addiction vs binge using
 

Is there such a thing as binge using? Are all that use crack addicted?

I used crack for over three years. The only reason I stopped was because I moved.

Does binging or addiction definitions matter if the end result is the same?

For me it devastated my life. I only used on the weekends.

Only you can determine if you are an addict or not.

Crack was not my drug of choice, but from my understanding there are not many 'recreational' users. Can you stop once you start? How long can you go without using?

Crack is very powerful. Stopping once started would be impossible for anyone I think. That's not an indicator if an issue like it is for drinking. Crack literally makes you crave the next hit after hit. It's unrelenting until you either run out of money, time, access, or life.

I agree only we know if we are addicts. But for me labels are not as important any longer as the effects.

I suggest you do get assistance. Not for the physical as this is not a drug that needs it but for the harsh mental toll it can take. The distortion of what's real and what's a level of excitement or energy that is acceptable.

Crack simply makes regular living seem unbearable.

Either go to NA or AA if no NA is around. I use AVRt but for crack I think being around people is needed. It's different than just saying I will not do it again. It is th most influential drug I have ever used. Right up there with the opiates.

All my bst to you.... You are in the right place posting here. We are here to help each other.

Welcome to SR uncertain21

Binge using of harmful substances in part of addiction. Not all that are addicted to coke or any drug have the same using pattern as most people that are addicted. Typically an addict will use daily, but for some people they use on the weekend only.

Binge users can have the same legal, health, family, work and a host of other serious problems as the person that is using daily.

There is no safe level use of coke. :) Its time to stop if your using and SR can help with that.

It's my boyfriend of 4yrs that I speak of. He has used twice in the last 4 years.
I'm not sure what I can do to help...rehab for that pattern seems extreme.

Your boyfriend isn't being honest with you about his drug use.

Hi Uncertain21 :)
welcome to SR :)

I've never used crack myself...but whether he's used twice in 4 years or not...if it's worrying you, then I think it's a problem.

You'll find a lot of support here - I hope you'll also check out our Family and Friends forum :)

D

Please explain why you think he isn't being honest? Wouldn't that behavior be hard to hide?

Active addicts generally aren't honest about their usage. And you would think that behavior would be hard to hide, but you'd be surprised.

My parents thought I'd never used anything in my life. Addicts lie, it's what we do. If there is evidence he is using regularly you should consider asking him more indepth about what's going on.

uncertain21

If you're living with your bf, I think that it would be hard for him to hide a crack addiction from you.

Back in the 80's when coke became big on the scene, there were many people who were recreational users, including me. At that time, the term "crack" was not used, it was called freebasing. I tried that once and did not become an addict.

I'm guessing that you're not very knowledgeable about drugs and are afraid that because your bf told you he had used he might become an addict? If so, please do go to the Family and Friends forum and ask them what signs to look for.

It takes 7 years for brain cells to work "normally" after one use of crack....

Sugarbear1:

Can you please back this up with a source?

It's important the information presented as a fact be accurate, so that the integrity of these boards are preserved.