Crack cocaine addiction can exert an incredibly fast and powerful hold on those who begin using the drug. Due to the strong and rapidly developing physical addiction to crack cocaine, dependency has a notoriously high relapse rate, with more than 84 percent of crack users returning to use after treatment.

In every case of crack cocaine addiction the rehab team at Passages has encountered, dependency stems from one of four major causes:

1. Chemical imbalances that occur in the brain.
2. Unresolved trauma.
3. Untrue and limiting belief systems.
4. Inadequate coping mechanisms for life challenges.

Genetics is not a cause of addiction. Millions of Americans have lived a life of moderation or abstinence despite the addictions of family members. Some people develop addictions without a chemically dependent relative. The clinical, hands-on experience at Passages proves that addiction is far from an "incurable disease," but rather a sign other, deeper issues need full treatment and resolution. Therefore, relapse is not a normal or expected part of recovery. When addiction treatment is successful, underlying causes of addiction can resolve, bringing true freedom and eliminating the drive to drink or use drugs.

THE FACTS ABOUT CRACK COCAINE ADDICTION

A smoke-able form of cocaine, people make crack by mixing cocaine with baking soda and water through a heat-intensive process. The resulting "rock" state of cocaine (known as base-cocaine) forms as the water evaporates from the mixture, creating the crackling sound that gives crack its name. As a result, crack cocaine will vaporize at low temperatures, making it easier to inhale for a fast-acting high. However, crack cocaine is by nature impure, generally including less than 40 percent cocaine, depending on the degree to which it is "cut" with additives.

On a physical level, crack cocaine becomes addictive largely because of the effects it creates in brain chemistry. Crack sharply increases the levels of dopamine, which is a chemical messenger that initiates feelings of calm, contentedness and euphoria in the brain. While this creates a sense of disoriented pleasure while the crack high lasts, dopamine levels drop after use. Additionally, continued crack cocaine use can cause the brain to lower dopamine levels over the long run, sensing excess dopamine present. When attempting to cease crack cocaine use, users experience a cocaine-initiated chemical imbalance, causing depression, withdrawal symptoms and anxiety. In order to eliminate the experience of this chemical imbalance, users return to crack use. However, over time, tolerance builds up, requiring increasing amounts of crack in order to achieve the same effects.

Crack cocaine addiction can trigger a host of physical and mental side effects. Serious damage to the central nervous system can occur, including irreversible alterations in neural tissue, cerebral hemorrhaging, memory loss and cognitive delays. Continued crack addiction can also result in kidney failure, dangerously high fevers, heart abnormalities such as rapid or abnormal heartbeat, hypertension and convulsions. Users can also experience potentially fatal consequences including respiratory failure, collapsed lungs, life-threatening allergic reactions, cardiac arrest and complete heart failure. Psychological effects of crack cocaine addiction include intense paranoia, cocaine psychosis, severe depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety disorders and hypersomnia (extended and excessive sleep).

THE EXPERTISE OF THE PASSAGES CRACK COCAINE REHAB PROGRAM

Passages provides excellent treatment for crack cocaine addiction. Many of the top experts gather at the Malibu, California, treatment facility. The backbone of the groundbreaking Passages rehab program is customized treatment with a surprisingly simple philosophy. Each client receives full diagnostic testing upon arrival including blood chemistry analysis, aimed at spotlighting any nutritional deficiencies, chemical imbalances or other coexisting issues that may contribute to addiction. Then crack cocaine dependent individuals receive on-site detoxification services, while treating withdrawal symptoms with medical care and natural detox methods.

Once the body has successfully detoxified from crack cocaine use, clients begin intensive therapies with a host of addiction experts. A dedicated treatment team of 10 specialists from a host of disciplines meets with each client and gathers weekly to review each individual case and make adjustments in treatment plan accordingly. Passages offers each client personalized attention from qualified therapy specialists--with over 65 personal therapy sessions a month. At Passages, each treatment team includes physical, mental health, addiction, spiritual and life coaching experts who partner with clients to uncover and resolve the underlying causes of addiction.

At Passages, our holistic Crack Cocaine Treatment Program includes:

- One-on-one Therapy Sessions
- Custom Treatment Programs
- Psychotherapy
- Hypnotherapy and Trauma Recovery
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Diagnostic Testing and Blood Chemistry Analysis
- Spiritual Mentoring
- Metaphysics Instruction
- Nutritional Assessments
- Body Work
- Acupressure
- Acupuncture
- Physical Fitness Training
- Sports Activities
- Transitional Planning Experts
- Addiction Counseling
- Self Esteem Strengthening
- Eating Disorders Treatment
- Relapse Prevention Expertise
- Transformative Life Experiences
- Limited Enrollment
- Luxurious Facilities
- Treatment Team Approach
- Gourmet Cooking
- On-Site Detox
- 24/7 On-Site Nursing

At Passages, each detail of the grounds, guest accommodations, detox facility and treatment program creates a magical experience for each client. The serene setting and full service rehabilitation center offer world class amenities and services so that the focus of each client is simply recovery. The staff never asks clients to perform housework such as bathroom cleaning or floor washing. Passages Management provides a positive and rewarding experience for the housekeeping staff and the staff takes pride in the service they provide for guests. Passages does not believe in attempting to humiliate, punish or degrade clients in any way, shape or form.

The Passages staff seeks to treat each client with dignity, respect, compassion and heartfelt care. Passages offer a breathtaking property set above the Pacific Ocean, presenting over 16,500 square feet of world class facilities, replete with gourmet meals, a gymnasium, tennis courts and all the comforts of home.