Do you know that the UK banned cocaine in 1920 under the Dangerous Drugs Act? But despite the ban, it is still in heavy circulation and has become one of the worst addictive drugs in the UK. One of the variants of this drug is crack cocaine (a.k.a. crack), which is known to produce extreme euphoric effects in a very short amount of time. Therefore, it has risen in popularity among drug users. In 2021, almost one million people older than 12 years used crack, and the number has been growing ever since.
Due to the adverse effects of crack cocaine addiction, many people have messed up their lives. Therefore, a lot of addicts and their family members are looking for effective treatment options for crack cocaine addiction.
Cocaine vs Crack Cocaine
Before checking out the available treatment options, it is vital to understand the difference between cocaine and crack cocaine. Both have slightly different compositions and effects, which can make the drug addiction treatment different.
Composition
Regular cocaine, or cocaine hydrochloride, is a white powder. On the other hand, crack cocaine is produced by combining hydrochloride with ammonia or baking soda and water, then heating the mixture to eliminate the hydrochloride and creating a solid, rock-like substance.
Method of Use
While regular cocaine is snorted or injected, crack cocaine is smoked. Due to the method of use, both can impact a user in different ways.
Distinct Harmful Effects
Long-term crack cocaine use can cause respiratory damage and exacerbate asthma symptoms. On the other hand, repeatedly snorting cocaine can harm the nasal cavity, leading to nosebleeds, chronic runny nose, and anosmia (loss of smell). Frequently Injecting a solution of dissolved powder cocaine and water can also heighten the chances of contracting infectious and deadly diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.
Harmful Effects Common in Crack and Regular Cocaine
Apart from the dissimilar harmful effects mentioned above, both crack cocaine and regular cocaine have different damaging effects as well:
- Elevated body temperature
- Heightened blood pressure
- Constricted blood vessels
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Quickened or irregular heartbeat
- Tremors or muscle twitches
- Restlessness
In the worst-case scenarios, for instance, uninhibited drug use over long periods or polydrug use, crack cocaine may cause:
- Cardiovascular issues such as heart attack and stroke
- Neurological damage, including seizures, headaches, and confusion
- Psychiatric symptoms, such as paranoia, hallucinations, and aggression
- Sexual dysfunction and reproductive problems
- Overdose, which can lead to coma, organ failure, and death
Due to the extreme harmful effects of crack cocaine, you must seek treatment at the earliest at the best rehab possible.
How to Choose the Right Crack Cocaine Rehab from Available Options?
Cocaine addiction treatment strategies are constantly evolving. Rehabs are using a blend of medicines and therapies to treat crack cocaine addiction in the best way possible. In terms of medicines, disulfiram, which is used to treat alcoholism, has been found to be very promising. Similarly, a cocaine vaccine is also developed that can prevent relapse.
However, these medicines and vaccines have not emerged as foolproof solutions and they don’t work on every addict. New advancements are taking place frequently; however, currently, there is no medicine that can cure crack cocaine addiction completely.
Nowadays, cocaine rehabs are using a blend of medical detox and therapies. However, every cocaine rehab has its own approach and different success rates. Therefore, while choosing a rehab, you should look for the following before arriving at a final decision:
1. Availability of Cognitive-behavioural (CBT) Therapy and Dialectical Therapy (CBT): These therapy helps individuals to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour related to their drug use. CBT is typically delivered in individual or group sessions and may include coping skills training, relapse prevention, and problem-solving strategies. DT is a newer therapy that has shown promising results.
2. Availability of medication-assisted treatment (MAT): This treatment involves using medications, such as buprenorphine, to help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce drug cravings, and support recovery. MAT is typically delivered in combination with behavioural therapies.
3. Availability of 12-step programs: These programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), offer a supportive, peer-led community for individuals in recovery and provide spiritual and moral principles to guide sobriety.
4. Availability of Aftercare Support: Alumni programs are known to prevent crack cocaine addicts from relapsing. By providing an option to stay connected with the rehab, many cocaine rehabs offer better long-term results to the patients.
Final Thoughts
Crack cocaine provides extreme highs to the user in a short time. Therefore, people addicted to crack cocaine find it very difficult to quit the habit. The journey to recovery of a crack cocaine addict is more complex, which is why you need to select the best crack cocaine rehab for treatment. By enhancing your knowledge (by reading this article) about the various treatment options available at the rehabs, you can choose a suitable rehab and shorten the journey to recovery.