Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment & Rehab

Crack cocaine is one of the world’s most dangerous substances. It is a highly addictive and fast-acting which makes it a difficult drug to quit. If you, a friend, or relative needs help to overcome a crack cocaine addiction, we provide a breakdown of how you can find the right addiction treatment, and the different options available in the UK.

Understanding Crack Cocaine Addiction

Crack cocaine is derived from cocaine but has many other street names including crack, base, blowout, candy, dice, hail, ice moon rock, stone, white sugar, and much more. While cocaine is recognised as a potent drug, crack cocaine is incredibly powerful and can have deadly consequences. Crack cocaine is distinguished by its crystal or “rock” appearance and consistency. It is snorted or smoked which creates an instant feeling of euphoria. What makes crack cocaine so addictive is its short-lived effect. After only 10 to 15 minutes the high has faded and individuals are left feeling extremely low. In an attempt to recreate the euphoric state, they take another hit.

You only need to use crack once to get addicted to it, crack cocaine addiction is not a set period of time or quantity. It works on the pleasure hormones such as dopamine in the brain and reinforces the connection between using the drug and experiencing euphoria (NIH). It is important that help is sought for a crack cocaine addiction because of the physical, mental and life-threatening risks associated with the drug.

a group supporting each other during rehab

Why Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment is Necessary

Crack cocaine impacts the lives of different people in different ways. Many individuals who use crack cocaine are under immense socio-economic distress. Some are homeless, estranged from their families, and others are constantly getting into trouble with the law. What does affect every person using crack cocaine is the detrimental effects it has on health.

Crack cocaine is so severe because it creates rapid addiction. The high or euphoria experienced after using alters the brain’s natural chemical processing. Individuals feel driven to achieve the same effect and will continue to repeatedly use it. The intense feeling of ecstasy is also followed by an immense low and individuals will try to regain the original high. Trying to quit a crack cocaine addiction is challenging because of the nature of the drug and its addiction. Crack cocaine addiction treatment is a necessary part of breaking the cycle of dependence. It can also protect against life-threatening circumstances while actively using the drug.

Treat the Addiction, not the Crack!

To effectively treat addiction, we need to address the underlying causes for dependence in the first place. People of all ages and backgrounds become addicted to both prescription and illegal drugs and focusing on the substance itself, rather than the addiction, can be to the detriment of the individual and their loved ones. This is because addictions have similar signs and symptoms. Without therapy, it is likely that one will relapse or find another addiction to replace the previous dependence (known as a cross-addiction).

When you take the steps to find help through treatment, you have a better chance at beating the addiction. With a crack cocaine addiction, individuals experience cravings for the drug for weeks to months after a crack cocaine detox which increases the risk of relapse. It is no wonder that crack cocaine addiction has one of the highest relapse rates in the UK (Bath University). Over 60% of individuals using crack cocaine relapse after treatment. By targeting the addiction rather than the drug, there can be improvements in the success rate of rehab programmes.

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The Health Benefits of Quitting Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine addiction causes headaches, tremors, intense and uncomfortable cravings, and long-term side effects. While the initial high doesn’t last long, the impact of using crack, even one time, can be detrimental.

Crack cocaine’s formula consists of cocaine mixed with other substances such as baking soda and ammonia. Using a substance with chemical drug interactions over a period can lead to organ damage, heart problems, cognitive damage, and psychological imbalances (WebMD). By getting help and working towards quitting crack cocaine, you can prevent many of these long-term and devastating consequences on your mental and your physical health. Quitting the use of crack (and undergoing a crack cocaine detox) brings mental clarity, stops tremors, improves physical appearance and helps balance your system so you can start to feel well again.

Don’t be afraid to admit you have a problem

When you’re dealing with addiction, the stigma alone can stop them from seeking the treatment they need. Unfortunately, hiding from the problem will not give you the support and motivation required to beat addiction. By taking brave steps towards treatment today, you can prevent many of the life-changing complications and dangers associated with the use of crack cocaine.

If a family member or someone you care about is addicted to crack cocaine, help them face up to the problem. Let them know that they have your support including a look at the treatment options available. The first step to recovery is admitting a problem exists.

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    Choosing a Treatment Option

    Choosing a crack cocaine treatment option to suit your needs will help you remain in the programme and encourage you to work towards overcoming addiction. There are many treatment programmes available from private rehab to outpatient services.

    a therapy session

    Private Crack Cocaine Rehab

    Private crack cocaine rehab happens typically within a residential treatment centre. When entering the treatment centre, a medical assessment and crack cocaine detox are completed. Clients remain at the facility 24 hours a day for the duration of therapy. In private rehab there are certain restrictions placed on phone use; however, individuals attend structured activities and therapy through the course of the day.

    How does Private Rehab Work?

    Entering private rehab for crack cocaine addiction is a necessary and powerful step towards putting yourself and your health first. Once a medical assessment is performed by a doctor, individuals entering rehab will need to undergo detox. Detox for crack cocaine can last up to 7 days. Once the drug is no longer a part of your system, you are assigned to a treatment programme. This includes psychological counselling, skill building, and learning how to address the underlying emotions or behaviours maintaining the addiction. Therapy teaches one how to cope with distressing events and how to manage triggers in one’s immediate and external environment.

