image source: USDEA
0 to 7 Stages of Crack Cocaine Use and Withdrawal Pattern
0) Currently using: Auditory hallucinations, hypertensive, hyper vigilant. During usage a person may think they hear sirens, cars pulling up outside, music, people talking, etc. Some people will experience tactile hallucinations such as skin crawling or seeing bugs on their skin. They will be extremely alert to the point of paranoia — perhaps suspicious of any movement around the area where they are using. It is common to hide out in the area where use is occurring and refuse to answer the door.
1) Panic stage: 1-3 hours after last use. During this phase money for more is the prime concern. In this phase a person may look for something around their house to sell or pawn or may consider where they may beg, borrow or steal something to sell for cocaine. Looking for lint on the rug hoping something has fallen is common at this point. In this acute withdrawal period, people have been known to try to rob crowded public places (mall stores, convenience stores, fast food restaurants) to obtain goods to sell or money for more crack. The withdrawal is so intense and craving so high that the person has little ability to think or reason logically.
2) Crash Stage: 3-24 hours after last use. Depression; remorse (suicidal); brain is in desperate need of rest but the chemicals (serotonin) necessary for sleep have been depleted and it is difficult, at first, to sleep. In this phase one wonders why they spent all their paycheck, used funds that did not belong to them, pawned valuable household items for less than actual value, stole from persons they truly care about, etc. Often, under the influence of cocaine-induced depression, one makes promises to never do it again in this phase and believes it. Highest risk for suicide is during this period.
3) Honeymoon Stage: 1-5 days after last use. Characterized by feeling very good. The craving is not noticeable or is easily manageable during this phase. The drug effects seem to be wearing off and one is starting to regain confidence in their ability to handle the addiction. During this phase it is common to hear a person say, “I don’t even think about it, I’m not going to have any problem with it. I do not even want it anymore.” A delusive way of thinking that ignores their past cycles and paves the way for the next binge. The chemical messengers of the brain (serotonin/dopamine) necessary to enjoy crack are still depleted and behind this lack of interest in crack. This is a dangerous stage as it is easy to think there is not a problem and therefore, why worry about it? People let down their guard during this phase and commonly use defense mechanisms, e.g., rationalizing and minimizing, to convince themselves this time they are cured and so have no need of further support or treatment. There is a high risk for people in treatment to leave during this phase as they no longer feel, or are aware of, the physical and emotional affects of the original crisis.
4) Return of Craving: 5-14 days after last use. Tremendous upsurge of acute drug hunger, depression, anger. The body has produced enough serotonin/dopamine for the person to want to use more cocaine but not enough to affect stability of mood and emotions. During this phase one may experience vivid dreams, fantasies, and acute drug hunger. Thoughts may cycle around using until a person feels like giving in to the obsession to use. Defense mechanisms (rationalization, intellectualization, denial, minimizing) begin to make a strong comeback after being knocked down by the original crisis.
5) Emotional Augmentation: 14-28 days start – up to 1-2 years. Over-response to the normal stress and events of everyday life. At the top of the mood swing one is unusually happy and at the bottom one is unusually sad. The state of making mountains out of molehills. This is related to biochemical responses induced by strong emotions that stimulate areas where mood and mind altering drugs act on the brain. The body is now seriously undertaking the repairs of areas damaged by drug use and is replacing important chemicals needed to regulate mood and emotions. As a result, one is slightly off balance chemically without being consciously aware of it. There there is a strong need for accurate feedback on one’s behavior from an objective support group. (Recommend AA or NA or another type recovery support group.) This cannot be stressed too highly for long term success in recovery. Also, low impact exercise – walking, jogging, bicycling, low impact aerobics – and a well-balanced diet will shorten this phase and reduce the severity of the symptoms. Irritability, depression, anxiety, mood swings, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, short attention span, nightmares, insomnia, fatigue, and headaches are some of the normal recovery symptoms of the emotional augmentation stage.
6) Covert Cravings: 28-35 days. Secrets and bad judgments characterize this phase. Craving is not as strong on a regular basis but one may have periodic strong cravings and not want to admit it for various reasons. Thinking it is a sign of weakness, poor moral character, that they are not working a good program, that they simply should not be having cravings. Generally, the cravings are of a low level, e.g. euphoric recall (glorifying war stories), vivid dreams that trigger cravings upon awakening, or just general mild drug hunger. Without someone to talk with concerning these normal protracted withdrawal symptoms, they can evolve into high level cravings, e.g. acute drug hunger, drug seeking behavior, obsession and on to compulsion. Again the need for a support system is strongly recommended.
