Cocaine still maintains a strong foothold in our society, as 5.5 million people in the US reported using cocaine in 2018, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. That means families and communities are regularly impacted by this illegal drug. If you’re concerned that your loved one may be addicted to cocaine, it’s important to get educated on how you can help them. And this starts by recognizing the common signs of cocaine addiction.
Understanding Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine as a substance was first isolated from coca leaves in 1860 by German chemist Albert Nieman, according to History.com. Through the decades since, cocaine has become ubiquitous, from its early days as medicine and even as an ingredient in sodas to a widely popular street drug in the 1980s into today. It’s now the second most trafficked illegal drug in the world, shares the Foundation for a Drug-Free World.
Also called coke, blow, flake, icing, or crack, cocaine usually consists of a white powder that is snorted or alternatively, crystals that can be smoked. Some people may even rub powdered cocaine into their gums or inject it into their veins. It’s a stimulant, which means it affects your central nervous system, leading to an uptick in energy and euphoria almost immediately after use. Typically however, there is a comedown afterwards, marked by unpleasant symptoms like irritability, body aches, and sweating.
Once cocaine enters your system, it triggers a large release of dopamine, a chemical your brain will associate with pleasure and reward. Because of this dopamine rush, you’re motivated to seek out more cocaine to replicate the pleasurable high you had with previous cocaine use. Cocaine users will also use cocaine as a self-soothing coping mechanism for stress or anxiety, so they can begin to use it regularly over time.
As you use cocaine frequently, your body builds up a tolerance. That means you need to use it more often to achieve the same dopamine hits you received when you first started. This leads to a chemical dependence on the drug to function and consequently, a full-blown cocaine addiction (not to mention showing the signs of a cocaine addict).
Common Symptoms and Signs of Cocaine Addiction
A cocaine addiction may remain hidden for some time, yet eventually it does come to light. After all, cocaine addiction can take over your life, impacting your school or work, relationships, and your health. If you’ve been living with a cocaine user, you’ve probably already felt the impact of their substance abuse in your own life. But if you’re unsure if your loved one is addicted or not, here are some telltale signs of cocaine addiction to look out for:
Physical Signs of Cocaine Addiction
- Changes in appetite
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Pupil dilation
- Chronic runny or bleeding nose
- Trouble sleeping
- High body temperature
- Excessive sweating
- Weight loss
- Feverish chills
- Loss of smell
- Muscle twitching
Psychological & Behavioral Signs of Cocaine Addiction
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Fast speech
- Outbursts of aggression that are unprovoked
- Poor decision-making
- Delusions, psychosis, and hallucinations
- Dramatic mood swings
- Social withdrawal from friends or family
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyed
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sensitivity to sounds or light
- Borrowing or stealing money
- Lying
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- The inability to maintain steady employment
Signs of a Cocaine Addict: Long-Term Consequences
If your loved one is showing any cocaine addiction symptoms, the last thing that should be done is absolutely nothing. Unfortunately, if their addiction is left untreated, they can develop some serious long-term consequences, including:
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Heart, kidney, and liver damage
- Cardiac arrest
- Bleeding ulcers
- Permanent brain damage
- Total loss of smell
- Bowel gangrene
- Malnutrition
- Seizures
- Weakened immune system
- HIV or hepatitis
- Ruined careers
- Detrimental financial struggles
- Loss of relationships
- Legal issues
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction Withdrawal
Signs of cocaine addiction should be your loved one’s wakeup call that a serious change needs to be made. Yet overcoming a cocaine addiction isn’t just about changing your behavior or stopping your substance use. In fact, when your addicted loved one stops using cocaine, they may experience a range of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Vivid dreams and nightmares
- Intense cocaine cravings
- Nerve pain
- Muscle aches
- Tremors
- A lingering sense of uneasiness
- Slowed thinking
- Suicidal thoughts
Considering the symptoms of cocaine addiction withdrawal, many people will quickly revert back to their cocaine use to find relief—ending their attempts to quit the drug prematurely. That’s why it’s important for your loved one to get professional help when they’re ready to break free from cocaine addiction.
Overcome Cocaine Addiction at Sana at Stowe
Because of the physical cocaine dependence your loved one has developed thanks to their addiction, they need to partner with a professional treatment facility to find healing. This includes onsite medical supervision to help them detox safely and get the drug out of their system, as well as a residential level of care for addressing the root causes of their signs of cocaine addiction.
At Sana at Stowe in Stowe, VT, we offer comprehensive cocaine addiction treatment in New England’s beautiful countryside. Whether it’s our detox and withdrawal management services or our residential, evidence-based treatment options, your loved one can overcome their addiction all in one place. We also provide personalized dual diagnosis rehab for any co-occurring disorders like depression or PTSD. To learn more, contact our team today.
