Cracked by Crack: the Side Effects of Cocaine Withdrawal and Abuse

Pure cocaine, along with the so-called “poor man’s cocaine” known as “crack,” is among the most widely abused substances in the world today. The pure cocaine in powder form is usually mistaken as fine sugar or baking soda. The street variant called crack is diluted and mixed with baking soda, allowing the street pushers to reap more profits. People who become addicted to both cocaine and “crack” are considered to be among the worst addicts that can be found in a rehab clinic mainly because of the intense physical and mental health damage that prolonged use can lead to. There is an extensive list of negative effects associated with long-term use of “crack.” Withdrawal from crack addiction is also very difficult in physiological and psychological terms.

Nasal passages, which are the primary pathways by which cocaine gets into an addict’s body, can also suffer severe damage due to prolonged abuse. However, the damage tends to manifest only after the drug has been removed and withdrawal has occurred. Among the possible side effects of the damage are runny noses, nasal congestion, and nose bleeding. These side effects are relatively minor and can easily be treated by using the appropriate medications and having good environment, especially at home. During cocaine withdrawal, nasal problems are likely going to be the least of a recovering addict’s worries.

Panic attacks similar to those developed by people with panic disorders are not uncommon to both addicts and recovering users. This is more pronounced once a person undergoes withdrawal because there is no longer the psychologically “stabilizing” effect of the drug. Also, people undergoing withdrawal have become so used to having “crack” on hand that they are almost mentally incapacitated by being deprived of it. Insomnia is also a recognized side effect of being forcibly withdrawn from cocaine abuse. However, insomnia encountered during withdrawal has a shorter range of effect compared with regular cases of insomnia. Mild headaches and occasional periods of excessive fear and anxiety are also possible symptoms of prolonged abuse, though they are not considered common.

Muscle spasms are usually associated with the more violent cases of withdrawal. This is particularly common in those cases where the user has developed a dependency on the cocaine being in the system, such that the mind no longer believes the body can function without it. Muscle spasms are usually a minor indication of a worsening problem in cases such as this, since people who develop them tend to suffer more physically violent symptoms of drug withdrawal. These problems generally occur in the earlier stages of withdrawal, as the shock to the body being cut off from “crack” is still fresh. As the withdrawal sets in and the cleansing process is underway, the body slowly adjusts to a normal state and the likelihood of muscle spasms and convulsions decreases considerably.

Chronic pain in the chest and coughing have also been noted as possible symptoms. Some withdrawal patients report that the coughing can sometimes be accompanied by severe chest pains. Phlegm coughed up by these patients tend to be colored black and are generally not mixed with blood unless the patient has another respiratory condition. Coughing and phlegm of this sort also manifests in people that abuse marijuana or nicotine. This is generally alleviated by any number of over-the-counter cough medications or increased intake of water and other fluids.

Marijuana withdrawal effects – What will my son feel?

My son just graduated college. He can’t get a job because of the economy (he has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a 3.7 GPA from Rutgers), but you probably would not guess that he is an ‘enthusiast’ of cannabis. He also would probably (unfortunately) not be able to get a job anyway because of his smoking pot. He’s been a “pot head” for a while now. My husband and I became aware how often he was smoking it. When we confronted him he said if he stops smoking now he feels uncomfortable and anxious. His doctor prescribed him a medication like Xanax called “Ativan.” What will that do? Will it help or will he feel better? Also are marijuana withdrawal effects that real? I never guessed they would even exist.

Effects of Commonly Used Drugs: Marijuana Withdrawal.org

Here is an excellent article on effects of some of the most commonly used drugs.  Here at marijuana withdrawal .org we hope to provide our readers with up to date information on marijuana withdrawal, marijuana withdrawal treatment, and marijuana withdrawal tips.

 

Drug abuse, involves the excessive and repeated use of a substance to escape reality to produce pleasure despite its destructive effects. The substances abused can be illegal drugs such as opium, cocaine, marijuana and their derivatives or legal substances used improperly, such as prescription drugs and inhalants like nail polish or gasoline.

 

Effects of Commonly Used Drugs:

 

· Marijuana: Believed to be the most commonly used illegal drug. Marijuana abuse has been linked to delinquent behavior, low achievement, and poor family relationships. However, there are drawbacks to extended use, including lung and respiratory problems caused by the smoke, learning and memory impairment, and infertility.

