What are the Signs of Cocaine Use and Addiction?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that is approved for medicinal use in the United States. While it can be used as an anesthetic, the presence of safer drugs renders it obsolete. Many people buy cocaine off of the street to experience mind-altering effects like a rush of euphoria and increased energy.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), 27,788,000 million people have abused cocaine at some point in their lifetime.[1]

If you are worried that a loved one is abusing cocaine, you should be aware of the signs of cocaine use. Most people misusing the substance will have dilated pupils, extreme bouts of energy, lose weight from decreased appetite, and have a hard time maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Over time, cocaine abuse will cause your loved one to develop a full-blown addiction.

Once your loved one is addicted to cocaine, they must seek help from a drug rehab center. Signs of cocaine addiction may include having a hard time controlling how much they use, developing a tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

In this article, you will learn:

• What are the effects of cocaine
• What are the signs of cocaine use
• What are the symptoms of cocaine addiction

What are the Effects of Cocaine?

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that causes increased activity in the central nervous system. Abusing it will lead to symptoms like increased energy, euphoria, and talkativeness. It can also lead to adverse physical and mental health side effects. Anyone who takes cocaine without a prescription is at risk of developing a substance use disorder.

The effects of cocaine might include:[2]

• A rush of euphoria
• Chattiness
• Increased focus and mental alertness
• Hypersensitivity to sight, sound, and touch
• Decreased need for food and sleep
• Constricted blood vessels and dilated pupils
• Increased body temperature and excessive sweating
• Fast heart rate and heightened blood pressure
• Bizarre or violent behavior
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Tremors, vertigo, and muscle twitches

If you use it long-term, you will develop an addiction to cocaine. Being aware of the signs and risk factors for cocaine will help you determine whether you or someone you love requires professional substance abuse treatment.

What are the Signs That Someone is Using Cocaine?

If you are worried that a friend or loved one is using cocaine, you might not know how to be sure. Several signs and symptoms can indicate whether someone is abusing cocaine or a similar drug.

The signs that someone is misusing cocaine include:

• Unexplained weight loss and changes in eating habits
• Dilated or enlarged pupils
• Extreme bouts of energy and overexcitability
• Chronic runny nose and nosebleeds
• Changes to social patterns and activities
• Mood swings or irritability
• Insomnia and nightmares
• Increased confidence and talkativeness
• Changes in personal hygiene and appearance
• Sudden financial difficulties
• Intense emotional highs and lows
• A decline in oral health

It is important to note that some of these signs might indicate a similar addiction to drugs like meth or crack cocaine as well as a new or preexisting mental health condition. If you are worried that your loved one is abusing cocaine, you should try and talk with them about it. In the case that they are unwilling to speak with you, you might encourage them to meet with a therapist or a doctor regarding substance abuse.

What are the Signs of Cocaine Addiction?

Once someone has been abusing cocaine for some time, they will develop a cocaine use disorder. According to a study, 10% of people who begin abusing cocaine progress to chronic and heavy use.[3] Understanding cocaine addiction can arm you with the facts you need to determine when your loved one requires professional help.

The signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction include:

• Having a hard time controlling how much cocaine you use
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the use of cocaine
• Wanting to quit using cocaine but being unsuccessful
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities to abuse more cocaine
• Continuing to use cocaine despite facing social and relationship issues as a result
• Using cocaine in dangerous situations, such as while driving
• Experiencing urges and cravings for cocaine
• Being unable to quit cocaine even though it is causing adverse physical and mental health effects
• Needing to increase your dose of cocaine to experience the desired effect
• Dealing with cocaine withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it

Cocaine addiction must be treated by a professional rehab program. At New You Sober Living, we can connect you with an addiction treatment center that suits your needs.

Find Help for Cocaine Abuse

If you or a loved one are close to finishing a cocaine rehab program, it’s time to start thinking about sober living. New You Sober Living is a highly-rated transitional housing program that offers the support you need to stay sober after you have completed treatment.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay sober from cocaine.

References:

1. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Powdered Cocaine Fast Facts 
2. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cocaine
3. Medscape: Cocaine-Related Psychiatric Disorders Clinical Presentation