Crack Addiction Treatment & Rehab
Written by Gretchen Koebbe
& Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD
Medically Reviewed
Last updated: 12/28/2022
Key Takeaways
- Rehab has multiple steps, including medical detox, inpatient or residential rehab, outpatient rehab and aftercare.
- Rehab can help you to unlearn destructive behaviors and learn new healthy ones in their place.
- Insurance may cover rehab in whole or in part.
- Staying sober is a lifelong process.
There are many different options for crack treatment rehab programs. Learn how to compare them to find the right treatment for you or a loved one.
If you or someone you love struggles with crack addiction, you may wonder about what rehab options are available. Learning about the different treatment options for crack rehab is an important step that can help you choose an effective rehab program.
Treatment Options for Crack Addiction
Depending on your needs, different kinds of treatment options for crack addiction are available. Because there is no FDA-approved medication treatment for crack addiction, rehab often focuses on detoxing from the drug and therapy. The type of therapy that you receive will be individualized and based on your specific needs.
Medical Detox
Medical detox is the first step in recovering from addiction. During crack detox, you stop using the drug under close medical supervision. It is important to realize that while detox itself does not treat addiction, crack cocaine detox helps you safely manage withdrawal symptoms like:
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Having a low mood
- Being tired
- Feeling generally uncomfortable
- Having appetite changes
- Dreaming about scary or vivid things
- Feeling like your activity is slow
Residential Rehab
Inpatient and residential rehab programs are options for many people who struggle with crack addiction. These type of programs take place following detox. Both inpatient rehab and residential rehab programs offer intensive treatment in a residential setting. In residential rehab, patients live on-site while getting treatment. This requires participants to put outside life on hold to focus on recovery. Treatments include therapy, which may be one-on-one or in groups, depending on your needs. The benefits of residential rehab include:
- Removing drug-use triggers
- Having a safe place to live
- Being able to access around-the-clock medical treatment
Outpatient Rehab
Some people may be able to complete rehab while living at home or a sober living house. They may be able to hold down work and social responsibilities while recovering from crack addiction. For these individuals, outpatient rehab may be a good fit. Outpatient drug rehab may be an option in several cases, including:
- After residential rehab has been completed
- If taking time off from daily life is not an option
- If the addiction is in the early stages or otherwise safely managed at home
Outpatient rehab offers the ability to continue therapy one-on-one or in a group setting. Support groups are also available.
Teletherapy
Teletherapy is an option for those who are in need of partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient treatment. Online substance abuse treatment includes videoconferencing and messaging for both individual and group therapy sessions. Teletherapy may be an option in many cases, including:
- Those with limited resources to travel to treatment
- Those who may be experiencing acute addiction symptoms
- Those who need a flexible schedule due to family and work life
Dual Diagnosis
Mental health issues and substance abuse problems are closely linked. In fact, people who use cocaine are one-third more likely to commit suicide than those who do not. Even when drug use is stopped, the mental health conditions often persist, putting the individual at further risk. Among people with depression who use crack, studies show that the more severe the addiction, the more serious the depression when the person quits. For this reason, people with mental health problems who stop using drugs often need extra help during rehab. Dual diagnosis treatment focuses on treating both the addiction and the underlying mental health problem. Common mental health problems addressed during treatment include:
- Depression
- Personality disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Autism
- Psychotic disorders
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Aftercare & Sober Living
Aftercare programs and sober living homes are a crucial part of long-term recovery for many people. The goal of drug rehab aftercare programs is to keep your focus on recovery. Aftercare will continue the rehab process of giving you the skills, resources and tools that you need to face life without crack use and to cope with any relapse. Aftercare services vary and include:
- 12-step programs
- Self-help groups
- Rehab alumni groups
- Volunteer positions that encourage staying substance-free
Related Topic: Halfway Houses vs. Sober Homes
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab
Although both inpatient and outpatient rehab provide therapy and focus on helping you recover from crack use, there are differences in the programs. These include:
- Living on-site during inpatient rehab vs. living at home or in a sober living facility while in outpatient rehab
- Complete removal of drug-use triggers while in inpatient rehab vs. having to avoid them on your own in outpatient rehab
- Medical care available 24/7 in inpatient rehab vs. additional responsibility while living at home during outpatient rehab
- Stopping work and social responsibilities while in inpatient rehab vs. possibly engaging in these in outpatient rehab
How Long Does Rehab Take?
