Crack abuse effects

Crack has one of the worst craving symptoms of any drug. Here is a list of the short-term physical effects of crack abuse, according to the National Drug Intelligence Center :.

Withdrawal symptoms set in fast when a person has been abusing crack. Crack withdrawal often leads to severe depression, hostility, and psychosis. It can be terrifying to have a long-term crack addiction and to suddenly go through withdrawal. This is why many people who are addicted to crack will continue smoking it even though they know it is dangerous: they prefer to continue smoking rather than go through withdrawal.

It is very possible for a person to overdose even when using crack for the first time. Crack is very addictive and easily abused, and a person can die from many of the symptoms caused by smoking crack including respiratory failure, stroke, and actions performed while in a crack-induced delirium. Crack abuse alters the brain and causes intense cravings for the drug, so it is difficult for a person addicted to crack to see what the drug is doing to him or her.

Crack can cause seizures, even in first-time users. Your risk of a brain aneurysm abnormal dilation of a blood vessel also increases, which can lead to a deadly brain hemorrhage. Another long-term effect of crack use is extensive damage to your heart. Damage to the cardiovascular system may manifest as: Chest pain. Elevated heart rate. Elevated blood pressure. Higher risk of heart attacks. More risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

Increased risk of sudden death. Long-term crack use is also associated with ventricular hypertrophy which is an enlargement of the heart wall. Of course, this can lead to an increased risk of heart arrhythmias, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Coronary atherosclerosis may also develop from long-term crack use. Coronary atherosclerosis is the hardening of your arteries and spasms near these hardened areas can deprive the heart of blood, resulting in ischemic chest pain and, ultimately, myocardial infarction.

Lung problems are a common long-term risk of crack use. Coughing up sputum. Coughing up blood. Chest pain. More unusual lung complications that may result from long-term crack use may include: Pulmonary hemorrhage bleeding of the lung.

Pneumothorax a collapsed lung. Pulmonary edema accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Thermal airway injury from the heated vapor. Pneumomediastinum abnormal presence of air in the space between the lungs. Air hunger is very distressing and can lead to panic attacks because it can make you feel as if you are suffocating or dying.

Depending on your method of using crack cocaine, long-term crack abuse can result in severe damage to the tissue and even the structure of your nose.

Snorting crack cocaine can result in nasal damage that may include: Perforated nasal septum a tear or hole in the cartilage bridge between your nostrils. Chronic rhinitis irritation and inflammation of the nasal tissue.

Using crack cocaine for a long period of time is believed to cause cognitive impairment that makes it more difficult for a person to think and use their brain. In addition to these, long-term crack use may make it harder for a person to make decisions regarding reward and punishment. The reward pathway of the brain is responsible for creating the sense of reward or pleasure the high that a person seeks when abusing crack.

This is dangerous on two levels. First, it increases the odds that person uses crack again as a way to feel good, an action that increases the risk of dependence, addiction and overdose. And secondly, many of these natural rewards are important measures of self-care that can be harmful if overlooked.

Not staying hydrated or eating a sufficient and nutritious diet can aggravate the dehydration and malnutrition already caused by drug use. Drug use can also cause a person to drift away from meaningful relationships. A support system is an important part of fighting drug use, getting into treatment and building recovery.

Without close friends and family, it could be easier for person to continue abusing crack. In addition to an increased risk of contracting transmissible diseases, research has also found that crack cocaine use can speed up the progression of HIV into AIDS. Call now to be connected with one of our compassionate treatment specialists.

The longer a person continues to use crack, the greater the risk of serious physical and mental harm. Choosing a comprehensive addiction treatment program that offers treatment for crack cocaine use and addiction can break this cycle and help a person regain a sober life. It can also help them heal from the damage caused by this destructive drug. An addiction to crack cocaine can be very difficult to overcome without professional help.

Outpatient treatment is available, however, many find that the residential setting and intensive care inpatient drug rehab offers better promotes long-term sobriety. This page does not provide medical advice. Don't Wait.