5 Warning Signs of a Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction has been a major public health concern in the United States over the years. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) have found that 1.7 million people aged 12 years or older abuse cocaine annually.
This translates to about 1 in 20 young adults using cocaine, a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. The trend in drug abuse is no exception in cocaine use.
Regular use of cocaine can impact a person’s brain, making it challenging to call it quits without help. Cocaine use may have started as harmless experimentation but can quickly turn into a life-threatening addiction.
Do you suspect your loved one is abusing cocaine? We have compiled the top five warning signs of addiction you should be on the lookout for. Keep reading to find out! 5 Warning Signs of a Cocaine Addiction.
1. Physical Appearance
The terms “cocaine pupils” and “cocaine eyes” have been used to indicate how the eyes of people who take this drug look. Most cocaine users have dilated eyes that are always a giveaway of drug use.
The eyes usually appear large, and when pupils are dilated, they become sensitive to light. The eyes of cocaine users may also look red or bloodshot as the blood vessels expand.
Besides dilated pupils, other physical signs of cocaine use include:
- Runny nose and frequent sniffles as a result of snorting cocaine
- Nosebleeds due to snorting
- Track marks as a result of injecting cocaine into the bloodstream and
- Burned fingers and lips as a result of smoking cocaine.
If you notice these signs, talk to your loved one about getting treatment.
2. Heart Issues
A cocaine user may also show some signs associated with heart complications. Cocaine abuse can increase the risk of certain cardiovascular effects.
Some of the heart problems caused by cocaine use include:
- Heart attack (Myocardial Infarction)
- Heart failure due to inflammation of the heart muscle
- Fast heart rate
- Aortic dissection
- Cardiac arrest
- Stroke
If not managed, abuse can eventually cause death due to these problems. We advise that you stage an intervention to save your loved one.
3. Deteriorating Mental Health
Using cocaine can also lead to mental complications. Many times, cocaine addicts use the drug in binges. Taken repeatedly at high doses, it can lead to mental health problems. Some of the mental symptoms of cocaine use include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Aggressiveness
- Euphoria
- Panic attacks
In addition to drug addiction treatment, users may require undergoing counseling to restore mental health.
4. Behavioral Abnormalities
The behavioral symptoms of cocaine use may be more evident than physical signs. These are signs associated with changes in a user’s personality. Some of the common behavioral cocaine addictions signs include:
- Excited and fast speech
- Lying and hiding about cocaine use from loved ones.
- Being unable to limit cocaine use.
- Engaging in risky behavior such as unprotected sex
Risky behavior exposes one to STIs, especially if they engage in unprotected sex. Talk to your loved one about these consequences so they can see the need for treatment.
5. Withdrawal Signs
Some cocaine users may experience few withdrawal effects. However, there are others who experience devastating cocaine addiction symptoms. Common cocaine withdrawal signs or symptoms include:
- Slow thought process
- Increased appetite
- Cravings for cocaine
- Fatigue
- Extreme depression
- Mood swings
- Low energy
Get Help for Cocaine Addiction Today
Cocaine has adverse effects on the health, behavior, and life of the user. Luckily, it’s never too late to get help for cocaine addicts.
We know how disheartening it can be to see a loved one suffering from drug use addiction. Reach us today for treatment and rehabilitation solutions to save your loved from cocaine addiction.
Seeking Treatment with Transformations by the Gulf?
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help.
Transformations by the Gulf offers individualistic and holistic recovery services. We designed our inpatient and outpatient programs to treat individuals based on biological, psychological, familial and social needs.
Our residential homes and treatment facilities are near the beach and offer a comfortable setting for rehabilitation. If you or a loved one needs help, contact Transformations by the Gulf to learn more about our recovery services.
If you are ready to start planning your treatment process, give us a call. (727)498-6498
You can also find out more information about Transformations by the Gulf by visiting treatmentcentsdirectory.com