 

· Narcotic and Opioid Abuse: Narcotics side effects include vomiting, nausea, and sever itching. Withdrawing from narcotics is extremely unpleasant, with symptoms including muscle and joint pain, fever, chills, sweats, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

 

In general, the more treatment received the greater the results. Drug and alcohol abusers who remain in treatment longer than 3 months typically have greater success than those who receive less treatment. Addicted individuals who undergo medically assisted drug or alcohol detox to minimize the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms but do not receive any further treatment, perform about the same in terms of their drug or alcohol use as those who are never treated at all.

 

· Depressants and Downer Abuse: Depressants, commonly known as opium, marijuana, cocaine, and their derivatives, are substances that slow down the central nervous system. Additionally, they may suffer from amnesia and delusions. Downers are highly addictive, and withdrawal is severe, with symptoms including cramps, nausea, and vomiting. When mixed with alcohol downers are lethal in high doses.

 

· Steroid Abuse: Steroid abuse causes blood pressure to skyrocket, decreases good cholesterol (HDL) while increasing bad cholesterol (LDL), triggers violent and aggressive behavior, results in severe acne, and brings growth to a halt in adolescents.

 

· Inhalant Abuse: Inhalants are chemicals, which cause intoxication when inhaled or sniffed. Highly huffing this comes with side effects including loss of consciousness, vomiting, nausea, delusions, and confusion. Prolonged inhalant abuse can also cause damage to the brain and other organs of the body. However, the biggest risk involved with inhalant use is death by overdose caused by sudden heart failure even in individuals who are young and healthy.

 

· Hallucinogen and Dissociative Drug Abuse: Hallucinogens and Dissociative drugs, also known as psychedelics, affect the user’s thought processes and sensory perceptions. Risks include a dangerous increase in body temperature, heart problems and liver damage.

 

· Stimulants and Upper Abuse: Stimulants, or uppers, are drugs which speed up the central nervous system. Stimulants abuse over time leads to symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoid thinking, anxiety, aggression, and sleep difficulties. Uppers overdose can result in heart failure, stroke, and death.

Effects Of Cannabis Addiction: Marijuana Withdrawal .org

Here is another good article on cannabis addiction.  Smokers must realize there will be effects on the body, and some of these may be detrimental. Here at marijuana withdrawal .org we hope to provide you with up to date articles on marijuana withdrawal symptoms and tips for getting help.  Enjoy the article

 

Cannabis is a plant that we commonly call marijuana, ganja in herbal form or hashish in resinous form. It has been commonly used way back prehistoric times. However, its use became prevalent in the 20th century when cannabis was utilized for religious, spiritual, medicinal and even recreational purposes. It was then that its possession, use or sale was prohibited. To date, the use of cannabis for drug use or cannabis addiction remains illegal all throughout the most parts of the world.

Psychologically, cannabis is already a recognized addictive drug. Cannabis addiction occurs when one’s mental and physical state are prominently altered due to its consumption. Although in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), there is no cannabis withdrawal syndrome, evidences show that cannabis addiction induces similar withdrawal symptoms to other drug addiction.

But unlike tobacco, cannabis addiction has not shown to cause lung cancer, chronic pulmonary disease or emphysema. It does not also cause birth defects to expectant mothers who are hooked to cannabis. Basically, cannabis addiction is less hazardous than addiction to tobacco, prescription drugs or alcohol.

Different users may experience different effects in cannabis addiction. Factors such as the dose, its potency, its chemical composition or its method of consumption are what elicit different levels of high in cannabis addiction. Long-term effects include, a feeling of euphoria, intense relaxation, laughter and giggle fits, increased appreciation for music, and either a feeling of intense pleasure or anxiety.

Forgetfulness, laziness, distorted perception, rambling, troubled concentration, inability of motor coordination, increased heart rate, spiritual talking and paranoia are some of the short-term effects of cannabis addiction. It is also shown to manifest its ill effects on the hippocampus (the part of the brain linked with learning and memory), thereby causing short-term memory impairment. Cannabis addiction has also been associated to other mental illnesses, from psychotic episodes to clinical schizophrenia.

Nevertheless, there is always a way out of cannabis addiction. The steps may be simple yet hard and requires extreme sense of commitment and dedication to move out of this addiction. Be willing to feel whatever painful feelings and take part in being responsible for them. Instead of avoiding them with your addiction, face them. Be conscious that you want to know what it causing your pain. Discover the thoughts and actions causing your pain. It should just come from within. Perseverance, will and devotion is all that it takes.

Effects on Student Workers Who Take Marijuana: Marijuana Withdrawal .org

Here is an interesting article on some of the effects that marijuana has had on students and workers. Here at marijuana withdrawal we hope to provide you with up-to-date research on some of the effects of marijuana.  There are numerous treatment options if you are struggling from marijuana withdrawal symptons along with its associated side effects. enjoy the article from contributing authors.

