Crack Addiction

Can methadone clinics/treatments help a crack addict? It looks to me like it's mostly for pill or heroine abusers.

[tammyk_40]

no, methadone clinics are for opiate addicts. you could try narcotics anonymous in the phone book. good luck to you.

[Two222]

You can still go to a regular detox facility though.

[LIZZIE LOU]

there are no physical withdrawals from crack.  it is all mental.  when you go to a rehab facility...they will put you in detox only to segregate you while you get over the overwhelming need for more...this usually takes 3 days.

[CATUF]

I would disagree with the notion that "there are no physical withdrawals from crack - it is all mental."  

First, there are very real physicial symptoms associated with withdrawal from crack - ask any crack user that ever "crashed" or talk to an inner city nurse who has watched a "crack-baby" shaking in it's crib.  

Second, "only mental" hardley does justice to what goes on in the brain after a crack addict suddenly stops.  "Only mental" sounds like you just need an attitude adjustment or that you're troubled by something you should "just get over."  In fact, crack causes actual changes in brain structure and radically alters brain chemistry.  These are changes that can affect many weeks after the last use.

According to addictionwithdrawal.com/crack.htm, "Crack withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

*  agitation
*  depression
*  intense craving for the drug
*  extreme fatigue
*  anxiety
*  angry outbursts
*  lack of motivation
*  nausea/vomiting
*  shaking
*  irritability
*  muscle pain
*  disturbed sleep

Crack withdrawal certainly does not make you "dope sick" in a manner that is similar to opiate withdrawal.  However, there are element of crack withdrawal that are just as bad and worse.  One of the biggest deals is the instantly delivered, but much longer lasting, insanity that comes from crack use.  The longer it's used in a given run, the worse it gets and the longer it lasts.  

So in many cases you quite literally have a crazy person trying to figure out how to make it through the withdrawal and the brain that is simply SCREAMING for more (often with the same insensity that the same part of the brain SCREAMS for air if you hold your breath for too long -- go ahead, hold your breath for 3 minutes . . . . ready, GO!)

CATUF
DAY-811

[TrayCee]

I'm not going to go into my whole crack story (again) let me just say it ended with a high speed police chase through 2 states 4 counties.  THE ONLY WAY TO GET OFF ROCK IS TO MOVE AWAY from anyone who uses or can get it for you.  I smoked everyday 365 days a year for 2 years about $150.00 a day.  I had to move to another state and change all my numbers ONLY THEN was I able to completely quit.  I havent smoked in 3 years and have no desire to.

I know this sounds drastic, but ITS THE ONLY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOD LUCK !

[LIZZIE LOU]

not being an addict...and certainly not ever addicted to crack...i do not know this from a first hand experience.   i am only repeating what many doctors...psychiatrists...therapists...and counselors from numerous rehabs have told my husband and i.   if you look at the list you posted above...most of the things listed are mental.  i am certainly not trying to make light of crack addiction and/or withdrawals being "just" mental and not physical.  i also do not sit and search different sites trying to find answers...because there are always conflicts.   i did call my son after reading your reply and he said that he never had any physical w/d's...and he went to detox 4 times...but i also know that everyone is different.  again...i am only repeating what the professionals have told us.  

[beachtowel]

It sounds like your looking for another high..........

[beachtowel]

Methadone was for opiate addiction but primarliy for Heroin addicts.........