Because every case is different, there is no single duration of rehab that is right for everyone. Some people may require longer stays in rehab than other people, depending on their needs. For outpatient rehab, studies have shown rehab programs that last at least 90 days to be effective. However, sometimes rehab may need to last longer, or be shorter depending on individual names.
What Does Crack Rehab Cost?
Costs for crack cocaine addiction treatment may vary. Even the average cost of drug rehab depends on the kinds of services you need. Many factors are involved in determining the drug rehab cost, including your insurance plan and what kind of rehab you need. Even if your insurance does not cover rehab, or does not cover enough of the drug rehab price, the rehab center may be able to work with you and there are also nonprofits and government programs that can help finance your treatment. Often, the crack drug rehab center will be able to give you financial options as well.
We are here when you are ready.
Speak with a Recovery Advocate today to talk about your treatment options.
Will Insurance Cover My Treatment?
Some insurance may cover rehab treatment in whole or in part. However, this depends on the insurance plan you have and the care you need.
Related Topic: Cocaine Rehab
If you are insured through your job or have private coverage:
Rehab is usually covered partially or in whole by all employer and private health programs. You can easily verify your insurance, here.
If you are covered by Medicaid:
Your rehab may be covered in whole or in part. You can contact the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to learn more.
If you are covered by Medicare:
Whether or not rehab is covered depends on factors like the plan you have and the kind of treatment you require. You may be covered by Medicare Part A if you are in the hospital, though there is a limit on care. Outpatient programs are covered by Medicare Part B. Original Medicare plans require you to meet your deductible and then pay 20% of the treatment cost.
If you are a veteran:
Your rehab may be covered. Contact your nearest Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center to learn more. Florida VA medical centers are in Bay Pines, Gainesville, Lake City, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach.
If you are not insured:
If you are not covered by Medicaid but want to see if you can enroll, contact the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Choosing a Crack Rehab Center
It can be hard to know where to start when looking for a crack cocaine rehab program. Many crack addiction rehab centers are available, each with different options. Some things to consider when choosing a rehab for crack addiction include:
- Rehab setting: if treatment is inpatient, residential rehab, or outpatient
- Distance from home: if you can go to a rehab center far from home, or require something close
- Program length: if the program has a specific length or is flexible
- Rehab specialty: if the program specializes in crack addiction
- Level of addiction: how severe your substance problem is. Less severe addictions may require less intense rehab.
- Insurance coverage: if your insurance works with the rehab center
- Aftercare options: the support the center provides for aftercare and sober living
Preparing for Rehab
After you have planned rehab, it is important to start preparing yourself and the people close to you for what is to come. Some ways to prepare for rehab include:
- Telling loved ones, if you choose to.
- Making arrangements for work and other responsibilities, if necessary.
- Asking the rehab facility for a packing list, if necessary. Further, asking the facility if there are items that should not be packed may also be useful.
- Contacting your insurance company with any rehab coverage questions.
Life After Rehab
After completing detox and residential or outpatient rehab, the final stage in recovery is aftercare and a commitment to sober living. Rehab will teach you the tools and skills to lead a life without substance use. However, when you leave rehab and are back in the real world, old habits and temptations may still be there. Aftercare programs are recommended for long-term healing and can help reinforce the skills you learned in rehab.
How Rehab Helps
Once you have decided to lead a substance-free life, a long and rewarding road lies ahead. After all, recovery is a lifelong process. Coping skills, triggers and deep-rooted behaviors all need to be examined in order to stop crack use. Rehab works by helping you unlearn harmful behaviors that led to substance use and to create new, healthy behaviors in their place.
View Sources
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Medical Detoxification.” Updated February 2016. Accessed July 16, 2019.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Cocaine Withdrawal.” Updated July 10, 2019. Accessed July 16, 2019.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Duration of Treatment.” Updated February 2016. Accessed July 16, 2019.
Esang M, Ahmed S. “A Closer Look at Substance Use and Suicide.” American Journal of Psychiatry Resident’s Journal, June 1, 2018. Accessed July 26, 2019.
Haasen, Christian; et al. “Relationship Between Cocaine Use and Mental Health Problems in a Sample of European Cocaine Powder or Crack Users.” World Psychiatry, October 2005. Accessed July 16, 2019.
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