Crack & Cocaine Addiction Treatment
For Family Members and Friends:
Some people may not know that Crack and Cocaine are related, but they are. Crack is a different form than Cocaine but is the same basic drug. There are differences in effects and the way they are ingested, which may confuse people on why they’re the same.
If one of your family members or friends is struggling with addiction to either of these, it’s important to find them help, be compassionate, and show your support. Many addictions can affect friends and family in complicated ways that can cause tension and aggression, but the most important thing to think about is their health and well-being.
If you notice any of these signs above with your friend or family member, contact us today to get the help they need to improve and save their life. Addiction can be crippling, and it is extremely difficult to face it without any help. The more support and help you give them, will help save their life.
Where Does Cocaine Come From?
Cocaine is a stimulant drug, which means it increases activity in certain areas of the brain to deliver a burst of energy and euphoria. It is also a powerful anesthetic that is still used in some instances by medical professionals. Cocaine has a long history of use; it is actually a naturally occurring chemical that is found in the coca plant native to South America. Ancient civilizations used coca leaves as a numbing agent and as a stimulant. When Europeans discovered the Americas and learned of the effects of coca leaves, they too began experimenting with the plant both medically and recreationally. Eventually, chemists were able to isolate the active substances and recreate them synthetically. These synthetic versions were stronger and easier to produce than the coca plant — thus, the drug became inexpensive and prevalent. In fact, it was included in early versions of Coca-Cola and Pepsi, long before people realized the adverse effects that cocaine could have on the system.
Thankfully after learning about the addictive properties of cocaine in 1914, the Harrison Narcotic Act banned the production of products with cocaine as the base. However, this did not stop the drug from being produced illegally. Today, cocaine is a popular illicit drug — approximately 2.2 million Americans used cocaine in 2017, and just under half of them met the criteria for a cocaine use disorder.
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What is the Difference Between Cocaine and Crack?
Testimonials
Regina
I am so happy that I chose Sabino to begin my recovery. I have suffered for years from depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and PTSD. The programs that are offered here at Sabino have been truly phenomenal in helping me recover. I also appreciated the professional staff that are here on duty 24/7, which helps create a safe environment. Cypress Lake Recovery uses effective “one on one” methods that meet each person’s individual needs because they evaluate and have a better understanding of your personal traumatic experiences. Thanks Sabino, I am truly grateful to you and the Sabino family.
J.A.
A beautiful facility! Staff sets the tone and kindness that residents easily follow. Thank you, Cypress Lake Recovery!
Pamela
The program at Cypress Lake Recovery works! I emerged from an accumulation of unrecognized emotions, issues of trust, and unresolved grief and loss. 35-days of effective integration of customized quality therapy reconnected my mind, body, spirit, and I am worth it! I had masked emotions and hurtful events for decades with alcohol. At Cypress Lake Recovery I safely focused deep within to unleash harmful secrets and self-degradation. Tools of recovery were practiced, not just presented. Integrative therapies were tailored to my circumstances, thus were effective. This residential program is like no other. For me, Cypress Lake Recovery delivered what was professed. I am forever grateful for this gift of healing.
Mike
Life changing experience. Wonderful staff. Wonderful program. Thanks for everything!
Darcy
It was great to begin my recovery in a group environment with so many knowledgeable nurses, therapists, BHT’s, and others around for support. The equine therapy, challenge course, family week, and daily therapies all work together seamlessly, allowing me to leave Sabino as a healthier and stronger person!
How is Cocaine Used?
Cocaine in its powder form is usually snorted through the nose or dissolved in liquid and injected. It can also be taken orally — some users rub it into their gums so it absorbs more quickly into the bloodstream for a fast high. Alternatively, crack is most often smoked through a pipe.
In films, wealthy people are often portrayed doing lines in bathrooms of bourgeois house parties or at clubs — as a result, people often romanticize cocaine and think of it as an exciting drug that will make them seem successful. It’s true that powder cocaine is expensive; however, the more typical result of this is that people drain their bank accounts to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on this drug once they become addicted.
Crack cocaine is relatively less expensive and is historically more often found among poorer communities; for many years in the ‘80s and ‘90s, crack wreaked havoc in inner-city neighborhoods and caused rampant unemployment and crime. Unfortunately, crack is often “cut,” or mixed, with other substances to make it cheaper for people to make. But these other substances can be toxic or dangerous and may lead to serious health problems or fatal overdosing.Addiction to cocaine is much more prevalent than many drugs, in that people who smoke crack or snort cocaine can become addicted to very quickly. Many people don’t realize this powerful grip on the mind that cocaine can have. Cocaine absorbs quickly into the bloodstream and delivers a strong, fast high — the instant gratification of this drug can become difficult to resist over time.
Adverse Effects of Cocaine
Crack and cocaine overdoses happen more often than many people realize. The problem is that many users don’t know how much is too much. Over time, users build up a tolerance, requiring more and more of the drug to feel high. People addicted to cocaine are continuously chasing their first high but always need higher doses to get close. What’s more, both powder cocaine and crack are made and sold illegally, so when a person buys these drugs they can never truly know what they are getting. People may buy powder cocaine mixed with anything from baking powder to heroin; crack may likewise contain other synthetic stimulants that cause overdose or an adverse reaction.
In addition, those addicted to cocaine give up everything they once loved to feed their addiction. Many destructive and even dangerous activities come from cocaine use. At Cypress Lake Recovery we have heard stories of people with a history of arrests from things like theft or prostitution just to fund their addiction to cocaine. People who become addicted to cocaine are likely to lose their jobs, alienate their loved ones and struggle to find happiness without being high.
When someone is addicted to cocaine, there are some physical signals we can look for and notice readily. Cocaine and crack addiction will show on a person based on the way they take the drug as well. For example, those who snort coke might develop chronic nosebleeds or sustain damage to their nasal septum. Those who smoke crack might have burns around their lips or on their hands from the hot glass pipe. The body will rapidly decline when cocaine or crack is consumed in high doses over time. We see heart defects develop since the high increases the heart rate, as well as stress-related responses that overstimulate the nervous system. Because of the chemically-altering effects on the brain, cognitive function changes and conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety and OCD develop. Cocaine does permanent damage to the brain and body, and to stop these issues from getting worse, treatment is required.
Cocaine/crack addiction treatment in Texas
Nationally Recognized & Accredited
Signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction are:
- Redness or irritation around the nostrils
- Bleeding in the nose
- Irritation and continuous fidgeting
- Jerky movements or muscle spasms
- Rapid increases in energy
- Disinterest in usual activities
- Change in social circle
- Rapid weight loss
- Hygiene decline
- Heart conditions may develop
- Hypertrophy of the heart (enlarged heart muscle)
- Reduced kidney function
- Loss of concentration
- Memory loss
- Burns on the hands or mouth
- Injection marks on the body
Each patient will go through our medical detox program in East TX to remove the substance from their system and move through a dual diagnosis to cover any mental health concerns that can be addressed during treatment as well. We want to include all beneficial treatments for our patients and understand that it takes time, acceptance and adjustment to recover. Contact Cypress Lake Recovery today and manage your addiction the holistic way at 409-407-4976.