7) Cue Conditioning: 35 days upward. Cue conditioning – referred to as triggers – could be money, anger, disappointment, music, a film, or extreme joy. Anything strongly associated with using could cue/trigger a craving. The strength of these cue cravings will diminish in time but continue on for years although becoming few and far between. They can catch a person off guard and evolve into higher level cravings. Again, a long term support plan for sobriety AA/NA or recovery support group is recommended to alleviate these natural manifestations.
It is a normal part of recovery to have strong cravings due to acute withdrawal 3-7 days and then continued cravings at a lower level well into protracted withdrawal 6 months-2 years. Time and severity of protracted withdrawal depend upon type, amount, and frequency of drug used. Again, a program of good nutrition and low impact exercise can alleviate these normal recovery symptoms.
Please note that behavioral symptoms: compulsion, obsession, loss of control over time, place, amount used and continued use despite adverse consequences are secondary symptoms of the disease process. With continued treatment of the disease with abstinence and a good support system, these behavioral symptoms will diminish to normal discussions over time.
The above information was provided to a friend of a friend of mine in 2000 while he was in detox for crack cocaine addiction, and she recently emailed me a copy when she learned I was going to write about crack and homelessness. Thanks, friend. 
>> See also, “What You Need To Hear About Crack Cocaine”
Reading through all of your comments I see that most of you are adults. I am 17 and my best friend/ex-boyfriend is 18. He comes from a family of addicts and was born to a crack addict. He’s had a very troubled life and many obstacles thrown in his way. I am not trying to make excuses, there is no excuse. Recently he left the woman who has been taking care of him to live near his birth mom and she is now a part of his everyday life. I know he used to have issues with pot, pills, alcohol and I’m sure other things he didn’t tell me. About a month ago we broke up and he hasn’t spoken to me until a week ago, when we both agreed we just need our best friends back. However, I found out that he’s now addicted to crack. I don’t know what to do. I feel nothing but pain just thinking about it, and most people are telling me to just stop talking to him all together, but I’ve never left his side. I just don’t want my best friend to die before he gets a chance to live. Im looking for something, anything from someone who’s lived through this, because right now I feel nothing but alone.
Very interesting article. Dear Mb, I Know what you are feeling as I am in a similar situation. A very close friend of mine got onto Crack, although just for 9 months, but still bad enough. I sponsored his rehab and he was clean for 4 to 5 months and now it has all started all over again. In meantime he and his GF had gotten a beutiful baby boy and I had hoped that this would give him some direction in life but not so. Somehow the triggers and the stress were too much, he did not communicate his feelings and fell back onto crack. We are now pursuing a different avenue to see a GP for some help as the rehab program he attended was also a bit of a waste of money. If he could just curb the cravings. I would like to communicate with you and possibly share ideas and strategies and who knows perhaps we can help eachother. My mail is haikobruns@iway.na
I have been addited to crack for a very long time for about 7 years. During this period of time I have quit several times the longest period was a year long. Currently I have been clean for 6 months. I am a very successful business person with a great family. And still to this day I have really bad cravings. I am trying my hardest to overcome them through prayer and exercise. But still they are there. Crack is a very scary thing its a disease that will never leave my life and I know this. The best piece of advice that I can give to someone who is trying to quit or someone whos trying to help somneone to quit is.. Do not trust anything that we say or do we will do anything to get it reguardless of who we hurt even if we dont mean too. Take away all of their money watch them 24 hours a day dont even let them go outside for a cigarette alone they will find a way to get it.. For myself I quit on my own.. it really depends on how bad you want to change your life. Working out at the gym and doing cardio really helped me out and so did praying to god for help. But like I said Im still not fully recovered or even close to being there and I know this. Hopefully I will not default again this time because if I do I probibly will end up dead. And the sadest part about it is that we are very good people that made one mistake. Anyways if you want my help im here to guide you and I could also use some words of encouragment to keep myself on the path of sobriety.. Also not only did i quit the use of crack i no longer smoke cigarettes weed or drink alcohol and I deleted all ways of contacting with dealers from my life. This made a huge difference in helping me quit.
