Crack Cocaine
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It is hard to believe that crack cocaine comes
from an innocuous little leaf from the coca plant. There is
nothing remarkable looking about the plant, but it has been
a popular remedy for all sorts of ailments for thousands of
years. Originally, from South America, ancient native people
often chewed it and it was even used in the very first formula
for Coca-Cola in the 1800s. In fact, cocaine was sold in pharmacies.
It wasn't until the 20th century that cocaine was found to
be very addictive and therefore stopped being sold publicly.
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There are various forms of cocaine with crack cocaine possibly
being the worst of the lot, simply because you can experience a
high within seconds. Crack, as it is commonly referred to, is not
snorted through the nose. Rather, it is smoked with a crack pipe.
Crack cocaine is derived from the powder form of cocaine. The drug
is simply dissolved in a baking soda and water solution and then
boiled. The water evaporates leaving behind solid material, which
is called crack cocaine.
Smoking Crack Cocaine |
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Highly addictive and cheap to make and buy, millions are
hooked on that euphoric feeling and will do whatever it takes
to keep it going. The trend is alarming. Crack cocaine has
invaded the lives people from all walks of life. It's a common
belief that this drug only effects people who live in low
income neighborhoods, but nothing can be further from the
truth. In today's world, getting crack cocaine is usually
as simple as finding a hook-up for the drug on just about
any street corner in large cities and even in quiet suburban
areas one can just ask around to find a quick local connection.
With this in mind, it's more important than ever for people
to be aware of the dangers that crack cocaine can be lurking
at their children's schools. Not only is the drug easy to
get these days, but it is also one of the hardest addictions
to overcome. When you take into account how easily crack cocaine
can take someone's life over, it's no wonder how hard it can
be to regain control.
Heart attack and stroke are two common ways that crack addicts
die from this drug threat. In addition, crack cocaine can
cause anxiety disorders, paranoia, hallucinations and stomach
distress. Many crack addicts are malnourished as a result
lack of interest in eating and sleeping. If you suspect that
a loved one is addicted to this drug, here are the top 10
warning signs to keep in mind.
Top 10 Warning Signs of Crack Cocaine Abuse
1. Unexplained mood swings and energy levels
2. Burns or sores on the fingers (from a pipe used to smoke
crack cocaine)
3. Declining grades and new peer group
4. Extreme paranoia
5. Loss of household cash or valuables
6. Weight loss
7. Associating with others known to take drugs
8. Loss of interest in personal appearance
9. Mark agitation and loss of concentration
10. Altered sleep patterns
There are a variety of additional symptoms that could indicate
a crack cocaine addiction. Whether a loved one or you yourself
are addicted, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
Being hooked on crack is a vicious cycle. It takes the intervention
of loved ones or your own willing to seek help to break that
cycle in order to receive rehabilitation. The road back to
a normal, healthy life will have some rough navigation within
the treatment and counseling settings as well as the withdrawal
process. It's important to remember that setbacks are a normal
part of the recover process for many. The most important part
of the process, however, is making the commitment to get started
with treatment. Once this commitment has been made, a better
and healthier life can follow.
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