Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Crack cocaine is a crystallised form of cocaine that looks like small white or off-white rocks
- Crack cocaine is usually heated and smoked through a glass pipe, producing an immediate and intense high
- This form of cocaine is linked to higher risks of misuse and addiction1–3
- Before being sold, crack cocaine is often mixed with other harmful substances, such as fentanyl, which can precipitate life-threatening side effects2
- Regular use of crack cocaine can lead to significant physical and mental health issues, such as lung cancer, seizures, sudden cardiac death and psychosis (i.e., a loss of contact with reality)1,2
- Using crack cocaine alongside other substances, like alcohol or heroin, can increase the risk of overdose1
- Overdoses of crack cocaine can cause extreme anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and seizures. These events should be recognised as a medical emergency4
- Crack cocaine addiction is diagnosed using the DSM-5 criteria9 and is typically treated through a combination of detox, talking therapies and support groups
- Treatments for crack cocaine addiction can be delivered in outpatient, or community, settings or as an inpatient in specialist facilities like Castle Craig1,2
What Is Crack Cocaine?
Crack cocaine is a crystallised form of cocaine. It is prepared by mixing cocaine powder with water and baking soda or ammonia to form crystals which are typically heated and smoked through a glass pipe. When being heated for smoking, the crystals produce a crackling sound. This is the basis for the street name, ‘crack’.
This form of cocaine looks like small white or off-white rocks, so is also called ‘rock(s)’. Although crack cocaine is usually smoked, it can also be crushed and snorted, or made into a liquid for injection.1–3
Other street names for cocaine include C, Charlie, coke, blow, snow, stones, pebbles and toot.4,5
After cannabis, cocaine has consistently been the second most-used drug in England and Wales over the past decade. Deaths relating to cocaine have risen year-on-year and are at an all-time high.6
Reports indicate that increased availability, affordability and a reduced stigma surrounding crack cocaine are factors associated with increased use of this form of cocaine.7 Crack cocaine is classified as a Class A drug in the UK, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means that it is an illicit substance and possession, manufacture or supply will result in penalties including prison sentences and/or unlimited fines.2,8
Why Is Crack Cocaine so Addictive?
Crack cocaine is a powerful stimulant with a high potential for misuse. This form of cocaine is associated with a higher addiction risk due to its route of administration. Smoking, rather than snorting, cocaine can mean that the drug reaches the brain faster.
Smoking crack cocaine produces an immediate and intense high. This tends to be short-lived, lasting for around 5–10 minutes before the crash. The crash which follows the high, or intense euphoria, can precipitate strong cravings.1
Crack cocaine produces its effects by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, that is involved in the brain’s reward system. Cocaine activates this system, leading to feelings of pleasure and reward. If crack cocaine is used repeatedly, the brain’s reward system circuitry can change, promoting compulsive use of the drug. As the brain has become less sensitive to the effects of cocaine, more of the drug is needed to achieve the desired effects and prevent withdrawal symptoms. This can lead to patterns of misuse and addiction.1,2
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The Effects of Crack Cocaine
The effects of any drug can vary from person to person. Crack cocaine can produce different effects depending on the amount and strength of cocaine used and the general health, mood, experience and surroundings of the person using it.
If other substances, such as alcohol or illicit drugs, have been used alongside crack cocaine (i.e., polydrug use), effects can be harmful and unpredictable. For example, when crack cocaine and alcohol are taken at the same time, the risk of seizures and death are increased.2,4
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Short-Term Effects
Smoking crack cocaine produces an immediate, intense high and an array of powerful stimulating effects. These short-term effects can last for around one hour after use.
The effects of crack cocaine can be unpredictable but tend to include various psychological and physical symptoms.
Psychological and behavioural effects of crack cocaine include:
- Intense euphoria
- Surge of energy
- Increased confidence and talkativeness
- Heightened senses
- Increased alertness
- Increased sex drive
- Restlessness and/or irritability
- Paranoia
- Uncharacteristic behaviours, e.g., aggression or violence
Physical effects can include:
- Raised body temperature
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- Nausea
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Long-Term Effects
Regular use of crack cocaine can lead to significant physical and mental health issues. Persistent and/or long-term use can lead to an increased risk of developing:
Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Sudden cardiac death
Respiratory (lung) conditions, including infections, disease and cancer
Seizures
Sexual dysfunction
Continued use of crack cocaine can exacerbate existing mental health conditions and increases the risk of developing depression, anxiety and psychosis (i.e., loss of contact with reality).
