Stages of Crack Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine, in any form, is a powerful, addictive, dangerous stimulant drug. The powdered, hydrochloride salt form of cocaine can be snorted or dissolved in water and injected. Crack is cocaine that has not been neutralized by an acid to make hydrochloride salt. Crack usually comes in a rock crystal that can be heated; the vapors are then smoked. The term "Crack" refers to the crackling sound heard when it is heated.

No matter how someone uses cocaine or how frequently, a user can experience:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Respiratory failure
• Seizures

Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest followed by respiratory failure.

Crack addicts who are currently using experience: Hallucinations - visual and auditory; hyper-vigilance which sometimes leads to paranoia. Some people experience other hallucinations such as skin crawling and/or seeing bugs on their skin.

The Panic Stage typically begins 1-3 hours after the last use of the drug. During this phase, money is the primary concern of the addict -- they need to get more drugs; addicts may resort to pawning, borrowing, begging or stealing to get their next fix. Withdrawal symptoms show up immediately after last using; cravings are overwhelming and the addict may be unable to think rationally.

The Crash Stage begins 3 - 24 hours after last use. Depression is common during this phase, sometimes so severe it leads to suicide. In desperate need of sleep, the chemical (serotonin) necessary for sleep have been depleted and so rest is next to impossible.

One to five days after the last use can be called the Honeymoon Stage - it is during this period that addict is likely feeling good. Cravings are reduced and easily managed for many. The drug's effects are wearing off and the addict begins to believe they "can handle the addiction". The chemical messengers of the brain (serotonin and dopamine) which are necessary to enjoy crack, are still depleted and are the cause of this temporary lack of interest in using the drug. There is a high risk of people checking out of treatment during this phase; they believe they don't have a problem anymore.

Typically, five to fourteen days after use signals the Return of Cravings. It is during this period the addicts experiences an overwhelming upsurge in hunger for the drug which can be accompanied by depression and anger. The body has produced enough serotonin/dopamine for the person to crave more, but not enough to stabilize moods or emotions.

Emotional Intensification can kick in 14-28 days from ending use up to 2 years later. The addict finds it difficult to cope with the normal stresses of life. The top of the mood swing finds the addict unhappy; the bottom finds them extremely sad. Users often call this period "making mountains out of molehills". This state is related to biochemical responses induced by strong emotions which stimulate areas where mood and mind-altering drugs act on the brain. The body is trying desperately to repair damaged areas of the brain caused by drug use. As a result, the addict may be slightly "off balance" but may not be aware of it. Because judgment is impaired, this is a good time to align oneself with a support group - such as N.A. or A.A.

Covert Cravings may span 28-35 days after last using. Craving is not as strong as it once was and there is an increased need for the addict to keep the cravings secret. Addicts may not want to admit they still crave the drug for a number of reasons, including: thinking it is a sign of weakness or poor moral character. In fact, cravings are completely normal during this phase of withdrawal. Joining a support group and having someone to talk to about these feelings can help calm the addict's fears.

Alcoholics and addicts of all kinds will experience 'triggers' that may cue a craving to use. Triggers could be: money, anger, happiness, sadness, music, a film or anything strongly associated with using. These triggers can catch an addict off guard and could lead to relapse if not recognized and worked through.

Withdrawal periods vary from addict to addict; often depending on how much and how frequently they had been using crack.

Recovery begins when the addict recognizes they no longer have control over their addiction and that their lives have become unmanageable. At this stage, many crack addicts may have lost jobs, relationships, families, homes, self-respect, etc. Only when the addict truly asks for help can actual recovery begin.