It takes a while, and this wont go over well here, and while it does suck loving a crackhead, it’s been my experience that most will at the very least, grow out of to a point where they would like to live a different life. Some don’t make it that long in the game. Some will never change. But most at the very least, hit a point where the thrill is gone so tos peak, and even though the cravings are there, they have enough want to want to do something different. it comes quicker for some than others
and even then, it’s a battle. trust me lol. At least for me there just came a point where i said to myself look, you arne’t doing this crap for the rest of your life. you have potential, you have dreams, you have ambitions, you just have to dig down and find what it will take to nnot use.
if you want to stick around for that, that’s up to you. You aren’t mandated to.
I don’t buy the whole “don’t trust addicts around blah blah” bit, i never stole from anyone during my addiction. I could go over my mom’s house and spend the weekend there while she was out of town. now, there re times i’d get high but it would be on my dime. That IMHO comes down to the character of the person you are dealing with, not the drug itself. the drug made me spend money i should not have spent, but never steal.
The mistake addicts make in revoery think that there is some magic pill that will one day just take away the addiciton and they won’t crave the drug. It’s only when you realize that you are going to have to not use in the face of wanting to use, that you can get by.
I personally know the curse of crack, and the horrors of addiction. What I have to say will not find the “approval” of most, but it is my reality, and I do have the strength of character to make known my life’s experiences, my belief with regard to my personal journey through hell.
Through most my of years in addiction, you could say that I was the traditional/stereotypical addict. Stealing, lying, spending my whole pay check, selling all my personal items, and others as well, was my M.O.
I often found myself depressed and suicidal, only to find any amount of relief through prayer to the almighty God/creator that has, and continues to sustain me. I have tried 12 step recovery programs or N.A. and the reality was that these programs have not worked for me because honestly I have not surrendered to the fact that I’m powerless (by myself) against addiction.
What I have discovered, through a long and arduous process, is that for some “the only way out is through”. I have taken back my life, I am responsible for myself, and a somewhat “productive member of society” and my family as well.
After years of struggling with addiction and depression, I’ve realized that I don’t have to steal from anyone, I can and do keep my personal items, I don’t spend my entire paycheck. I am stable again and I do have worthwhile, meaningful relationships with others.
This is not to say that I’m cured, or that it’s O.K. to use cocaine, even sometimes. It’s not a good time, after that first hit, ever! The belief that “once an addict, always an addict” though is a lie straight from hell! Most people I’ve known that continue to use, no matter what, may have to die, but not all.
Tough love has to be administered in a loving and thoughtful way in order to be of any help what so ever, or it can be a deterrent itself to recovering. There are those that I’m still making amends to, also my addictive way of thinking has had to be, and is changing. I’m learning again to love life, myself, and others. I believe that some others are capable of this as well.
I do not mean to give any sort of approval to drug using, I’m not responsible for addiction -It was a terminally bad decision, but the “deed is done” and I can’t go back through the “looking glass”- I have to move forward. However, I am responsible for recovering from a “seemingly hopeless state of mind and body”, and my journey continues.
If you’re an addict, please be encouraged, for there is hope if you can keep living, learning to love yourself and others you will find the light at the end of the tunnel.
I don’t steal, I don’t cheat and I certianly don’t sell off my belongings to buy drugs or anything else for that matter. I’m a women that got put into a situation that caused me to make a very bad decision in my life, no excuse but it is what it is……..Depression, is such a horrible way of life for me on medication off medication it’s just horrible. Using crack gave me a few minutes of piece from not feeling anything at all. I am trying to make better choices in my life and I’m determined to stop using it, period. I will do this on my own with the help of prayer. I am at a point in my life that the choice I made was bad, yes, but it’s not who I really am and its time for change. I seen all these remarkes and some are true and some are I’m sure true but not what I am experiencing. I wish all those that are ready to start making better choices for themselves best of luck and hope your lives are better for it….!!
