Community-Integrated Crack Drug Rehab In Maryland
Maryland Addiction Recovery Center (MARC) tackles crack cocaine addiction head-on with a unique approach that’s reshaping recovery in the state. Unlike traditional rehab centers, MARC doesn’t just treat your symptoms – we dive deep into the heart of addiction, unearthing and addressing its root causes. Our crack rehabilitation program is built on the understanding that each person’s journey to addiction is unique, and so must be their path to recovery.
We’ve sidestepped the one-size-fits-all model in favor of a dynamic, personalized approach that evolves with each patient’s progress. Our team of healthcare experts utilize evidence-based therapies and innovative techniques to rewire addictive patterns, rebuild neural pathways, and restore hope.
Amanda Stevens
Dr. Po-Chang Hsu, M.D., M.S.
Amanda Stevens
Jump to Section
Key points
- Crack cocaine is a highly addictive form of cocaine, derived from processing cocaine hydrochloride with baking soda or ammonia, known for its intense but short-lived effects when smoked.
- The drug's rapid onset and affordability contributed to its widespread use during the 1980s and 1990s, leading to a devastating epidemic.
- Effects of crack addiction include severe physical deterioration, such as rapid weight loss and cardiovascular damage, along with profound psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment.
- Treatment for crack addiction at MARC includes extended care, PHP, IOP, outpatient options, sober living, family therapy, and aftercare programs tailored to address the complex challenges of recovery.
What Is Crack?
Crack is a highly addictive form of cocaine that has plagued communities since its emergence in the 1980s.[1] Unlike powdered cocaine, crack is a solid, crystalline substance created by processing cocaine hydrochloride with baking soda or ammonia. This transformation results in small, irregularly shaped chunks that resemble broken bits of soap or candle wax.
The term “crack” comes from the distinctive crackling sound the substance makes when heated and smoked. Users typically smoke crack using glass pipes, though some may mix it with tobacco or marijuana in cigarettes. The act of smoking allows the drug to reach the brain almost instantaneously, producing an intense but short-lived high lasting only up to 15 minutes.[2]
What makes crack particularly dangerous is its rapid onset and the intensity of its effects. When smoked, crack cocaine produces a nearly immediate euphoria, accompanied by increased energy, alertness, and a sense of invincibility. However, these intense pleasurable effects are fleeting, often leading to a rapid and severe emotional crash.
Chemically, crack and powdered cocaine are similar, but crack’s altered form allows it to be smoked, leading to faster absorption and more intense effects. This method of use, combined with its affordability compared to powdered cocaine, contributed to its rapid spread and the devastating crack epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s.[3] Like cocaine, crack is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under federal law, acknowledging its high potential for abuse while recognizing limited medical applications for cocaine in certain surgical procedures.[4]
Despite its destructive potential, recovery from crack addiction is possible with proper treatment and support. At MARC, we recognize the unique challenges posed by crack addiction and have developed specialized approaches to address its physical, psychological, and social impacts, offering hope and a path to recovery for those affected by this powerful substance.
The Effects of Crack Addiction and Abuse
The physical toll of crack abuse is usually immediately apparent. Users typically experience rapid weight loss as the drug suppresses appetite and accelerates metabolism.[5] Cardiovascular health deteriorates quickly, with users facing increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. The act of smoking crack wreaks havoc on the respiratory system as well, leading to chronic coughs, lung damage, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Psychologically, being addicted to crack cocaine is destructive to your mental health. The intense highs followed by crushing lows create a roller coaster of emotions that can quickly spiral into anxiety, depression, and paranoia.[6] As addiction takes hold, users often find themselves trapped in a cycle of obsessive drug-seeking behavior, unable to derive pleasure from anything but their next hit. This psychological dependence can lead to the deterioration of relationships, the loss of employment, and a complete upheaval of one’s personal life.
Long-term crack use can leave lasting scars even after the drug use stops.[7] Cognitive functions may be impaired, with ex-users struggling with memory, attention, and decision-making. The brain’s reward system, hijacked by the drug, can take years to recalibrate, making it difficult for recovering addicts to find joy in everyday activities.
Crack Quick Reference Chart
| Drug Category | Commercial & Street Names | DEA Schedule | DEA Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stimulants | Candy, dice, french fries, glo, gravel, grit, hail, hard ball, hard rock, piece, prime time, raw, rocks, scrabble, sleet, | Schedule II | Smoking, injection |
Take the first step toward recovery
Our representatives are standing by 24/7 to help you start healing today.
What Are the Treatment Options for Crack Addiction?
Crack cocaine addiction presents unique challenges that demand a unique approach to treatment. The intense, short-lived highs and severe crashes characteristic of crack use create a cycle of addiction that can be particularly difficult to break. However, with the right combination of therapies and support systems, recovery is not only possible but achievable.
At Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, we’ve developed a comprehensive treatment process that addresses the specific needs of people struggling with crack addiction, offering hope and a path to lasting recovery:
Frequently Asked Questions About Crack Drug Rehab
To prevent relapse after rehab for crack, strategies may include ongoing therapy sessions, participation in support groups, developing healthy coping mechanisms, identifying and avoiding triggers, maintaining a structured daily routine, and engaging in regular self-care practices.
Common triggers for relapse in individuals recovering from crack cocaine addiction include stress, interpersonal conflicts, exposure to drug paraphernalia or environments associated with drug use, financial problems, boredom, and encountering people from their past who still use drugs. Identifying and learning to manage these triggers is crucial in preventing relapse.
Cravings for crack cocaine are addressed through various therapeutic techniques at a rehab program, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Treatment programs also teach patients coping skills to manage cravings effectively, including distraction techniques, relaxation exercises, and engaging in healthy activities.
Crack cocaine addiction treatment plans are tailored through comprehensive assessments that consider the person’s medical history, severity of addiction, co-occurring mental health issues, personal goals, and preferences. Treatment may involve a combination of therapies and adjustments based on progress and feedback during the recovery process at the rehab facility.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2023, October 23). Cocaine Highs & Lows. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4038-cocaine-crack on July 23, 2024
[2] IDHS: Facts You Should Know about Crack - IDHS 4706. (n.d.). https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=33604 on July 23, 2024
[3] Dunlap, E., Golub, A., & Johnson, B. D. (2006). The Severely-Distressed African American Family in the Crack Era: Empowerment is not Enough. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 33(1), 115–139. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2565489/ on July 23, 2024
[4] What does it look like? (n.d.). https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3978/3978p.pdf on July 23, 2024
[5] CAMH. (2018). Cocaine Crack. CAMH. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/cocaine on July 23, 2024
[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, March 14). Cocaine. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine on July 23, 2024
[7] Cocaine. (2019). Medlineplus.gov; National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/cocaine.html on July 23, 2024
Related Topics
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
- Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.