Everything we do usually has a beginning, middle, and an end. We all come into this world more or less the same way and start out from infancy as we travel through the years developing more and more as time goes by. This being said, at some point in time, everything was fresh to us. Even the things we know best and are most accustomed to today- they had a beginning. We make mistakes and hopefully learn from them or we don’t, and the world keeps spinning. Going into these mistakes, some of us find a taste for narcotics and alcohol. Maybe not a mistake at first, but once we fully immerse ourselves into our addiction and alcoholism- this is when the problems “begin.” See what I did there? Moving forward. Regardless of whatever substance it is you decide to buddy up with, they will all turn on you and show you the qualities of a terrible friendship. They will create misery and strife for addicts and alcoholics specifically. Heroin will play its games, alcohol will create toil and trouble, but crack cocaine specifically will play with your mind until you are suffering from delusions and on the verge of psychosis. Crack withdrawals onset themselves into the game of addiction very quickly and in an uninvited manner so buckle up if this is the game you’ve been searching for.
In This Game, Your Turn Gets Skipped
Messing around with crack cocaine is something to not be taken light-heartedly at all. Speaking from experience, this is a narcotic of sorts that will turn your brain into mush figuratively and literally. Smoking crack is all fine and dandy, but the results of your addiction and the aftermath that occurs aren’t worth it in the least bit. When it comes to dealing with crack withdrawals, it is important to know that it isn’t anything like heroin or benzodiazepines withdrawals. It isn’t anything like nicotine or alcohol withdrawals. No, cocaine and crack cocaine have their own methods of making the addict/alcoholic miserable and in regret of their previous acts of debauchery. When coming off of the acclaimed substance, it’s wise to take note that the pain and torture is mostly mental with lesser physical issues. Now, of course, everybody is going to have a different reaction to it based on factors such as length of usage, their age, or even their height and weight. So for some, it may be more physically agonizing than for others. There will be sets of hot flashes on and off all day long while coupled with chills. This is your classic recipe for cold sweats which are mildly uncomfortable- for those who have yet to experience them. There may or may not be some nausea for some. For most, their skin will feel really sensitive and bothersome, and this will last anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks. That about sums up the physical aspects, though. Much different experience than my old friend heroin has to offer.
Now onto the not so fun part as mentioned beforehand. The psychological aspects that take a hold of you while departing ways with this wretched drug can be very detrimental. For one, just like the speed of the drug itself, your thoughts are rapidly flying in every direction. Your brain kind of goes into panic mode as the thing it knows best is suddenly ripped out of its life. The crack withdrawals will have you struggling to concentrate. Even things that ordinarily seem like second nature start becoming difficult. For myself, speech impediments and stutters began to develop over the course of the first few weeks. All the coordination skills go out the window and everything is just off. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though. These are issues that can be practiced on and regulate themselves for the most part. Some of these issues still follow me today even 5+ years later. Once again, though, these motor skill functions are the least of concerns. There will be anxiety and depression as well as mood swings and irritability. These will all come on and off while tangling up your emotions in a whirlwind of conflict and confusion. Even more so, unfortunately, the addict will have a tremendously tough time sleeping. When they do end up getting a few winks in, the aforementioned whirlwind of emotions appears in their dreams causing them to literally be depressed or anxiety ridden in their unconscious state. Once again, these are not only recorded medical facts but also translated through personal experience. So now imagine this lack of sleep added to our equation of loss of appetite and not being able to function properly. Almost resembling a computer that’s freezing up or skipping repeatedly- were just off.
The more serious aspect of crack withdrawals is the reality change. Addicts and alcoholics coming off of crack cocaine will be living in a world of delusion. They may not think it at the time, but their thought process is extremely skewed as they teeter on the edge of suicide/self-harm for some. The emotions and thoughts flying around become overwhelming and make your basic day a difficult task to get through. Visual and auditory hallucinations will trail with the addict in early weeks. These effects can be mild for some and stronger for others- once again, depends on various factors. The short term effects can last anywhere from 1-3 months, and the long-term withdrawal symptoms can stick with the chemically dependent for up to a few years. Crack is a drug that will literally make the user insane as its chemicals melt away at the gray matter upstairs. Not for human consumption. Last to remember, the withdrawals are one thing, but some damages cannot be undone.
Speed Kills
Life likes to sneak up on people but addiction and alcoholism grab you up by the ankles and flip your whole world upside down. It gets old quick- but there are alternatives to being chemically dependent. If you or a loved one has been struggling with getting a firm grasp on sobriety and need detoxification, please call 1-877-978-3125 or visit www.coastaldetox.com. Our teams of specialists are waiting by to help figure out what options are best for sending your life is a comfortable direction that you can proudly stand behind.