    Another important part of the recovery process is aftercare and support. Aftercare is only sought once the residential or private programme is completed. Aftercare includes visiting a therapist or group counsellor in which you continue to reinforce the skills learned in residential rehab. It also helps you discuss the challenges and triggers that you find hard to cope with. The purpose of aftercare is to minimise relapse. Support is also offered to families up to a year after the initial private rehab is completed.

    Choosing a Rehab Centre

    Choosing a rehab centre for crack cocaine addiction is an important step in the process of recovery. The right treatment centre will offer a rehab therapy programme that is tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. It is important to know that not all treatment centres offer the same standard of service or treatment for addiction to crack cocaine. If you feel overwhelmed trying to find the right rehab centre, you can check the CQC. Treatment centres are regulated by the CQC and each facility has its own rating. You can determine which facility is positively rated including the types of therapeutic models offered. Some provide a traditional 12 step programme while others a non 12 step model.

    For those who may be suffering from addiction and mental health problems, and have received a dual diagnosis, look for a rehab that addresses your wellness and recovery needs. This ensures that you enter into a compatible programme and provides the best chances of preventing relapse.

    To help you find the right treatment centre, you can speak to us. We care about your well-being and are here to assist with professional advice on finding the right treatment centre. Our support will make the process easier and will take the confusion out of finding a suitable programme.

    The Benefits of Private Rehab

    Private rehab offers the following benefits:

    • Supportive therapy to teach coping skills and triggers for addiction
    • Resources and medical assistance to manage withdrawal symptoms
    • Prevents one from remaining in environments with exposure to triggers and access to drug connections
    • Live-in programme in a structured and like-minded community

    addiction treatment counselling

    Private Counselling

    Private counselling is available for those managing addiction to crack cocaine. It involves meeting with a therapist one-on-one for regular, scheduled sessions. It is an outpatient service so you will still have the flexibility of remaining at home or pursuing employment while receiving therapy.

    A professional therapist will explore the reasons for addiction including triggers in the home environment. Counselling services focus on helping individuals with addiction to crack cocaine to learn how to identify poor coping mechanisms and unhelpful ways of thinking. This includes acknowledging the seriousness of addiction and the impact it has on all areas of life (University of Bath).

    The Benefits of Private Counselling

    The Benefits of Private Counselling Services include:

    • Working one-on-one with a private counsellor provides tailored therapy
    • The therapist focuses on individual needs and will create a custom treatment plan
    • Traveling to the therapist is more convenient than staying at a live-in facility
    • The costs for private counselling could be less than a live-in rehab
     

    Types of Behavioural Therapies for Treating Crack Cocaine Addiction

    To overcome the grip of addiction to crack cocaine, it is important to seek therapy with a treatment plan that can manage the symptoms and the challenges associated with addiction. Individuals should be equipped with the tools needed to overcome challenges and to achieve individual goals.

    There are different types of treatments available to address crack cocaine addiction. The focus is on the management strategies to encourage control and protect against harmful behaviour (BMC Psychiatry).

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    CBT is one of the most common therapies used to treat crack cocaine addiction. It focuses on targeting thought patterns and behaviours that are serving no purpose and maintaining addiction. Therapists will work with clients to encourage positive and adaptive ways of coping and thinking.

    Relapse Prevention

    Relapse prevention is a form of CBT. Because of the psychological, social, and physical influences of crack cocaine, focus is on minimising the occurrence of relapse. This includes teaching clients how to identify the emotions and sensations that trigger the need to use.

    Contingency Management

    Crack cocaine addiction has shown positive results when treated with contingency management models. The approach reinforces or rewards individuals who provide proof of making adaptive and constructive behavioural changes (BMC Psychiatry).

    Paying for Treatment

    One of the major determining factors of treatment is the cost. It is important to understand how payment works when attending rehab. This can help you prepare for the private financial requirement or contacting your insurance service provider to determine whether your rehab treatment is covered.

    Residential rehab in the UK can cost between £2000-£4000 per week. Some healthcare insurance providers will cover the cost of treatment.

    Private counselling is charged on a per session basis. In the UK, the average cost for a single therapy session is between £40 and £60 (Bidvine). Sessions typically last 30 minutes to 90 minutes.

    Free Outpatient Services

    The NHS provides a directory for free addiction treatment services. In many cases you can self-refer for free outpatient services. Charities including Turning Point also provide support for those struggling with crack cocaine addiction.

    While such outpatient services are useful, there are potential drawbacks:

    • Free outpatient services are limited in capacity. You may be placed on a waiting list before you can access the treatment programme
    • It is not an individualised process. One therapist may handle a large group of patients
    • You will attend outpatient services within your local area, which will leave you exposed to the same triggers including easy access to drugs.

    Support Groups

    We recommend those struggling with addiction maintain sobriety by taking part in weekly support groups. Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide fellowship and support to those struggling with drug addictions. Support groups help you:

    • To talk openly about your drug use in a caring and compassionate environment
    • Meet with others who have similar experiences to you
    • Take responsibility for your drug addiction and support others in their recovery
    Jason Sheirs
    Author / Jason Shiers / Dip. Psych MBACP
    Jason Shiers is a Certified Transformative Coach & Certified Psychotherapist who is a specialist in addiction, trauma and eating disorders. He has been working in the field of addiction for 25 years now.