Identify Evident Signs Of Crack Cocaine Addiction

Crack cocaine is an extremely addictive and hazardous drug made from purified cocaine. By using crack cocaine, addicts get high very quickly the effect of which lasts for about fifteen minutes. However, users who abuse crack cocaine develop several health issues. Some of the issues that occur due crack cocaine abuse put the users' lives at severe risk. Nevertheless, there are numerous signs of crack cocaine addiction that can be exceptionally useful in finding out if a near one is using crack cocaine.

Common Signs Of Crack Cocaine Addiction:

Physical Dependence:

Since crack cocaine is addictive the users become entirely dependent to the drug quickly. Consequently, they need to use more drugs to become high. If the users stop using crack cocaine, they tend to experience many withdrawal symptoms. During withdrawal, abusers have strong yearning for the drug. Emotional instability can arise with withdrawal, which often includes irritability and depression. Some users develop extreme fatigue and anxiety. Moreover, in few cases, they may also have psychosis.

Difficult To Keep A Job:

Work performance slips and crack addicts generally cannot keep a job nor communicate in any meaningful manner with their dear ones. This addiction tears families apart. And, if the addiction is left untreated, the abuser will most likely die since the addiction leaves them devoid of any feeling, concern and desire to live. Furthermore, the addiction takes over everything and makes the user lose interest in worldly activities or shun social activities. As the addiction progresses, they start hanging out with a completely different crowd that indulges in the use of crack cocaine.

Paranoia:

Abusers who use crack cocaine usually develop severe cases of paranoia. With paranoid psychosis, addicts lose touch with real life. They normally have auditory hallucinations in which they perceive things that do not exist. Some abusers may have tactile hallucinations, in which they can feel non-existent things as well. Due to paranoia, crack cocaine abusers think that someone is attempting to report them to the authority or hurt them. Moreover, abusers who turn out to be paranoid may also become hostile.

Often Have Runny Nose Or Nosebleeds:

Snorting the drug makes the nostrils as well as the sinus cavities dry and simultaneously destroys the frail membranes inside the user's nose. When this occurs, nosebleeds become frequent and the user begins to have a continuous runny or stuffy nose.

Mood Swings:

Other signs of crack cocaine addiction include significant mood changes. For instance, they can develop serious bouts of depression which leads to unrelenting sadness that often infuses thoughts of suicide. Some users may become ill-tempered. Restlessness and nervousness can also occur.

Weight Loss:

One of the most significant signs of crack cocaine addiction is weight loss. Cocaine is a strong stimulant that limits the user's appetite. Therefore, when the abusers start using crack cocaine they lose a considerable amount of weight rapidly. In addition, regular use can also cause malnourishment. Signs of undernourishment include weight loss, dizziness and fatigue.

Heart and Brain Problems:

Crack cocaine abusers usually suffer from serious heart problems. They have an increased pulse rate and high blood pressure. They are also prone to cardiac arrest. Other heart issues that occur due to crack cocaine abuse include heart attack and other related heart diseases. Neurological problems may also occur, such as stroke or seizure. Therefore, if the addiction is not treated on time, death may occur.

General Appearance:

Abusers who use crack cocaine have no concern for their physical appearance. Most of the time, they are seen wearing dirty and ragged clothes. They have burns on mouth and hands that are usually visible. They also sweat profusely and have exceptionally dilated pupils.

Other Symptoms:

There are numerous other signs of crack cocaine addiction which includes infertility, increased body temperature, insomnia, abdominal pain, fast speech, hyper-alertness and nausea. Additionally, use of crack cocaine can eventually rot the intestines and cause gangrene. If the drug is taken through injection, the users stand the risk of hepatitis from using dirty needles. One can also see white powder on their face or clothes. They also carry small spoon-like items and rolled money bills that are used for snorting. They also use razor blades and mirrors for making lines.

These are sad signs of crack cocaine addiction. Family members and friends are the ones who know the addict the best so they can easily spot changes in their conduct as well as daily activities. Once they find out that their near one is using crack cocaine, the first thing they need to do is to seek professional assistance and help their dear ones overcome and recover from the life threatening addiction.