 

Students who smoke marijuana get lower grades and are less likely to graduate from high school, compared with their nonsmoking peers. A study of 129 college students found that, among those who smoked the drug at least 27 of the 30 days prior to being surveyed, critical skills related to attention, memory, and learning were significantly impaired, even after the students had not taken the drug for at least 24 hours.

These “heavy” marijuana abusers had more trouble sustaining and shifting their attention and in registering, organizing, and using information than did the study participants who had abused marijuana no more than 3 of the previous 30 days. As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a reduced intellectual level all of the time.

More recently, the same researchers showed that the ability of a group of long-term heavy marijuana abusers to recall words from a list remained impaired for a week after quitting, but returned to normal within 4 weeks. Thus, some cognitive abilities may be restored in individuals who quit smoking marijuana, even after long-term heavy use.

Workers who smoke marijuana are more likely than their coworkers to have problems on the job. Several studies associate workers’ marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers’ compensation claims, and job turnover.

A study among postal workers found that employees who tested positive for marijuana on a pre-employment urine drug test had 55 percent more industrial accidents, 85 percent more injuries, and a 75-percent increase in absenteeism compared with those who tested negative for marijuana use. In another study, heavy marijuana abusers reported that the drug impaired several important measures of life achievement including cognitive abilities, career status, social life, and physical and mental health.

Research has shown that some babies born to women who abused marijuana during their pregnancies display altered responses to visual stimuli, increased tremulousness, and a high-pitched cry, which may indicate neurological problems in development.

During the preschool years, marijuana-exposed children have been observed to perform tasks involving sustained attention and memory more poorly than non-exposed children do. In the school years, these children are more likely to exhibit deficits in problem-solving skills, memory, and the ability to remain attentive. Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction for some people. That is, they abuse the drug compulsively even though it interferes with family, school, work, and recreational activities. Drug craving and withdrawal symptoms can make it hard for long-term marijuana smokers to stop abusing the drug. People trying to quit report irritability, sleeplessness, and anxiety. They also display increased aggression on psychological tests, peaking approximately one week after the last use of the drug.

The Effects of Marijuana: Marijuana Withdrawal .Org

Marijuana withdrawal is a painful consequence of extended Marijuana use.  Marijuana side effects can be quite painful as well, as insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, restlessness and anger sometimes plague the struggling user. There is treatment help for Marijuana withdrawal.  Some treatments require in-patient rehabilitation, while others could be out-patient counseling with oversight from a competent physician. Please enjoy our site, and the work from contributing authors.

 

Marijuana is the common name for the drug obtained from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Hemp is a tall annual plant that can grow in almost any climate. Native to central and western Asia, hemp is one of the oldest crops cultivated by humans. Hemp’s most common agricultural use has been as a source of linen, rope, canvas, and paper. Hemp contains more than 400 chemicals. The main psychoactive (affecting the mind or behavior) chemical is tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC. For over 3,000 years, the dried ground leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant have been smoked, eaten, chewed, or brewed as a medicine to relieve symptoms of illness. From the seventeenth to the early twentieth century, marijuana was considered a household drug useful for treating such maladies as headaches, menstrual cramps, and toothaches.

 

In the 1920s, as a result of the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution forbidding the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages, the use of marijuana as a psychoactive drug began to grow. Even after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, marijuana (along with morphine, heroin, and cocaine) continued to be widely used. In 1937, 46 states banned the use of marijuana. In 1985, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave approval for the use of two psychoactive chemicals from marijuana to prevent nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Medical researchers also propose using marijuana to ease the effects of glaucoma (a serious vision disorder), as a bronchodilator (a drug that helps open the bronchial air passages in the lungs), and as an antidepressant. The origin of the word marijuana is not known, but it appears to be a combination of the Spanish names Maria and Juana (Mary and Jane). The drug slang for marijuana includes such names as Mary Jane, pot, grass, herb, tea, reefer, and weed. Hashish is the highest grade of marijuana. It is made from the resin found on flower clusters and top leaves of the female hemp plant.

 

The effects of marijuana on a user change dramatically as the dosage increases. Taken at low doses, marijuana tends to make a user drowsy and relaxed. The user may also feel a general sense of well-being. As the dose increases, a user may experience an altered sense of time and awareness, and may have difficulty completing thoughts and taking part in conversation. A user’s sense of balance and short-term memory (remembering very recent events or from one moment to the next) may also be affected. At higher doses, severe psychological disturbances can take place, such as paranoia, hallucinations, and panic attacks. Marijuana affects the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and dilating (expanding) blood vessels in the eyes. Difficulty in coordinating body movements and pains in the chest may be other effects of the drug. Scientists believe that long-term use of marijuana damages the lungs in a manner similar to tobacco smoking.