Diagnosing Crack Cocaine Addiction
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is an authoritative text used by healthcare professionals to diagnose addiction, or substance use disorders (SUDs).
The DSM-5 provides helpful criteria for recognising the signs and symptoms of addictions, such as cocaine use disorder.
The presence of two or more of the following signs and symptoms is indicative of crack cocaine addiction:
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Symptoms of crack cocaine addiction
- Inability to reduce or stop use of crack cocaine
- Investing lots of time in obtaining, using or recuperating from crack cocaine
- Taking more crack cocaine or using it for longer than you intended
- Experiencing cravings for crack cocaine
- Discontinuing important hobby, social or work activities due to crack cocaine use
- Inability to maintain home, school or work responsibilities as a result of crack cocaine use
- Persistent use of crack cocaine despite:
- Relationship issues
- Health issues (physical and/or psychological)
- Dangerous consequences
- Requiring increasing amounts of crack cocaine to obtain the desired effects (i.e., tolerance)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped which can be alleviated by crack cocaine use
According to the DSM-5 criteria, 2–3 symptoms indicate a mild SUD, 4–5 denote a moderate SUD and 6 or more suggest that the SUD is severe.9
Risk Factors for Developing Cocaine Addiction
Addiction to cocaine or crack cocaine can happen to anyone, however, some factors can increase a person’s risk of developing this disease. These factors can be biological or environmental and include:
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Biological or environmental risk factors
- Trauma during childhood
- Lack of parental supervision
- Family history of substance addiction
- Easy access to cocaine
- Inability to withstand peer pressure
- Local poverty
- Drug experimentation
- Genetic predisposition
- Age – teenagers
- Pre-existing mental health condition(s)
No single risk factor is predictive of crack cocaine addiction. In general, the more risk factors an individual poses, the greater their risk of developing addiction following use of crack cocaine.2,10
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Crack Cocaine Overdose
Crack cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug which can precipitate overdose after first use, or anytime thereafter.
Factors which can increase the risk of overdose include:1,2,4
- Polydrug use: Use of crack cocaine with other substances, like alcohol or heroin, can amplify overdose risks
- Drug composition: Cocaine is often mixed with other substances during the manufacturing process. This means that it can contain unknown amounts of other harmful substances, like fentanyl or levamisole, an anti-parasite agent. Research indicates that these other chemicals can make up around 80% of the drug being sold as cocaine
- Having a strong batch of crack cocaine
- Taking large amounts of crack cocaine
Crack cocaine overdose should be considered a medical emergency. If you recognise any of the signs or symptoms listed above, we strongly recommend that you seek urgent medical help.
The information on this page is not intended as a replacement for professional medical intervention.
Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment
There are various treatments that can be helpful and effective in managing crack cocaine addiction. Although there are currently no approved medications for treating this condition, medications may be prescribed to alleviate withdrawal effects, like insomnia.
Crack cocaine addiction treatment often features a combination of detoxification, also known as detox, talking therapies and support groups. These can be delivered in the community as an outpatient, or at a specialist facility or hospital as an inpatient. Inpatient treatment is likely to be needed if you are experiencing addiction to more than one substance or have other health complications.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to crack cocaine addiction treatment and approaches should be tailored to meet the needs and requirements of individual patients.1,2
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Detoxification
Detoxification, or detox, is the process by which a substance is removed from the body. This can be an important first step in treatment, laying the foundation for further interventions.
Detox can take place in a variety of settings including at home, as an outpatient or as an inpatient at a hospital or residential facility. The choice of setting can depend on various factors, such as the substance itself, the severity of addiction, past experience of significant withdrawal effects and your general health and wellbeing.11
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can occur 6–12 hours after last use. Three phases of withdrawal have been identified: crash, withdrawal and extinction. These are characterised by symptoms occurring at different stages of the withdrawal process.
