The Buddha famously said, “You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” This is especially true when one is struggling with the side effects of crack. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for recovery.
The Prevalence of Cocaine Use in the U.S. And Abroad
Many people have heard of crack, but are unfamiliar with what it exactly is. According to BMC Public Health, “Crack, the smokable form of cocaine, is a potent stimulant of the central nervous system and carries with it a high potential for user addiction. In general, crack cocaine use occurs over a prolonged period of time, and cessation of use results in physical, psychological, or financial exhaustion.”
Crack addiction is also a disease. It is not some type of moral failing or “choice;” It is an addiction that is often caused by biological, genetic, or environmental circumstances. Further, crack addiction is also a “family disease.” This is because it affects the whole family and not just the individual who is struggling. It is often said that crack addiction is like a “tornado” that rips through and destroys everyone and everything in its path. This is also why it is so important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of crack addiction.
The Signs, Symptoms, and Side Effects of Crack Use
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of crack addiction are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms of crack addiction. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Not being able to stop once starting to use crack
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and wellbeing
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Exhibiting a crack-induces psychosis
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Now, many people can minimize crack addiction or falsely categorize it as that previously mentioned “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms of crack addiction are significant and even can be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help sooner rather than later is critical. Doing so could mean the difference between experiencing short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
How to Best Recover From Addiction and Crack Use
Now, while the side effects of crack addiction are very dangerous, the good news is there are many effective solutions and treatments for cocaine addiction recovery. This includes recovery methods that are psychological, experiential, and holistic. Psychological recovery methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These methods can be highly effective because they get to the underlying issues of crack addiction, as well as make the individual an “active participant” in the process of recovery.
According to Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Consistent with the medical model of psychiatry, the overall goal of treatment is symptom reduction, improvement in functioning, and remission of the disorder. In order to achieve this goal, the patient becomes an active participant in a collaborative problem-solving process to test and challenge the validity of maladaptive cognitions and to modify maladaptive behavioral patterns… Although these strategies greatly emphasize cognitive factors, physiological, emotional, and behavioral components are also recognized for the role that they play in the maintenance of the disorder.” In addition, holistic healing methods, like yoga, can also be highly beneficial.
Yoga therapy offers a myriad of benefits including improved mental clarity, better breathing practices, improved strength and flexibility, and stress reduction. Additionally, yoga therapy is also a helpful path toward the beneficial process of meditation, which can help with serenity and emotional balance. These are essential tools for healing from the effects of crack use.
The Phoenix Difference at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our treatment plans are individualized and comprehensive with a focus on the future.
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we also believe in what we call the Phoenix Difference – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”
Yes, recovery is out there. The key is to reach out and grab it.
It is important to be able to detect the signs and symptoms of crack addiction, in order to start the recovery process. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover at the cellular level. If you feel like you or a loved one may be struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about crack addiction and how best to recover, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
