34 million people reported having tried crack cocaine at least once in their life and more than seven million people are addicted to the drug in the U.S., according to statistics released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Millions of individuals are affected by crack on a daily basis and while a small number seek rehab assistance for abuse and addiction, many more never get the help they need.
Effects of Crack Cocaine
Crack is derived from cocaine and most often found in rock form, although some people cook the drug from powder cocaine. People who use crack may inject or smoke it. It may lead to aural and visual hallucinations, such as hearing sirens, voices and the feeling of bugs crawling on the skin, as well as extreme paranoia.
Crack is effective within a few minutes of taking the drug. Its effectiveness depends on how much of the drug is in your system, the frequency of abuse and how long you have been abusing it. Mixing it with any other drug, especially alcohol is dangerous.
A Dangerous Cocktail
Crack addicts often times experience tremors or an unsteadiness when using the drug. Many abusers believe that mixing alcohol with the drug will help to tone down, the effects; however the opposite is true. Mixing it with alcohol can actually increase the high and may very well extend the duration of the effects of the drug because alcohol is a central nervous system stimulant. Crack will similarly affect the brain as well, by increasing dopamine levels and create a euphoric feeling. However the user or addict will also experience panic attacks, behavior changes, restlessness and paranoia.
In many cases, alcohol does not increase the high from crack use, but works against it as a sedative, resulting in the brain and central nervous system go from chaotic movement to sedation which can cause the body to shut down completely. People who fall asleep from mixing alcohol and crack put themselves at risk of coma. Mixing the two will emphasize the effects of alcohol and it will take less alcohol to become intoxicated.
Interferes With Body Function
When crack is mixed with alcohol, the effects are intensified due to a creation of cocaethylene, a chemical produced in the liver. Cocaethylene may also contribute to an increased heart rate and breathing problems. The combination makes overdose on crack and alcohol highly possible. The deadly combination could cause your heart and breathing to stop and your body to shut down resulting in coma and death. Breaking a crack cocaine addiction can be difficult and you should consider seeking professional medical assistance to help you with the physical and psychological changes you will experience when you stop using the drug.
Lara Schuster writes for Gallus Medical Detox Centers. Gallus Detox provides safe drug and alcohol detox with customized IV therapy to comfortably alleviate withdrawal symptoms and patients are monitored 24/7 by ICU level nurses. This proven detox method was developed by Dr. Patrick Gallus after 15-plus years as an emergency room physician caring for alcohol and drug addicted patients. Gallus Medical Detox Centers features upscale private rooms, gourmet meals, Wi-Fi and HDTV. Patient confidentiality is always protected.