One of the world’s most dangerous addictive substances, crack cocaine, is a fast-acting drug which causes an intense high. Crack cocaine is derived from powdered cocaine using a simple conversion method, and it is also known by the names of candy, dice, hail, base, crack, blowout, white sugar, ice moon rock, stone, and much more. While most substances are snorted or smoked to create intense signs of crack use, like euphoria, it is distinguished by their crystal or “rock” appearance and consistency. Also, the reason why crack cocaine is so addictive is its short-lived effect. When an individual uses crack cocaine, they feel euphoric, but this feeling fades away after only 10 to 15 minutes, and individuals are left feeling extremely low. As a result, they take another hit.
Unlike other drugs or alcohol, crack cocaine doesn’t have a timeline or set the quantity to develop an addiction. However, a single dose of crack cocaine is enough to get addicted to it because it stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain and reinforces the connection between cocaine and the feeling of euphoria. This hormonal imbalance affects an individual’s physical and mental state and causes life-threatening risks associated with the drug. Hence, crack cocaine addiction treatment is needed.
Why is Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment Necessary?
Crack cocaine impacts every individual differently. While some crack cocaine users remain under immense socio-economic distress, others are homeless, estranged from their families, and constantly get into trouble with the law. Whatever the reason is, crack cocaine has detrimental effects on an individual’s personal and professional life as well as their health. Its rapid addiction is what makes it so severe. People who use crack cocaine alter the brain’s natural chemical processing, resulting in euphoria. And as mentioned above, this intense feeling fades away, and individuals end up feeling immense low, trying to regain the original high with another hit. Also, getting rid of crack cocaine addiction is, therefore, challenging. However, treatment is necessary to break the cycle of dependence and protect people against life-threatening circumstances while actively using the drug. In fact, the latest substance misuse data from Public Health England showed an increase of 19% in the number of adults receiving treatment for crack cocaine.
Treat the Underlying Causes of Crack Cocaine Addiction
Addressing the underlying causes of crack cocaine addiction is necessary for effective treatment. People of all ages and backgrounds easily get addicted to prescription and illegal drugs. But, focusing on the substance rather than addiction affects their health. It is also the reason why addictions have similar signs and symptoms. And without therapy, people are more likely to relapse or find another addiction to replace the previous dependence. In fact, according to Bath University’s research, crack cocaine addiction has one of the highest relapse rates in the UK. The chances of relapse are significantly high because individuals experience cravings for cocaine even after weeks or months after detox.
Also, when individuals seek help through treatment, they get a better chance against addiction. By targeting the addiction rather than the drug, the success rate of crack cocaine rehab programmes improves.
Health Benefits of Quitting Crack Cocaine
The signs of crack use include tremors, intense and uncomfortable cravings, headaches, and long-term side effects. While the initial high after cocaine ingestion doesn’t last long, it can be detrimental even after a single use. Because crack cocaine is derived by mixing cocaine with baking soda and ammonia, over time, the chemical drug interactions may lead to heart problems, cognitive damage, organ damage, and psychological imbalances. Hence, by getting proper treatment and working towards quitting crack cocaine, you may prevent long-term and devastating consequences on your mental and physical health. Also, quitting crack cocaine brings mental clarity, improves physical appearance, stops tremors, and helps balance your system for successful recovery.
Treatment Options for Crack Cocaine
Though multiple crack cocaine addiction treatments are available, individuals must choose one that suits their needs. Selecting the proper treatment options helps people remain in the programme and encourage them to work towards overcoming an addiction. Also, treatment programs, such as private rehabs and outpatient services are available, at most crack cocaine rehabs.
1. Private Crack Cocaine Rehab
Private treatment for crack cocaine typically happens within a residential treatment centre where people face several restrictions, such as limited phone use and no interference from family members. Crack cocaine rehabs perform a medical assessment of the patients and perform a detox operation lasting up to 7 days. During the detox process, clients remain at the residential or inpatient treatment centre 24/7 and attend numerous therapy sessions for addiction recovery. These therapy sessions teach new coping mechanisms to respond to the triggering situations. And once the detox process is complete, individuals are assigned to a treatment programme, which includes skill building, psychological counselling, and learning how to address the underlying behaviours and emotions.
Another significant part of the recovery process is aftercare and support. But this step is only sought once the treatment is completed. Aftercare is a process that allows you to continue to reinforce skills learned in the residential rehab with the help of a counsellor. It also helps people discuss hardships and challenges to minimise relapse.
The benefits of private cocaine rehab:
- Live-in programme in a structured and like-minded community
- Resources and medical assistance to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Supportive therapy to teach coping skills and triggers for addiction
- It prevents one from remaining in environments with exposure to triggers and access to drug connections
2. Private Counselling
For those managing addiction to crack cocaine, private counselling is a great option. In private counselling, the therapists organise one-on-one regular, scheduled sessions with the patients to explore the reasons for addiction, including triggers in the home environment. Also, counselling services help individuals identify poor coping mechanisms and unhelpful ways of thinking. The coping mechanisms include the acknowledgement of the seriousness of addiction and its impact on people’s life. Nevertheless, private counselling is an outpatient service, providing flexibility in remaining at home and pursuing employment while receiving therapy.
The benefits of private counselling:
- Travelling to the therapist is more convenient than staying at a live-in facility
- The costs of private counselling could be less than a live-in rehab
- Working one-on-one with a private counsellor provides tailored therapy
- The therapist focuses on individuals needs and will create a custom treatment plan
3. Behavioural Therapies for Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Seeking therapy along with treatment plans helps people overcome the grip of crack cocaine addiction by managing the symptoms and the challenges associated with addiction. A few standard therapies used for the treatment of crack cocaine include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that targets negative thought patterns and behaviours and converts them into positive, helpful and adaptive ways of thinking and coping.
- Relapse Prevention
It is a form of CBT that minimises relapse by addressing the psychological, social, and physical influences of crack cocaine. In this therapy, counsellors teach clients how to identify the emotions and sensations that trigger the urges to use cocaine.
- Contingency Management
The contingency management approach reinforces or rewards individuals who attempt or make adaptive and constructive behavioural changes in order to prevent addiction. Also, it has been shown that crack cocaine addiction works well with contingency management models.
Start Your Recovery Today
Crack cocaine addiction is a severe condition affecting people’s personal and professional lives. During the euphoric feelings induced by cocaine cause addiction in individuals, the brain chemistry alters. Hence, choosing suitable treatment options can help the addiction subside. Be it inpatient or outpatient services, people suffering from signs of crack use must choose one that suits their needs. If you are also struggling with crack cocaine addiction, joining crack cocaine rehab is an excellent way to recover. Contact your nearest rehab centre today!
