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Crack Addiction Signs, symptoms and Side Effects

Crack cocaine becomes a popular drug due to its properties- fast-acting, cheap and very powerful. It is a strong stimulant that delivers a feeling of intense and rapid euphoric high.

Also known as nuggets, jelly beans, gravel, dice, cookies, base, candy, piece, and rocks, Crack hastens the physical and mental processes giving the users a feeling of intense energy and focus.

More people become victims of crack addiction due to the following effects:

• Intense energy
• Euphoric feeling
• Increased feeling of self importance
• Increased focus
• Displays feeling of escaping the reality

Over time, crack positive effects will eventually wear off. It will be replaced with negative side effects, making the users paranoid, agitated, restless and irritable.

Signs and symptoms:

Physical signs of of crack addiction:

• Dilated pupils
• Fast heartbeat
• Contracted blood vessels
• Erratic behavior
• High blood pressure
• Weight loss and poor appetite
• Twitching or fasciculations of muscles
• Nosebleeds
• Insomia

Psychological and behavioral signs of crack addiction:

• Smoking crack to the extent of sacrificing relationships, finances and job
• Highly addicted to the drug
• Volatile mood swings and aggression
• Hallucinations and paranoia
• Persistent thoughts of smoking crack

Other dangerous signs of addiction to crack:

Addiction becomes risky when users will do anything to the extent of engaging in problematic situations just to obtain the illicit drug. With consistent abuse of crack, the body will eventually adapt and develop high tolerance to the substance.

The craving for higher dosage starts as the addiction becomes more and more intense. People addicted to it may become argumentative and irrational. The likelihood of doing illegal activities, engaging in shocking sexual behavior, increased tendency towards violence and neglecting responsibilities are also warning signs that they are addicted to crack.

Dangerous short-term side effects of crack addiction:

• Panic and anxiety
• Seizures
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Bizarre behavior
• Nausea
• Breathing difficulties
• Cardiovascular problems such as higher heart rate and blood pressure
• Increased body temperature
• Low appetite
• Disturbed sleep patterns

Hyperstimulation

Long-term side effects of crack addiction:

• Depression, irritability an anxiety
• Damage to the lips, teeth and mouth
• Constant psychotic symptoms
• Confusion
• Learning capacity declines
• Extreme weight loss
• Cardiovascular problems that include damaged vessels, stroke and heart attack
• Respiratory failure
• Kidney, liver and lung damage
• Infectious disease
• Psychosis

Addiction to crack can cause detrimental health effects and may also damage the lives of the users. It is important to seek professional help and start the road to recovery before you or your loved ones succumbed to addiction.