 

Scientific studies released in mid-1997 indicate that people who smoke large amounts of marijuana may experience changes in their brain chemistry. These changes are similar to those seen in the brains of people who abuse addictive drugs such as heroin, cocaine, nicotine, and alcohol. All addictive drugs increase the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a brain chemical responsible for causing feelings of reward. The new studies found (for the first time) that high doses of marijuana increased the levels of dopamine in the brain. Constant use of addictive drugs, however, can cause the brain to lose its ability to produce high levels of dopamine. When this happens, a drug user feels a greater need for the drug, or for even stronger drugs. Scientists believe this may occur with marijuana.

 

Users of addictive drugs feel withdrawal symptoms (feeling anxious, edgy, and unable to cope) when they stop taking the drugs. It was previously believed that marijuana users did not suffer feelings of withdrawal. However, the recent studies indicate that heavy users of marijuana smoke not so much for the “high” but to calm their feelings of anxiety brought on by withdrawal from the drug. Since THC is absorbed primarily in the fat tissues and lingers in the bloodstream, withdrawal symptoms are not as evident as with fast-acting drugs like nicotine.

 

In 1985, the FDA gave approval for the use of two psychoactive chemicals from marijuana to help prevent the nausea and vomiting many cancer patients experience after receiving chemotherapy. For these patients, THC can be prescribed in capsule form. Research suggests that compounds (other than THC) inhaled when smoking marijuana can also be used for medicinal purposes. Marijuana may help stop the weight loss in AIDS patients, it may lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma, it may control spasms in multiple sclerosis patients, and it may help relieve chronic pain.

The Signs, Symptoms and Side Effects of Marijuana Drug Addictions: Marijuana Withdrawal .Org

Here is another great article defining the signs and symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal, its addiction and side-effects. Some of these side-effects of Marijuana can be quite devastating, and lead to many negative consequences.  The is treatment for Marijuana addiction. Please feel free to look over our resources and enjoy the article from the contributing authors.

 

Marijuana is the flower, leaves, bud and branches of the hemp plant. Marijuana is the most used drug in the USA besides alcohol and cigarettes. It can be smoke or eaten for its narcotic side effects. Though you can smoke to get the high, eating it takes longer to feel the effected. When smoked this drug stays in the lungs for a few seconds and can last in your urine for up to 5-10 days. It can take between four to six weeks to leave your body. Smoking weed, which is another name for this drug, can cause numerous side effects.

It can cause:

Sleepiness

Hangover

Drowsiness

Slowed reaction

Short term memory

Increased heart rate

Increased blood pressure

Bronchitis

Chronic coughing

Increased risk of bronchitis and emphysema

Change in appetite

Diarrhea

Nausea

Sweating

Decreased body temperature

Depressed immune system

Dry mouth and throat

Lack of energy

Irritated eyes and soar throat

Hallucinations

Chemicals from the marijuana are stored in the blood stream and brain. The withdrawal effects from this drug are tremors, weight loss, nausea, sweating, hot flashes, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. chemicals which are transformed into 2,000 other chemicals when smoked. A person that is a heavy user, it can take up to three months for the drug to leave the body.

The potency of marijuana has increased by 275% over the last decade. It can range in colors of grey, green, brown, red and pale yellow. If marijuana has no seeds in it, it is more potent. Five joints have the cancer-causing capacity as 112 cigarettes. Because this drug affects the lungs, anyone who smokes it has a higher chance of developing lung cancer. It can also lower the testosterone in men.

Many think that this drug is not as harmful as other drugs, but this drug is dangerous to the body just like any other form of drugs. It can weaken your immune system and prevent it from fighting off colds, flu and other viruses. In women, the drug can interfere with ovulation, menstrual cycle, fertility and DNA. In male, it can cause impotence, swollen breasts that may come with pain, discharge and fluids. Despite the harsh side effects marijuana is legal is some states and prescribe to patients with certain medical conditions.

If you or someone you know, has an addiction. Please seek help life can get greater.

 

Lorna Darden

What are the effects of Marijuana Withdrawal?

ive been smoking marijuana at least once a day for about 4 years. im 16 yrs old. i know dont bug me about it. but i want to stop to better myself. but every time i stop for a few days i become very irratible and mean so i just go smoke again. will this get worse if i continue to stop and how long will this last

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