Cumming Crack Addiction Treatment
Efficient Crack Cocaine Rehabilitation Centers in Georgia
Crack cocaine is an extremely dangerous and popular narcotic. Like other forms of cocaine, crack creates short spurts of “highness” that trigger changes to the central nervous system. As a result of altered brain-chemical composition, it can be difficult to ever realize you have become addicted to crack until it has already caused extensive harm to your mind and body.
Thankfully, no matter how long you or a loved one have been addicted to crack cocaine, there is always the option to get help and overcome the addiction. At The Carter Treatment Center, we utilize a number of traditional and creative treatment methods, each one personalized for each patient. By placing your faith in us and taking power away from crack addiction, you can find your strength and sobriety in comfort and confidence.
Call (470) 616-7274 or contact us online to learn if our Cumming, Georgia crack addiction treatment center is right for you.
Identifying a Crack Cocaine Addiction
Crack has serious effects on the mind and body. Using crack cocaine for even a brief number of times can cause a variety of serious health concerns. Prolonged use will only raise the chances of a health complication occurring. When used long enough, it can cause permanent psychological damage and kill the user.
Immediate effects of crack abuse include:
- Dilated pupils
- Aggression, anxiety, and/or paranoia
- Extreme bursts of energy
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
- Tactile hallucinations or “formication” (feeling of something crawling beneath the skin)
- Intense cravings to use more
Long-term effects of crack cocaine use include:
- Permanent blood vessel damage
- Respiratory issues
- Weight loss
- Tooth decay
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Death
- Severe damage to the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys
If you suspect your loved one is exhibiting symptoms of crack addiction, or if you yourself are struggling with dependence on crack, we invite you to contact The Carter Treatment Center for help.
Understanding Crack Cocaine Withdrawal and Recovery
The potency of crack cocaine also triggers strong withdrawal symptoms in a user, tempting them to relapse just to stop or alleviate the pain and discomfort of withdrawal.
Common symptoms of crack withdrawal include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Exhaustion or muscular fatigue
- Night terrors and insomnia
- Full-body tremors
- Uncontrolled moods and emotions
- Irregular heartbeat or breathing
- And more
It is also important to realize crack cocaine is commonly comprised of a number of unidentified substances and narcotics. You cannot be positive what is in a single dosage of crack. As such, the immediate consequences and continual symptoms could be much different and all the more dangerous than the aforementioned list.
From our locations in Cumming, we proudly serve the communities of Alpharetta, Dawsonville, Johns Creek, Roswell, Gainesville, Duluth, Buford, Lawrenceville, Peachtree Corners, and the surrounding areas of Gwinnett County. Get more information by contacting us online or calling (470) 616-7274 at any time.
Treatment for Crack Addiction in Cumming, Georgia
Crack creates an instant high feeling that is short-lived. The drug is also very cheap and easy to obtain. Breaking this addiction is not easy, but with a strong community and support system, anyone can do it. Detox should always be followed up by admission to a rehabilitation center. In rehab, patients will be completely removed pressures to use and remain occupied throughout the day with therapy and counseling.
Behavioral and talk therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, have proven very effective in treating the underlying causes of crack addiction. Many people suffering from addiction also have co-occurring disorders. Rehab should focus on treating both conditions for a more comprehensive healing experience.
After inpatient rehab, many patients continue treatment through outpatient therapy. Leaving inpatient rehab is a big step, and outpatient therapy helps ease the transition. Patients will meet with support groups and counselors several times a week to continue their recovery.
Phases of Crack Withdrawal
One of the first steps in breaking crack addiction is addressing the physical dependency. Going cold turkey from crack is extremely difficult. The withdrawal symptoms are very uncomfortable and many people will give into temptation to use again if they are not being monitored. In a medical detoxification center, patients will receive assistance managing withdrawal symptoms from trained professionals.
What happens when you stop taking crack?
- First 72 Hours – Paranoia, body aches, and in rare cases, hallucinations. Many people also experience cravings, fatigue, and insomnia for the first 24 hours.
- First Week – As some of the more potent symptoms fade, feelings of irritability, fatigue, and lethargy may set in. Many people often have trouble sleeping.
- Second Week – Cravings start increasing around this time, as do feelings of depression. The brain has trouble producing dopamine during this time now that it’s been cut off from crack. Dopamine is the naturally produced chemical that creates feelings of pleasure.
- Third & Fourth Weeks – Physical cravings will start subsiding around this time, but psychological cravings remain. Anxiety and depression may still be present, but for the most part, the more acute symptoms should be fading.
Acute withdrawal symptoms usually last for several days, while some of the more long-term effects can take months or years to process. Detox provides treatment for acute symptoms, while the long-term effects are addressed in rehabilitation.
Turn to The Carter Treatment Center Today for Help
Crack cocaine use torments your mind, body, and soul. In order to address all the problems caused by crack addiction, our drug rehab center in Georgia uses alternative therapies, such as equine-assisted therapy, group therapy, meditation, and yoga. Partnered with the knowledge and experience of our addiction treatment specialists, our holistic services can help you find the right path to recovery with as little stress on your shoulders as possible.
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Is crack cocaine physically addictive?
Yes, crack cocaine is highly physically addictive. “Physical” dependence (or addiction) refers to a physical craving for a drug. This is extremely common in crack abuse and addiction. Users also experience significant physical changes in the brain, affecting the production of dopamine and other feel-good chemicals. This not only increases dependency, but it also causes physical and/or psychological withdrawal symptoms when the person is not using crack.
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How can I help someone with a crack addiction?
Trying to help someone with a crack addiction can be incredibly difficult, particularly if you live or must deal with the person often. People struggling with crack addictions are often erratic, impulsive, manipulative, and frightening. The first thing you should do is ensure your safety and the safety of your other family members and loved ones. Sometimes, this means physically separating yourself from that person. In any case, you can let them know—through words or actions—that you love them but will not support their drug use. Enabling a loved one’s drug use, no matter your intentions, will not help them. What you can do is educate yourself about drug addiction, specifically addiction to crack. If you choose to express your concerns to your loved one, try to do so at the right time. Be loving but firm, and be prepared for your loved one to become defensive or deny that they have a problem. Know that you cannot force someone to seek help; that is a choice they must make for themselves. It is important that you care for your own mental and emotional health during this time. Many people with loved ones who are addicted to crack and other drugs benefit from individual and/or family counseling, as well as community support.
