Top 5 Signs of Crack Use
Are you worried that someone you care about is using crack? Crack is a very addictive drug, and can cause serious health problems. It can affect a user’s mental and physical well-being. Learning the signs of crack use may allow you to help a loved one seek treatment to stop using crack.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, crack is a form of cocaine that has been processed to make rock crystals. These rock crystals can then be smoked. The term crack refers to the crackling sound produced by the rock as it is being heated.
What are the Top 5 Signs of Crack Use?
A crack user will begin to distance themselves from friends and family.
Most signs of crack use can be very noticeable, and if you suspect a loved one or friend is using crack, then you should be aware of what the signs are. Here are the top 5 signs of crack use to look out for:
- Neglect of personal hygiene: A crack user will stop caring about their appearance and cleanliness. They become more worried about getting crack then taking care of themselves.
- No longer spend time with family: The crack user can become so wrapped up in crack use that they will become distant from their friends and family. They lose interest in activities that were once fun to them.
- Behavior changes and mood swings: You may notice them being more aggressive, and argumentative. They can be extremely happy one moment, then totally irritable the next.
- Start ignoring obligations: They can start missing school or work. They can end up being expelled from school or fired from their job for either getting in trouble or lack of performance in duties.
- Changes in diet: A crack user can start to lose weight due to poor eating habits. Their appetite decreases, and they will skip meals often. Sometimes the weight lost can be excessive.
There can be many signs of crack use that are noticeable. Those mentioned above are the most common ones, and often enough to know that they need help. An addiction counselor can help you find the treatment necessary to help your loved one. Once they are used to crack it will be hard for them to stop, but by intervening early, they can be on the road to recovery.
What are other Signs of Crack Use to Worry About?
Crack is a dangerous drug and when a person gets used to using crack, they become addicted. Stopping will be very difficult for them. Often their crack habit can put them in difficult situations. Some of them which are:
- Stealing: If they run out of money and want more crack, they can steal it and this can get them in trouble with the law. They can get arrested for stealing money from someone or breaking into someone’s house to steal items to sell.
- Risky behavior: A crack user can become so addicted to crack, that they can start doing anything just to get their hands on more, including sexual favors in exchange for crack or money for crack.
Learning that someone you care for may be using crack can be heartbreaking, especially when you are aware of how their life can change, and the negative impact it can pose on their overall health.
What to do if a Loved is Showing Signs of Crack Use
It will be very difficult for a crack user to seek treatment on their own. It will become necessary to intervene and seek the help of a professional addiction counselor. A licensed counselor can find a treatment center where your loved one can get the help required. It may not be easy for them to agree to get treatment, but you cannot give up.
