Americans are rapidly developing an addiction to prescription opiates alarmingly. The National Survey of Drug Use and Health of 2014 indicated that about 1.9 million Americans had opiate use disorder. Since its popularity in the 1980s, crack has been a significant contributor to the addiction and drug epidemic in America. Extracted from cocaine, crack is available in large, crystal form where use is by heating then smoking instead of snorting. Unlike powder cocaine, crack is affordable, which makes it easy for users to receive the same high as produced by cocaine. Using crack can also lead to addiction.
What Causes Crack Addiction?
Although the abuse of crack is reducing, it is still a threat to American sobriety because of its cheap prices and availability. Addiction from crack can be difficult to recover depending on the length of addiction and severity.
Like with other drugs of abuse, crack addiction happens because it targets the ‘feel good’ brain chemical, dopamine – a neurotransmitter which is responsible for:
- Reward
- Motivation
- Emotions
- Memory
- Behavior
- Attention
Usually, dopamine attached to specific receptors in the brain to signal pleasure and reward. Ultimately, a dopamine transporter removes it from the receptor reducing the positive feelings. When an individual uses crack, it attaches to the dopamine transporter and blocks it from extracting dopamine, causing a buildup which cause the intense euphoric feelings related to a crack high. After the high wears off, the person feels lethargic, drowsy, and irritable. To avoid feeling this way, the individual continues to use crack to have the happy feeling. The relation of crack and pleasure continues eventually leading to tolerance, dependence and crack addiction.
Crack Addiction Help
To avoid getting addicted to crack, it is best to stay away from the drug completely. Crack addiction is a medical condition that requires treatment at a certified detox facility such as United Recovery project. A detox facility is the most efficient and safest way to manage withdrawal symptoms that accompany the detoxification process. Doctors at United Recovery project are able to use withdrawal medications to soothe the symptoms. One medication that has been proven to help is Suboxone, but, like other opioids, Suboxone can be addictive. Therefore, you should only take it under medical supervision to prevent developing another addiction.
If you are living with a crack addiction, it is never too late to seek for crack addiction help. Crack addiction is a brain disease that needs medical attention. The safest way to receive treatment is to seek medical attention from a rehab facility.
During rehab, patients are taught how to handle triggers and manage cravings that can lead to setbacks. United Recovery Project offers various programs to assist individuals with their recovery. If you would like to learn about United Recovery Project programs and locations, call us on 954-249-5026 and begin your journey to a drug-free life.