skills necessary to avoid temptation once returning home after treatment. You will learn what your triggers are and will have to knowledge of how to handle situations which may cause you to fall back into crack cocaine abuse. Don’t continue spiraling downward because of crack cocaine addiction. Research different treatment facilities and choose a program which will fit your particular needs and preferences. You can beat addiction by taking the first step to recovery and enrolling in a rehab program today. Don’t wait any longer. Get the help you
need and deserve.