Crack Withdrawal

Crack withdrawal can cause painful symptoms such as intense cravings, anxiety, hunger, irritability, and paranoia. Someone who is addicted to crack feels as though they must continue to use the drug to sustain their high and avoid the intense "crash" or depression that follows their binges. They become physically and psychologically dependent on crack, which is often a result of only a few doses of the drug taken within a few days. This dependence is what leads to crack addiction.

When the user goes without taking the drug, or attempts to stop using crack altogether, they will begin to feel crack withdrawal symptoms. Often these crack withdrawal symptoms are too hard for the drug user to endure. They will turn around and begin using crack again in order to alleviate their pain. Thus the cycle of addiction repeats once again. The bottom line is most crack addicts are not capable of stopping their drug addiction by themselves.

The most effective way to deal with crack withdrawal is through the aid of an addiction specialist. If needed, the person will complete a detoxification process to help with their crack withdrawal symptoms. While in treatment, they will have access to trained professionals and learn what it takes to live a drug-free life.

The most common crack withdrawal symptoms include:

• Agitation
• Angry outbursts
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Drug craving
• Irritability
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Severe fatigue
• Shaking
• Sleep disturbance
• Unmotivated
• Vomiting

Crack withdrawal may not be as physically challenging as other drugs. However, withdrawal from any drug addiction is a very serious issue and should be treated that way. There is a risk of suicide or compensatory overdose while one is going though crack withdrawal. People experiencing crack withdrawal often attempt to self-medicate with alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, or anti-anxiety agents such as diazepam (Valium). Self medicating or replacing crack use with a different drug, even if it is prescribed by a doctor, can be very dangerous. Crack addicts who substitute a different drug in place of using crack are only transferring their addiction. A complete recovery from crack addiction requires learning how to live day to day life without the crutch of drugs and alcohol.

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