Withdrawal from Crack Cocaine

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Withdrawal from Crack Cocaine

16 July, 2020Articles, News

Although cocaine is used recreationally, it has also proven over many years, to be a highly addictive drug. Crack cocaine is one variant of cocaine and comes in the form of solid blocks or crystals which vary in colour. It is also known as “rocks”. Around the world, the rock drug has become available as a cheaper alternative to cocaine, which comes in powder form.

Crack cocaine is ordinarily smoked and is generally purer and far stronger than regular cocaine. The high that results from smoking rocks is relatively short-lived and lasts about fifteen minutes. Users often find that over time, abusing crack cocaine results in them needing more of the substance in order to achieve the same high. 

At Crossroads Recovery Centres, we have experience with treating clients who struggle with an addiction to crack cocaine. As such, our trained staff members are accustomed to identifying and dealing with some of the symptoms of withdrawal. Essentially, when an addict stops using crack cocaine, their body goes into a shock-like state which can produce a variety of symptoms. Some of the most prominent symptoms of withdrawal include depression, anxiety and difficulty concentrating on singular tasks. Physical symptoms include muscular aches and pains, insomnia and vomiting. It’s important to realise that withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and can be determined by a number of factors including whether the addict has underlying medical conditions, how long they have been abusing the drug for and how much they have been using.

Typically, withdrawal from the rock drug can last from 3 to 10 days. For this reason, depending on each client’s unique circumstances and state of health, we allow for a detox period when clients enter the treatment programme at Crossroads Recovery Centres. During this time, clients are closely monitored by trained medical professionals to ensure that the process is as manageable as possible.

If you or a loved one is in search of help for addiction to the rock drug, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.

 Sources: Mentalhelp.net

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Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
    Read more
  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
    Read more
  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
    Read more
  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
    Read more
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What is Tik and is it Addictive?

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What is Tik and is it Addictive?

14 May, 2020Articles, News

“Tik” is the South African street name for crystal methamphetamine or crystal meth, for short. Other names for “tik” include “ice” or “glass.” It is a drug that is sold in small pieces of drinking straws, and comes in the form of fine powder or larger crystals which can be broken down into usable pieces. Typically, tik is smoked, but it can also be taken orally, ingested or injected.

Tik is highly addictive and falls into the class of drugs known as stimulants or “uppers”. It has a profound effect on the central nervous system and on how the brain processes information. The effects of using tik include an intense “high,” that feels like hyper-alertness, hyperactivity and an overwhelming feeling of confidence. The effect of the drug generally lasts for six to eight hours, but what many users attest to, is that over time, the effects seem to last for shorter periods of time. Subsequently, the user needs to use increasing amounts of tik in order to achieve a feeling of normality.  

Tik is a man-made drug. The formula has evolved over time but the effects of using it have remained fundamentally the same. In World War Two, tik or crystal meth was given to soldiers in order to help them stay awake. Later, in the 1950s, crystal meth was prescribed as a dieting aid and to treat depression. Today, it is a highly addictive, highly illegal drug that is available throughout the world.

The long-term effects of tik are known to be particularly devastating. Tik causes a severe loss of appetite resulting in noticeable loss of weight. Tik users are also known to pick obsessively at their skin and hair, which can and often does, lead to infection. Other effects include jerky, erratic movements such as involuntary facial and muscular movements.

Tik addicts who are admitted to a treatment facility, will likely undergo a detox process where they will be monitored by a medical doctor or nurse to ensure that they remain physically and mentally stable. After detox, the rehabilitation process includes group and individual therapy, life-skills workshops, exercise programs and a number of other therapeutic methods.

If you or a loved one is in search of help for addiction, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.

Sources:

Drugfreeworld.org

Webmd.com

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Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
    Read more
  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
    Read more
  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
    Read more
  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
    Read more
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What are the Signs of Substance Abuse?

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What are the Signs of Substance Abuse?

30 April, 2020Articles, News

Substance abuse affects different people in different ways. Often when we think about the signs of addiction, we may think only of the physical symptoms and neglect to consider the mental and emotional symptoms. However, the latter may be even more profound than the physical effects. Do you think a loved one or someone you know may have a substance abuse problem? Below are some of the symptoms of which to be aware.

Emotionally, substance abuse can lead to the user becoming increasingly lonely and withdrawn. Addiction lends itself to increasing levels of isolation. Many addicts in recovery attest to having felt alone or lonely even when surrounded by people who cared about them. Some refer to this feeling as the ‘hole in the soul” – a feeling that becomes progressively worse as the addiction develops. 

Anxiety and depression are both common symptoms of substance abuse. It is well understood in the medical profession that addiction can exacerbate underlying or existing mental conditions. In the long-term, this can produce feelings of extreme paranoia, confusion and even hallucinations. 

Physically, the symptoms of substance abuse vary according to which drug is being used. However, common symptoms include lethargy, fatigue, general ill-health and insomnia, which ultimately leads to increased levels of agitation and irritability. Certain drugs, such as crack cocaine and heroin for example, can cause advanced tooth decay, while others like cat, can cause respiratory illnesses and heart conditions. 

The nature of addiction often strips the user of feelings of self-worth and self-esteem, making them feel like something is inherently wrong with them. The user may even feel abandoned by those around them despite ardent attempts to help them. Many addicts refer to this state in retrospect as being one of “spiritual bankruptcy.” Fortunately, what we have learnt is that it is never too early or too late to arrest the disease of addiction and begin the process of healing on all levels, one day at a time. 

If you or a loved one is in search of help for addiction, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.

Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
Pretoria Admissions: +27 82 653 3311
Close

Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
    Read more
  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
    Read more
  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
    Read more
  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
    Read more
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