Drug Treatment Programs in Brooklyn, NY: Crack Cocaine Abuse

Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, stands out for its unique atmosphere, diverse culture, and vibrant creativity. Despite its urban setting, Brooklyn offers a more laid-back vibe than Manhattan. However, like many metropolitan areas, Brooklyn faces challenges such as crack cocaine addiction, which impacts the community and calls for the need for adequate support and treatment programs. In 2021, cocaine was involved in 45% of drug overdose deaths in Brooklyn. Just behind the Bronx, Brooklyn had the second-highest number of overdose deaths in New York, with 586 residents losing their lives to drug overdoses during the same year. [1]

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug made from coca plant leaves found in South America. Crack cocaine, derived from the same plant, is processed into solid form for smoking, creating a distinctive crackling sound when heated. Its rapid euphoric effects led to its popularity in the mid-1980s, prompting stricter legal consequences for its use and possession. Despite regulations, nearly 1 million people in the US aged 12 or older used crack in 2021, with a majority being over 26 years old. [2] Crack, also known as “freebase,” is a solid form of cocaine. Users heat the rocks and inhale the vapor for a rapid euphoric effect. However, this high fades quickly, leading to a risky cycle of binge use to sustain the feeling.

Are you or someone you love struggling with crack cocaine addiction? Brooklyn drug treatment programs are here to help. The individualized addiction treatment plans and compassionate staff, many of whom are in recovery, can guide you toward lasting recovery. Call our free, confidential helpline, available 24/7, to learn about your recovery options today. Uncover accredited drug treatment centers in New York, each offering specialized care designed to support your journey toward recovery. Take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow by exploring the diverse treatment options available at these trusted facilities.

How Many Drug Overdose Deaths in Kings County?

In 2015, Kings County, including Brooklyn, had a rate of 8.3 overdose deaths per 100,000 people. For New York City overall, the rate was slightly higher at 9.3 deaths per 100,000, while the statewide rate stood at 12.1 deaths per 100,000 people. [3] Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is found mixed with heroin and cocaine in New York, contributing to 80% of accidental overdoses. This mirrors a nationwide trend, with drug overdose deaths reaching record highs in 2021, nearing 108,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [4]

In 2021, cocaine was involved in almost 23% of overdose deaths in the US:

• Despite a previous decline, cocaine overdose death rates began rising again in 2012.
• Non-Hispanic Black individuals had the highest death rates for cocaine overdoses in 2019.
• In 2021, over 24,000 Americans died from a cocaine-related overdose.

Crack cocaine is often cheaper and more accessible than powdered cocaine, making it appealing to individuals seeking a quick and powerful high. However, the rapid onset of effects and the intensity of the high also increase the risk of overdose. The immediate and intense euphoria experienced from smoking crack can lead individuals to take higher doses in a shorter amount of time, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions such as seizures, cardiac arrest, respiratory depression, and even death. Also, crack cocaine’s addictive nature can drive individuals to engage in binge use, consuming large quantities of the drug in a short period, further heightening the risk of overdose and other severe health consequences.

Crack cocaine, a solid form of cocaine, is created by processing cocaine powder with baking soda and water, resulting in small rocks or crystals. When crack cocaine is smoked, it quickly reaches the lungs, where it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. This rapid absorption leads to a faster onset of effects compared to cocaine powder. As a result, the euphoric effects of crack cocaine are felt almost immediately after smoking, intensifying the drug’s addictive potential.

The most common signs and symptoms of crack cocaine overdose include the following:

• Extreme agitation or restlessness.
• Confusion or disorientation.
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Elevated blood pressure.
• Profuse sweating.
• Tremors or muscle spasms.
• Seizures.
• Difficulty breathing or shallow breathing.
• Loss of consciousness.

Crack cocaine overdose can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect someone has overdosed on crack cocaine, call emergency services (911) immediately and provide as much information about the situation as possible. Prompt medical intervention can help prevent severe complications and save lives.

Can You Quit Cocaine Cold Turkey?