Last month, out of desperation for my boyfriend’s relapse, I wrote in…So much has changed since then! After three weeks apart, and me letting him know that I was NOT going to watch him kill himself , and that he pretty much had to make a decision and some soul searching, my boyfriend has made the commitment to quit…It was his decision..He told me that after one year clean, and after graduating from drug court, he could not wait to use again, just to see “what he had been missing, and if he still liked it”….He said he did not enjoy it like he used to, and that he wanted me in his life, more than the drugs…He said drugs were not worth losing me….I told him if he really meant it, he would have to totally prove it to me, and that I could not trust him again , right away….He said he understood, said I was free to check phone records, go thru his place anytime I wanted ( gave me his house key back!), and that he would willingly agree to random testing by me….I have been by his side when couple of dealers who were supplying him called him, and he told them he was not going to use anymore, he was going to be clean, and to please delete his phone number from their phones…He made me delete their phone numbers from his phone…He keeps reassuring me, and I am still a little on the defensive side, but so far so good…He has agreed , also , to answer ANY questions I may have about anything that worries me , and has agreed to go to NA meetings again….He has promised no more secrets…..Only time will tell, but he seems truly sincere…ALL any of us can do is pray for one day at a time….GOD will give us the strenghth and the serenity…I have left it in HIS hands!!! Hang in there, everyone, and be strong…I truly believe this can be overcome!
GOD bless you all!!
Jo
I smoked cocaine and crack for almost 16 years. The experience I had was a progressive one. My using for fun led to complete and utter desperation and self destruction. I have been clean and serene from cocaine and crack for almost ten years. Staying clean requires daily maintenance and committment to staying clean. Building a support network, surrounding myself with people who are not using, not visiting old places and old friends. The addiction consumed me mind, body and spirit. So, I have learned I must maintain my recovery mind, body and spirit.
you are all young my husband is an active crackhead and has been using on again off again for about 15 years and often says I can handle this. well there will be no money or means to get any in this house it will all be with my pastor. he will arrange bill paying and grocery shopping the crackhead now has to decide family or drugs i will stand it no more
Is this the reason why disney made a reference to “SNOW WHITE” cus there are 7 dwarfs= the 7 stages of cocain? cocain= snow white?
My brother has been addicted to crack cocaine for almost 20 years. He has been in and out of jail, prison, and rehab for most of his adult life. He has such a beautiful family and many people who love and want nothing but the best for him. He recently gave his heart and life to JESUS CHRIST. I truly believe GOD has an amazing purpose for him because the devil has had him under attack with the “devil’s drug” since he started believing there is a purpose for his life. He has become bombarded with doubt, but I encourage all addicts to say, “I will never give up! God is on my side, HE loves me, and HE is helping me!!” You are an OVERCOMER!!!!
I’ve watched my brother be tormented with the devil’s tricks the last few weeks, but I know the devil is under our feet. All the devil can do is trick the mind, my GOD can restore the mind.
I know GOD is in control!!!!! Pray in agreement for all that are suffering with the devil’s tricks because JESUS and his ANGELS have protected each and everyone of you and your loved ones. I encourage each of you to get rooted in the Bible and praise God for all he has done, is doing, and is going to do.
I started using trying to get laid, that was early november 2011. i tell you the truth by the 16th december 2011 i was going crazy. during that period i would only smoke on weekends for one day. i respected my job to much. i went on holiday for three weeks and i was fine. felt good crack was not even a thought in my mind only to return and find on of my best friends using.
i smoked with him using up half my paycheck just to tell him he must stop. he must believe in something to help him stop. I have been clean since that day. I only now have cravings but I belive in the lord. I refuse to let my life go down over getting ass. i have cut all crack relateded people out of my life. handed over all monies just incase if screws with my mind and have begun socializing with new people. when ever i crave i think of all the sh*t i went through that month. one day at a time is the secret. have people you can talk to and be open. just don’t ever loose hope.
im so worried about a friend now. his having difficulties with the withdrawels and the worst part for him is that his crack dealer texts him from time to time. but he should be cool right? look at Whitney Houston
So i went to visit my friend yesterday and i suggested to him that he visits his uncle in south africa, even if its just for a month to clear his head and examin his life and see if he wants to be a crackhead for the rest of this precious life. I miss the times when we would go to the farm smoke weed and drink and for get about life ko Gabs city. but now he never has any money for anything he goes days not eating and im scared because we experimented together but he seems incapable to to stop. I have looked for good rehab centres in Bot’s but they are all regious ones and its only been 3 months. his parents are also becoming suspicious because his always driving to Gaborone and coming back with out money to even buy a beverage. i think i should tell the parents?
or maybe the uncle in SA could find him a good rehab center. i really miss him in my life