Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Crack cocaine is a type of cocaine that’s processed into a rock-like substance by mixing powdered cocaine with ammonia and water, or baking soda and water, and boiling the solution. The resulting drug is typically smoked (whereas cocaine is often snorted or rubbed into the gums), and this means that crack produces a faster and more potent high, even though it’s virtually the same as cocaine on a molecular level.
The high that results from smoking crack produces feelings of euphoria, and also makes people feel energetic, alert, hyper, and ultra-sensitive to sensory experiences. There are also many negatives associated with crack abuse, including:
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Irregular heart rate
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Auditory and tactile hallucinations
- Irritability
Perhaps the most characteristic sign of crack abuse is that it can cause paranoia and erratic behavior, even when a person is sober.
Residential vs. Outpatient Treatment for Crack Cocaine Addiction
Since every person is different, it is important to understand the different options available for crack cocaine addiction treatment.
Residential Inpatient: Residential inpatient treatment is one of the most effective and comprehensive treatment options. During inpatient treatment, clients are provided a safe, sober, and welcoming living environment where they spend the duration of their detox and recovery, which can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Along with having access to constant supervision and medical attention, clients also have no access to illicit drugs, and this means the chances of a relapse are almost zero, especially when compared with other treatment types or DIY detoxes. After the detox period, clients will begin different therapy and counseling sessions to address the causes and triggers of their addictions and learn the coping skills necessary to prevent a relapse in the future. The types of therapy a person can expect to receive during inpatient treatment include:
- Individual and cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group sessions
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention training
- Wellness coaching
- Complementary therapies like art and experiential therapy
Outpatient Treatment: After an inpatient detox and withdrawal, clients can go home and enter directly into outpatient treatment, in which they are responsible for traveling back and forth to treatment and therapy. The major benefit of this type of program is that clients can reintegrate into their regular lives during treatment, including going to work or school, raising children, and managing other social, family, and career obligations. Once a client enters outpatient treatment, he or she will receive access to all the same programs and therapies as a residential inpatient program, including group, family, individual, and complementary therapies.
Types of Behavioral Therapies for Crack Cocaine Abuse
Overcoming a drug addiction is about much more than getting clean because there are often emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social problems that contribute to the addiction. As such, it’s essential that people in recovery have access to a range of behavioral therapies that address these issues. Some of the most common and effective of these therapies include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most trusted therapies for recovery because it helps clients to understand the negative thoughts and behaviors that led to the addiction, and helps them to change them for healthier ones. Furthermore, CBT enables clients to identify triggers and stresses so they can avoid relapses in the future, and provides effective coping mechanisms that don’t involve drug use.
Therapeutic communities are sober residences where people in recovery can live together to provide one another with support and assistance, especially during the first few months of recovery. TCs often have therapists on-site as well to provide ongoing mental health care, and to help clients transition back into society.
Community-based recovery groups, such as Cocaine and Narcotics Anonymous, are groups where like-minded individuals with similar problems can come together to discuss their struggles, provide each other with support, and offer advice. The major benefit of these groups is support and community, which are integral to long-term recovery.
Get Help Today for Crack Cocaine Abuse
Crack cocaine abuse can be a life-threatening addiction, and recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse and encouraging a loved one to seek help are important steps on the road to recovery. At Futures of Palm Beach, we’ve seen the potentially devastating effects that crack addiction can have on individuals, families, and loved ones, and have the resources, facilities, experts, and therapies necessary to get you or a loved one into recovery and on the path to wellness and health. Call today to learn more about our drug addiction treatment programs.
