- withdrawal symptoms can last weeks, months, and occasionally years depending on the dosage, frequency, length of use, and any pre-existing mental problems - major symptoms of withdrawal: anhedonia, anergia (total lack of energy), emotional depression, loss of motivation or initiative, anxiety, vivid and unpleasant dreams, insomnia. Crack cocaine is a potent drug that can cause addiction after only one hit. Thousands of people struggle with an addiction to this powerful drug. Although the effects of crack cocaine are intense, people who are addicted to the drug may be good at hiding it. Learn the signs and symptoms of crack use and addiction. Long Term Side Effects Of Crack Cocaine Use. Addiction is the number one most likely and most severe side effect of crack cocaine use. Crack cocaine is both physically and psychologically addictive, meaning that both the body and mind will develop a dependence on the drug.