Parents do everything possible to make sure their teenagers lead a healthy and happy life. But sometimes kids experiment with drugs out of curiosity, peer pressure, or a variety of other reasons. Know the signs of drug abuse, especially crack cocaine addiction, to get help when needed.
What is Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, is when one consumes drugs in amounts or ways that are harmful to themselves and others. Often teenagers consume drugs to relieve stress or be part of a peer group. More and more teens are trying crack cocaine because it’s cheap and widely available.
What is Crack Cocaine?
Crack cocaine is cocaine found in crystallized form. Cocaine becomes crystalline by mixing it with baking soda or ammonia. It is named crack because it makes a crackling sound when heated. Crack cocaine is smoked in a glass pipe. It can be injected into the bloodstream, but this is less common.
Crack cocaine reaches the brain faster and is almost twice as strong as the powder form. Teens who smoke crack will experience an intense high that lasts about 15 minutes. After the high, users will hit a deep depression which compels them to seek more of the drug.
The drug also diminishes in effect each time a user smokes, so the user smokes more often and in larger quantities. The user has become addicted and is no longer in control of his or her drug use.
Teenagers and Crack Cocaine Addiction
Over half a million people age of 12 or older tried their first hit of crack cocaine during 2012. This means each day 1,800 people used crack cocaine for the first time. These sheer numbers of people trying crack cocaine are frightening. Add to the numbers how cheap the crystal cocaine is, no wonder many parents worry about their kids trying the drug.
Signs of Crack Cocaine Addiction in Teenagers
A teen that is using crack cocaine may need money often. He or she will lose interest in their friends, schoolwork, and home life. His or her eyes may be bloodshot and will be sensitive to light. He or she may act paranoid and anxious.
If you notice these symptoms of crack cocaine addiction, look for other signs as well. Check the bedroom for pipes, soda cans with holes punched in them, tin foil, and any other materials that look like they have been heated. If you find these things or have any suspicions, speak to your teen about the dangers of drug use and offer help without judgment. But remember, the best help is prevention. Try talking to your teen about drug use before you suspect any problems.
Treating Crack Cocaine Addiction in Teens
Recovering from crack cocaine addiction does not happen overnight. Your teen will need plenty of support from you to get clean and stay sober. He or she will need to detox from crack cocaine. This may require inpatient treatment as withdrawal symptoms can be severe.
Once detoxed, your teen needs comprehensive and holistic addiction treatment. This treatment will help figure why he or she smoked crack and help to change those habits. Your teen will also need aftercare and relapse prevention tools to stay sober throughout life.
Need Help to Treat Crack Cocaine Addiction for Teens?
Aion Recovery in Southern Florida offers comprehensive treatment for teens struggling with crack cocaine addiction. Call 888-811-2879 for more information.
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