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Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can persist for several months and include:
These withdrawal effects can be unpleasant and present challenges in the recovery journey. With professional support, these symptoms can be effectively managed.4
A medically-supervised detox is generally recommended as the option which provides the highest levels of monitoring and care. Inpatient detox programmes can promote safety and comfort during detox as clinical teams are available to support you through the withdrawal process.11
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Talking Therapies
Evidence-based counselling approaches can be effective in the treatment of crack cocaine addiction. Examples of helpful talking therapies include:1,2
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): This behavioural therapy helps patients to identify links between their thoughts, emotions and behaviours to initiate positive behaviour changes
- Contingency management: Provides rewards and incentives to support abstinence from substance use
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET): This person-centred approach empowers individuals to develop motivation and engage in the recovery process.12
Support Groups
Engaging in support groups during recovery from crack cocaine addiction can provide invaluable insights and guidance. Mutual support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous, support continued abstinence from misused substances like crack cocaine. These two groups deliver 12-step programmes and host regular in-person and online meetings.12–14
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How Can Castle Craig Help?
At Castle Craig, we provide medically-supervised detox at our specialist detox facility. Our clinical team is available 24/7 to support you through the challenges of crack cocaine withdrawal.
Once the detox process has been completed, our patients are supported through our treatment programmes, which are grounded in the 12-Step model of addiction. We deliver comprehensive, holistic care through our evidence-based, personalised treatment plans, which focus on the person, rather than the addiction. Our experienced multidisciplinary team of medical professionals will work with you to develop a plan that caters to your unique needs and requirements.
Castle Craig has been providing high-quality care and addiction treatment for over 30 years. We have supported thousands of people on their unique journey to recovery.
We recognise the importance of aftercare in supporting our patients beyond the inpatient rehabilitation phase of treatment. We therefore offer a 24-week online continuing care programme after leaving treatment. Patients leaving treatment automatically join our Recovery Club, where they can stay connected via our annual reunion, events, online workshops and recovery newsletters.
We also highly encourage patients to join a community support group, to help maintain long-term abstinence and support recovery. Mutual support groups can offer invaluable guidance, motivation and accountability from people going through similar addiction recovery journeys.
If you’re ready to seek support, contact us to begin your journey to recovery. We’re here to help.
Crack Cocaine FAQ
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Crack Cocaine Misuse?
Chronic misuse of crack cocaine can result in significant physical and mental health issues, such as stroke, lung cancer, seizures, sudden cardiac death and psychosis (i.e., loss of contact with reality).
Regular misuse can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions and increases the risk of developing depression and anxiety.
How Long Does Crack Stay In Your System?
The time taken for the body to metabolise and eliminate cocaine can vary depending on several factors. These include the dose of cocaine or crack cocaine used, the route of administration, the speed of an individual’s metabolism and the experience of the person taking it.
The half-life of cocaine is relatively short. Half of the original dose is typically metabolised within around 1 hour. The entire dose is usually eliminated from the body within a few days.15
Can Crack Cocaine Kill You?
Crack cocaine is a powerful and addictive stimulant drug. It is often composed of other harmful substances, like fentanyl, which can precipitate life-threatening effects.
Use of crack cocaine with other substances (i.e., polydrug use), having a strong batch and taking large amounts increase the risks of overdose. An overdose of crack cocaine can be fatal and can occur after first use.
How Is Crack Cocaine Addiction Treated?
Crack cocaine addiction is typically managed through a combination of detox, talking therapies, like CBT, and support groups.
Treatments can be delivered in inpatient (e.g., hospital or specialist facility) or outpatient (e.g., community and/or home) settings.
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References
- Gupta S, Umhau JC. What Is a Crack Addiction?
- Royal College of Psychiatrists. Cocaine dependence.
- National Drug Intelligence Center. Crack Cocaine Fast Facts.
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF). Cocaine.
- Talk to Frank. Cocaine.
- Office for National Statistics. Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales: 2022 registrations.
- GOV.UK. Increase in crack cocaine use inquiry: summary of findings.
- GOV.UK. Drugs penalties.
- Hartney E, Gans S. DSM 5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: How substance use disorders are diagnosed.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction.
- WebMD. Addiction: What to Know About Detox.
- Cherry K, Gans S. What Is Motivational Enhancement Therapy?
- Narcotics Anonymous in the United Kingdom. Welcome to UKNA.
- Cocaine Anonymous. Cocaine Anonymous CAUK Area.
- Villines Z, Weatherspoon D. Cocaine: How long does it stay in your system?
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