Crack Addiction in Colorado

How Crack is Made

Crack addiction in Colorado is a problem that many people face.

In each of its forms, cocaine is one of the most prevalent and potentially dangerous illicit drugs.

Crack cocaine production includes mixing cocaine with substances like baking soda and water or with ammonia.

At that point, a crack user may smoke, inject, or snort the substance, depending on the form it takes.

This variation is both more dangerous and addictive than cocaine alone.

Both forms may rewire your brain, but with crack, it may happen much faster.

It can happen as early as your first use.

Crack Cocaine Addiction

The development of cocaine into crack takes the shape of light, off-white colored rocks.

The rocks make sounds similar to something cracking when cooked to boil, hence the name “crack.”

When you inhale crack cocaine, it reaches your blood and lungs almost immediately.

Immediate absorption is one of the reasons that inhaling is a more dangerous form.

Almost instantly, the drug produces feelings of euphoria and increased focus and energy.

But another factor to consider is that these side effects disappear almost as quickly as they came.

On average, the side effects associated with smoking crack cocaine last for about 10 minutes.

The ups and downs of crack abuse can cause long term mental and physical health complications.

Both the immediate side effects and their near-immediate disappearance increase the risks of addiction and overdose.

Side Effects of Crack Addiction in Colorado

Early side effects of cocaine use often include increases in energy, excitement, and happiness. This drug speeds your body up. In both forms, cocaine, and crack, a crash comes after.

With crack use, the crash usually comes within 10 minutes. The crash includes a mood change and a decrease in energy. When the crash comes, you will likely feel tired or sad. You may also feel angry, paranoid, or nervous.

One troubling early symptom is the strong drug cravings that trick your brain into thinking that you need more to feel better. These strong drug cravings can lead to addiction or overdose.

Two of the most common and serious potential physical health impacts are stroke and heart attack. If you share needles, there is an additional risk of contracting HIV, AIDS, and hepatitis. When combining crack cocaine with alcohol or other drugs, the risks increase.

Crack Throughout the Years

Crack became widely available across the United States by the middle of the 1980s.

Purchasing crack back then was cheaper, and it came in smaller quantities than powdered cocaine. As a result, crack abuse skyrocketed.

Because it was more dangerous, addictive, and had higher rates of violence than traditional cocaine, it also came with greater penalties. Both incarceration rates and lengths were higher.

The crack epidemic of the 1980s plagued the country and took nearly a full decade to get under control. The worst of the surge occurred between 1984 and 1990.

Since then, medical professionals and legal agencies have kept a closer watch on its availability. Although we are through the worst of it, the war on crack cocaine is alive and well in many areas.

The good news is that we are more capable of treating drug abuse and addiction than we have ever been before.

We have had decades to research, gather data, and develop effective treatment methods for a variety of substance abuse and related issues.

Forms of Crack Abuse

Crack addiction in Colorado can occur in several forms.

When users mix cocaine, water, and baking soda, smoking the substance is possible. Many users do this by inhaling the smoke out of a glass pipe. This fast, potent, and dangerous method is one of the most popular.

Injection is another common method.

Both are riskier than traditional cocaine use because crack is faster, cheaper, more potent, and its effects fade sooner.

Related Mental Health Concerns

Crack cocaine withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. The length and method of ingestion are two factors that can alter your experience.

Some of the most common crack cocaine withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Strong drug cravings
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Muscle pains
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Excessive sweating
• Increased appetite
• Insomnia

These withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, but they are easier to overcome than the long term health impairments associated with crack cocaine addiction.

On top of the mental and physical health issues it may cause, there are other problems related to crack use.

Criminal consequences are one possibility. Studies show that crack users are at a higher risk than powdered cocaine users for reporting a lifetime arrest or multiple recent arrests. There is an 18:1 imbalance in sentencing.

The same studies show that crack users are less likely to have long term jobs.

Reasons to Choose Rehab

A higher risk of addiction, overdose, unemployment, and arrest are all major problems associated with crack cocaine use.

The withdrawal symptoms listed above lead many people to relapse and continue the cycle.

For these reasons, treating your crack addiction in Colorado will likely start with a medically-assisted detox.

A detox will give you strength in early sobriety as you move into a comprehensive treatment plan. You can avoid relapse, damage to your health, overdose, and other potential complications. Detoxing will help ease your withdrawal symptoms and cravings while we monitor your progress in our safe and comfortable facility.

Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatments

Crack leads to complicated addictions, and underlying issues sometimes accompany use.

The individualized addiction programs we build at Pathfinders address a wide variety of addictions and related complications. Our programs are well-rounded, based on research and addiction knowledge, therapeutic, and holistic. We offer medical, emotional, and physical support.

We work to address each present issue, so you leave our facility without unresolved concerns.

With the right amount of emotional and physical support, you will find the strength and confidence you need.

The program will start with a preliminary screening and, most likely, an assisted detox. We will help you build a customized program that will last from 30 days to one year, depending on your needs.

While you are here, you will have access to a variety of therapies, support groups, family programs, and more. You will build the tools and collect the knowledge you need to find long term sobriety.

We will help you build healthy habits and choose healthy coping mechanisms.

Addiction Education

Education and skill-building are important when it comes to recovery.

In addition to the many therapeutic and holistic remedies, you will also learn a lot about the following:

• Relapse prevention
• Future employment
• Financial management
• Life skills
• Sober living
• Sober social network building
• Life coaching
• Healthy communication skills
• Building support systems

Pathfinders Rehab Center

If you are ready to overcome your addiction to crack cocaine, the experts at Pathfinders are ready to help.

All you need to do is call our facility and start with your initial consultation.

We can also help you confirm your insurance coverage.

We accept most major providers, and most major providers offer some kind of addiction care coverage.

If you do not have insurance, we are happy to discuss alternative options.

We are here to help you find your path.

Why wait another day?