Crack Cocaine Detox
How Crack Cocaine Works
Crack is a stimulant derived from cocaine. It is a powerful, fast-acting form of cocaine and is very addictive. According to a 2001 National Household Survey on drug abuse, 2.8 percent of Americans age 12 and older have tried crack at least once in their life. Cocaine is the second most used drug in the United States, with one-fifth of drug users smoking crack cocaine.
All stimulants act upon the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Because of the way the drug breaks down in the body, absorption through the lungs into the brain occurs in as little as to six to eight seconds. However, once absorption has occurred and distribution throughout the body follows, there is an immediate decline in effect. Because of this reality, crack cocaine is often used in conjunction with other drugs such as heroin or alcohol. The initial effects include increased energy, alertness, sociability, and elation.
Studies show that chronic use damages sections of the brain and users can experience impairment in attention and verbal memory. Stimulant use can cause epileptic seizures -- these can occur with merely a single use of crack cocaine. Withdrawal should be closely monitored.
Crack Detox
The impact upon the whole body’s functioning is profound during crack cocaine use. Cocaine use is also associated with one-fourth of all nonfatal heart attacks in persons less than forty-five years of age! More than with other types of drug withdrawal, crack detoxification is also felt psychologically. That makes the crack detox process far more complicated because you are constantly struggling against “cravings” for the drug.
| Withdrawal Symptoms |
Average Length of Detox |
Irritability, delayed depression, agitation and restless behavior, fatigue, vivid nightmares and unpleasant dreams, cravings, movement disorders, angry outbursts, shaking, disturbed sleep. |
Initial physical symptoms may last from three to five days. Followed by intense physical and psychological cravings. |
To get a patient through crack cocaine detoxification, there are a variety of drugs that can be used. It is recommended that crack detoxification be supervised by a trained drug addiction physician; relapse of cocaine use may lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects. These, in turn, may lead to cardiac arrhythmias or sudden death. Medications are given to help central systems.
Programs | Detox from Crack
Successful crack detoxification is predicated upon the closely monitored administration of a combination of medications. For the protection of the patient, this should always be done in the confines of a licensed detoxification facility. Such monitoring can provide the patient with a wider variety of medication and quicker response times for potential crises.
Lakeview Health Systems’ detoxification facility is fully staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have many years of experience handling crack detoxification issues. Because our staff are always present, your condition, both physical and psychological, will be closely monitored. Intervention can be handled immediately should a crisis arise.
Beyond Crack Detoxification
Are you struggling with impossible physical cravings that often accompany crack withdrawal and detox? Do you understand the differences between a physical craving and an emotional one?
Do you know how to identify the signs of relapse?
At Lakeview Health Systems, we are dedicated to giving you the tools and the support to help you live a clean and sober life once you have moved through a crack detox. Our highly trained addiction counselors, all master’s level and above, along with our staff of psychiatrists, are ready to help you clean up your life. The first step in any recovery is putting down the drug. The hard work begins when you come face-to-face with your decision-making process. That is where our medically based model, which includes a variety of support therapies, can help.
Lakeview Health Systems believes you should be supported through individual and group therapy, 12-step meetings, recreational activities, spiritual discussions (if desired), and more. The path to recovery is through self-reflection and an honest review of your behavior and attitudes. Our holistic approach follows your crack detox and will give you everything you need to face every day sober and clean. We have been treating addictions since early 2001.
Other Detoxification Programs that Lakeview Offers:
Crack cocaine detox or cocaine detox, which should occur under the supervision of medical staff, is just the first step in overcoming your addiction. Don’t stop the process before the recovery truly begins. Pick up the phone and call 1-800-884-1727. You can also reach our Helpline by using Live Chat or through our Contact Us form.
