Crack cocaine is a stimulant that is made from regular powdered cocaine. Cocaine is mixed with baking soda or ammonia and cooked down to form a solid substance that is smokable once it has dried. It is a very addictive form of the drug and some users will report being addicted after just one use. 
Crack Cocaine Paranoia is Real
One of the effects of cocaine or crack cocaine use is paranoia. Paranoia is a feeling of suspiciousness towards other people. Usually, paranoia comes from hallucinations or a feeling that someone is watching or following them that isn’t there. Paranoia is one of the most common side effects of cocaine use. Some of the signs and symptoms of cocaine paranoia include distrusting strangers, fear of close friends or family for no reason, suspicion of other people’s actions, thinking others are looking at you when they aren’t, feeling everyone is out to get you, and seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
More About Crack Cocaine Paranoia
Drug-induced paranoia can last anywhere from a few hours to weeks, months, and in severe cases even years if the drug is continued. Even after your body detoxes from the drug, paranoia may still show itself as the brain starts learning to function without substances. The duration depends on the length of time the drug was used and whether it was mixed with any other substances. Once you come off crack cocaine these symptoms subside over time.
Side-Effects of Crack Cocaine Abuse
The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry talks about cocaine use and the psychiatric symptoms it can cause.
Cocaine is an addictive drug that produces numerous psychiatric symptoms, syndromes, and disorders. The symptoms include agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, violence, as well as suicidal and homicidal thinking. They can be primary to the drug’s effect or secondary to exacerbation of comorbid psychiatric disorders. (NIH)
Crack cocaine abuse can cause a lot of side effects. Some of the most common immediate side-effects from crack abuse can include:
- Heightened anxiety
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Restlessness
- Heightened alertness
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Pressured speech
- Seizures
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Hyperexcitability
- Intense euphoria
- Intense cravings
- Bizarre behavior
- Increased body temperature
- Nervousness and paranoia
One of the most common and debilitating side-effects that crack cocaine causes is paranoia.
Long-Term Effects of Crack Cocaine Abuse
One of the long-term effects of abusing crack cocaine is drug-induced psychosis. Psychosis is a combination of hallucinations and paranoia and is common in crack cocaine and heavy methamphetamine users. Drug-induced psychosis can occur when using any high dose of mind-altering drugs since everyone reacts differently to each drug. Crack cocaine can also have devastating effects on a person’s brain and can cause several psychological issues. Anxiety, depression, and mood change along with several other effects. In addition to the psychological issues, the drug can cause physical damage to the brain. It can prevent your brain from performing some of its most basic functions which can lead to memory difficulties, learning, judgment, and making decisions. Some of the other long-term effects can include organ damage and heart problems. Crack cocaine abuse over time can cause significant damage to a person’s lung and kidney function and heart. Heart attacks, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat along respiratory issues such as asthma and lung disease are also possible. Studies have shown that the rate of suicide attempts and death from suicide is higher in crack cocaine users. Crack cocaine abuse can be hard to treat, but it’s never too late to start.
Treatment for Crack Cocaine Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to crack cocaine, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Evoke Wellness Miramar offers cutting-edge addiction treatment. We are South Florida’s premier medical detox and residential treatment facility. We will help you rebuild your life and get on the road to a long-lasting recovery.