Quitting cocaine “cold turkey” (abruptly and without medical assistance) can be challenging and is not recommended for several reasons:

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Cocaine withdrawal can cause intense cravings, depression, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and increased appetite. These symptoms can be overwhelming and challenging to manage without proper support.
• Risk of Relapse: Abrupt cessation of cocaine can lead to severe cravings and psychological distress, increasing the likelihood of relapse. Without professional guidance and support, individuals may struggle to resist the urge to use cocaine again.
• Potential Health Risks: Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be physically and emotionally taxing, leading to possible health risks such as dehydration, malnutrition, and cardiovascular complications. Medical supervision can help monitor and manage these risks.
• Mental Health Concerns: Cocaine withdrawal can exacerbate underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Without proper treatment, individuals may experience worsening symptoms or develop new mental health challenges.
• Lack of Coping Strategies: Quitting cocaine abruptly may leave individuals without effective coping strategies to manage stress, triggers, and cravings. Learning healthy coping mechanisms and relapse prevention skills is essential for long-term recovery.

Quitting cocaine cold turkey can be overwhelming, risky, and less effective than seeking professional treatment. Medical supervision, counseling, and support from addiction specialists can significantly increase the likelihood of successful recovery from crack cocaine addiction.

How Long Does Crack Cocaine Stay in Your Blood?

The duration of crack cocaine detection in the bloodstream can vary based on several factors, including individual metabolism, frequency of use, dosage, and hydration levels. Typically, crack cocaine can be detected in blood tests for a relatively short period compared to other substances. After ingestion, crack cocaine quickly enters the bloodstream and is rapidly metabolized by the liver into various metabolites, including benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, and norcocaine.

While the immediate effects of crack cocaine typically last for about 5 to 10 minutes due to its rapid absorption, traces of its metabolites can be detected in the blood for a slightly longer duration. Crack cocaine can be detected in blood tests for up to 12 hours after use, although this window may be shorter in some cases. However, specialized tests may be able to detect metabolites of cocaine for a slightly more extended period, up to 24 hours or more, depending on the sensitivity of the test used.

The detection window for crack cocaine in blood tests is relatively short compared to urine or hair tests. Hydration levels, liver function, and individual metabolic rate can influence detection duration. Moreover, chronic or heavy use of crack cocaine may result in the accumulation of metabolites in the bloodstream, extending the detection window.

Suppose you’re searching for a supportive environment for crack cocaine addiction recovery. In that case, halfway houses in Brooklyn can help. Halfway houses offer a structured environment that helps ease the transition from treatment to independent living. These facilities provide various services, including counseling, vocational training, and peer support, all aimed at assisting individuals to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. By providing a stable living environment free from the triggers and temptations of substance use, halfway houses are crucial in preventing relapse and promoting long-term abstinence. Moreover, the sense of community and accountability fostered in these facilities can offer individuals the encouragement and support they need to stay on track with their sobriety goals.

Get the Help You Deserve: Crack Cocaine Drug Treatment Programs in Brooklyn, New York

More people in the US have been dying from taking too much cocaine over the years. In 2015, about 6,784 people died from it, and by 2019, the number rose to 15,883. Then, between 2019 and 2021, the number of deaths increased by almost 54%, reaching 24,486 deaths. [4] One of the chief factors contributing to this escalation is the widespread availability and use of crack cocaine. Crack cocaine is often more potent than powder cocaine, leading users to unknowingly consume more significant amounts of the drug, further increasing the risk of overdose. Also, the impurities usually found in illicitly manufactured crack cocaine can contribute to its increased toxicity, exacerbating the likelihood of overdose and other adverse health effects.

If you or a loved one is struggling with crack cocaine abuse, it’s crucial to seek support from accredited New York drug treatment centers. Professional assistance offers a structured and comprehensive approach to addiction recovery, ensuring safer and more effective outcomes compared to attempting to address addiction alone. Through specialized Brooklyn drug treatment programs, trained professionals can provide personalized care, including medical supervision, therapy, and support services tailored to individual needs. This holistic approach not only addresses the physical aspects of addiction but also targets the underlying psychological and emotional factors contributing to substance abuse. Seeking professional help offers a supportive environment where individuals can learn coping mechanisms, develop relapse-prevention strategies, and rebuild their lives free from the grip of addiction.

Resources: 

[1] Overdose Deaths Among Brooklyn Residents, 2021 – NYC (.gov)

[2] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP22-07-01-005, NSDUH Series H-57).

[3] New York State Opioid Annual Data Report 2018 – New York State Department of Health (.gov)

[4] Drug Overdose Death Rates – National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)