Crack drug addiction

Just like those who use cocaine, crack can also lead to nosebleeds. This occurs because when the drug is smoked, it can greatly irritate the nasal passages. This can cause bleeding. Further problems are usually experienced when the areas in the nose scab over. They can bleed as well, if they become irritated. Nosebleeds can be spontaneous when they occur. Crack is a stimulant drug.

That means that it can keep people up all night long. This is even true if they use earlier in the day and the effects have mostly worn off. Crack addicts will frequently complain of insomnia. They may have other sleep problems as well, such as nightmares and restless legs. If you're addicted to crack cocaine, you most likely have dilated pupils. This happens because the drug stimulates the central nervous system in the body. When this occurs, the pupils automatically dilate.

This is an excellent sign to look for in a loved one because it's not able to be controlled. The stimulant effects of crack cocaine frequently lead to an increase in heart rate. Blood pressure levels can also spike in crack addicts. This can be very dangerous. It's often experienced as a racing heart, and it can continue for several hours. Crack's stimulant effects can cause addicts to not have an appetite at all. As a result of not having much of an appetite, weight loss is to be expected.

It's not uncommon for people to lose weight very quickly when they're addicted to crack. If you're worried about a loved one's possible crack addiction, it helps to take a look at the behavioral signs.

Crack addicts generally have certain behavior patterns. They may even become predictable after some time has passed. Have you noticed any of the following:. People who are addicted to crack think about it all the time. These thoughts are persistent, and nothing can make them go away.

The high they experience is short-lived. As soon as it passes, they immediately start thinking about using again. It's hard for most crack addicts to keep these thoughts to themselves at times. The euphoria that accompanies crack use is quite intense. Sometimes, it can be accompanied by visual or auditory hallucinations.

These hallucinations can be very disturbing when they occur. They can even take place after the initial high has passed. Paranoia is another common sign of a crack addiction.

The addict may start to believe that people are watching him, or his house. He may suspect people are listening in on his phone calls. These paranoid feelings can persist for quite some time. Crack addicts frequently have severe mood swings. They may be happy one minute and violently angry the next.

This can make living with a crack addict very difficult. It can even be dangerous in some situations. Crack cocaine is a drug that can make people do terrible things. These facilities look like regular apartments but involve following house rules, curfews, and taking drug tests regularly. Updated on December 3, Evidence Based. Medically Reviewed by. Written by. Alyssa Hill. What Is Crack Cocaine? Common substances crack cocaine is cut with include: Ammonia or baking soda Anesthetics, such as benzocaine, lidocaine, and procaine Antihistamines Plastic additives Inexpensive stimulants, such as caffeine Fentanyl, which is a cheap and potent opioid Inexpensive food additives Creatine health supplement Boric acid bug killer Since the mids, crack cocaine has been a highly abused drug.

Psychosis Delirium Chronic depression Mood disorders Extreme paranoia, irritability, and aggression Heart attack Heart disease Stroke Brain seizures Coughing and shortness of breath. Lung trauma and bleeding Respiratory failure Sexual dysfunction Infertility and damage to reproductive organs Drug dependence and high tolerance even after one use Death from health complications or an overdose. Don't Let Addiction Control You.

What's Next? What Is Rehab Like? Why Call an Addiction Hotline? Resources MORE. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Illegal Drugs Crack Addicts. Back to top. In effect, crack stimulates neurotransmitter secretions of these chemicals in excess amounts. These symptoms occur with greater frequency and become more intense the longer a person continues to use.

After a while, users become unable to inhibit aggressive impulses, which greatly increase their propensity for violence, according to the U. National Library of Medicine. In this state, symptoms of crack addiction take the form of violent behavior displays. In effect, unexpected movements or even laughter from others is perceived as hostile in intent. Long-term brain chemical imbalances not only disrupt normal brain functions, but also lead to gradual deterioration of brain structures.

Once physical dependency sets in, users start to experience withdrawal effects. With continued drug use, withdrawal effects worsen in intensity and happen more frequently. Signs and Symptoms of Crack Cocaine Withdrawal. Psychological dependency develops out of the rampant chemical imbalances that take over the brain with prolonged drug use.

More oftentimes than not, physical symptoms will surface at the start soon to be followed by signs of psychological dysfunction. Not surprisingly, withdrawal effects become the driving force that supports continued drug use. According to Bryn Mawr College , these characteristics support the type of lifestyle that makes addiction possible.

Symptoms of crack cocaine addiction have to do with the physical effects from continued drug use. In effect, signs and symptoms of addiction grow increasingly worse the longer a person keeps using crack cocaine.

Treatment can help you overcome crack addiction. Overcoming a crack cocaine addiction almost always requires some form of professional drug treatment help.