Signs of Crack Abuse

Crack is a potent form of cocaine that produces an intense but short-lived high, and its stimulant effects can impact the addict in various ways. Crack abuse will eventually wear down the addict and he may begin to suffer from a loss of appetite and sleep, which can result in malnutrition and a weakened immune system. Crack is classified as a Schedule II controlled narcotic in the U.S. and is known on the street as: coke, snow, blow, rocks, gravel, dice, nugget, C, flake and ice. The adverse effects of crack abuse are diverse and can affect both the physical and mental health of the addict. Here are some of the signs of crack use:

1. One of the more obvious crack drug effects is dilated pupils. Enlarged pupils will normally restrict in bright light, but dilated pupils caused by crack abuse will remain enlarged even when exposed to bright light.
2. Crack abuse can cause a suppressed appetite, and weight loss may become obvious after the addict has been abusing crack for awhile. The stimulant effects of the drug can cause the addict to be talkative and have an increase in energy and physical activity. They will also have trouble winding down enough to sleep.
3. Muscle twitching and spasms is another common sign of crack abuse and the addict may experience involuntary muscle movements. The crack addict may also feel like bugs are crawling under his skin and he may scratch or pick at his skin.
4. Crack drug effects can also make the addict edgy, irritable, paranoid, angry, psychotic and hostile. The addict’s behavior will begin to change with continued crack abuse and he may become more easily agitated and aggressive, and experience panic attacks. His tendency toward rage and violence will increase as he continues to use crack, and he may become a danger to others and himself.
5. Signs of crack abuse include a lessening of inhibitions and intensified sexual desire, and the addict may engage in unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, or engage in prostitution in exchange for money to buy crack.
6. Crack abuse and addiction very often prompts the addict to engage in risky behavior and sometimes criminal activity to obtain money for the drug.
7. Other signs of crack use are neglecting duties and responsibilities. The addict may begin to ignore his family responsibilities, neglect paying bills, have poor attendance or performance at work, and overlook appointments. He may begin to withdraw socially from family and friends and disregard important areas of his life that may result in losing what he worked so hard to gain.
8. Crack abuse or addiction will create intense cravings for the drug, and the addict will do everything in his power to get more of the drug.
9. The addict may develop severe depression that is caused by crack abuse, and he may eventually become suicidal. Depression is often amplified when the addict comes down from a crack high and is not able to take more of the drug.
10. Crack drug effects include:

• Elevated blood pressure and body temperature.
• Heart attack and stroke, and respiratory failure with complications that can lead to death.
• Constricted blood vessels, convulsions, severe respiratory depression, and bleeding.
• Damage can occur to the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and blood vessels of the ears and brain.
• Other crack drug effects are central nervous system impairment, and hormonal imbalances.
• Cognitive deterioration often occurs, and also damage to the lips, teeth and mouth.

11. Long-term crack abuse can result in premature aging, and some addicts develop Parkinson’s disease.

Crack abuse can cause rapid addiction to the drug, and cocaine creates the most difficult psychological dependency of any drug. When crack is used to excess an overdose can occur and prove to be fatal. Signs of crack use and abuse reveal that this is one dangerous drug that literally destroys every aspect of the addict’s life. If you are struggling with crack abuse or addiction, please seek help today at a drug treatment center, and get your life back.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.