ARC, West Los Angeles  California

Crack addiction can be fatal, both in its consumption and the dangers of its acquisition. If you or someone you know is suffering from crack addiction call 877 415 HOPE today.

In the 1970’s and 80’s freebasing cocaine was a popular method for consumption by cocaine abusers. Freebase was smoked and given the popularity of cocaine at the time, smoking was a socially acceptable alternative to injection and thus the freebase movement gained momentum. In the preparation of freebase, ether was commonly used in its production which was known for its physically damaging side effects and dangerous flammable qualities. Gradually, a new filtration process was developed that not only eliminated some of the dangerous bi-products used during refinement but that also allowed the cut, in addition to ammonium salt to remain in the resulting “rock” of cocaine. This meant less cocaine could go farther and still maintain its highly addictive euphoric qualities. It was cheap to make and easy to conceal. The dawn of the crack epidemic was about to take the country by storm.

Crack cocaine is heated and the vapors inhaled. Inhalation is followed by a powerful euphoric effect. Crack is immediately absorbed by the blood and lungs and reaches the brain in approximately 5 seconds. Although crack has a similar impact on the brains reward system as cocaine (See cocaine addiction), some of the physical, psychological and environmental problems that result from crack addiction are specific to the crack itself.

The physical effects of active crack addiction are noteworthy and include:

• Lack of fatigue
• Intense cravings
• Sense of invincibility
• Extremely powerful sense of euphoria

Some of the psychological effects of short-term crack addiction include:

• Removal of drive to pursue human requirements (food, water, sleep)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Intense craving cycles
• Tiredness, sense of fatigue
• Paranoia, paranoid delusions
• Hallucinations
• Twitching, itching, formication (sensation of flesh crawling with bugs, with possible associated compulsive picking and infected sores)
• Impotence
• Tachycardia (abnormal rapid beating of the heart)
• Hyperactivity, compulsivity

The environmental influences impacting the personal and inter-relational aspects of crack addiction are very multi-faceted. Some of the circumstances that can result in negative experiences stem from the danger of acquiring crack cocaine and the culture surrounding the drug itself. Some of these environmental influences are:

• Crack, as opposed to powder cocaine is primarily seen as an inner-city drug and acquiring it requires interaction with urban homeless or criminal elements.
• Crack is often purchased from fellow crack addicts and who can become a “negative peer group”.
• The craving cycles of crack addiction often induce the afflicted to commit violent crimes or property crimes.
• Acquiring crack in consideration of the locations and demeanors of those selling it causes users to have a higher propensity to become a victim of crime.
• Due the surge in crimes related to crack addiction possession of five grams of crack carries a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment in most States.

Crack Addiction can be Fatal

Crack addiction can also be fatal. Crack consumption can lead to fatality stemming from:

• Stroke
• Heart-failure
• Renal failure
• Respiratory failure
• Cerebral hemorrhage

Crack Addiction Treatment with ARC is Effective and Unique

Although the above by no means represents all of the problems resulting from crack addiction, it does still serve to exemplify the ARC clinical teams knowledge of crack addiction and the ensuing ability of the center to effectively treat it. Many of our staff has recovered from personal crack addiction and act as empathetic, understanding role models for clients beginning the early road to sustained recovery.

Our treatment team of licensed professionals brings a variety of methodologies to treat crack addiction. Some of the individual therapeutic techniques we employ are trauma therapy and somatic therapy. These methods are often useful given some of the tragic events our clients have experienced as a bi-product of acquiring and using crack cocaine.

Our onsite medical detoxification program allows each client to receive treatment for the post-acute withdrawal symptoms such as depression and cravings. This attention to the physiology of early recovery from crack addiction offers the opportunity for our clients to participate in the clinical portion of primary treatment, where a personalized treatment plan is created to identify the underlying issues that have contributed to the addictive process.

A strong family program supports each clients loved ones as the effects of crack addiction are often most evident in the fractured hearts of those who love us. Our center is unique in that it offers each client a dignified treatment environment and onsite amenities including private counseling rooms. Our treatment philosophy allows each client the opportunity to eliminate negative forms of self-expression, like crack addiction, while nurturing and revitalizing their personal strengths. If you or someone you know needs help combating crack addiction call 877 415 HOPE and our credentialed staff will provide you with the help you need.