DRUG REHAB
Signs & Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
If you are using or snorting cocaine to function in your daily life, you may be struggling with a problem. Cocaine is highly addictive and can quickly take over your life, causing a range of physical and psychological symptoms.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction is essential in seeking help for yourself or a loved one.
Physical Signs of Cocaine Addiction
One of the most noticeable signs of cocaine addiction are the physical changes that occur in the body.
These may include:
- Rapid weight loss - Cocaine suppresses appetite and can lead to significant weight loss.
- Dilated pupils - Cocaine causes pupil dilation, making them appear abnormally large.
- Nosebleeds - Snorting cocaine can damage the delicate tissue inside the nose, leading to frequent nosebleeds.
- Insomnia - The stimulant effects of cocaine can cause sleep disturbances.
Signs you may have a cocaine paroblem
It can often be difficult to admit to others that you are struggling. Yet coming to terms with this can help you reclaim power over the situation through seeking support or guidance.
It is important to remember that cocaine is an addictive substance and addiction can affect anyone. You may have developed a problem with cocaine if you exhibit some of these signs:
- Inability to stop taking the drug, despite repeated efforts
- A change in physical health, such as weight loss, sleep problems, or damage to the nose from snorting cocaine
- Experiencing financial difficulty due to purchasing cocaine
- Experiencing a decline in mental health, such as bouts of depression or anxiety caused by cocaine use
- Struggling to maintain relationships with friends, family, or partners
- Having intense and constant cravings for cocaine
Recognising unhealthy cocaine use in family members or loved ones
It is never easy to watch a loved one struggle, and you may find yourself worrying about them and their safety. If you suspect a loved one of abusing cocaine and you are concerned that they may have developed a substance use disorder, there are recognisable signs to look out for.
Cocaine addiction can be quite consuming for the individual and at some point, it will be difficult for them to hide. You may notice a sudden or gradual change in your loved one’s mood, personality, or behaviour.
Furthermore, they may start to look different physically or begin to have social issues with their friends, family members, or coworkers. An addiction left untreated, can wreak havoc on many areas of a person’s life.
Changes in mood or behaviour
Cocaine affects a person’s mental health. Some of the most widespread behavioural symptoms include increased agitation, impulsive behaviour, social withdrawal, enhanced confidence and an apparent “can-do” attitude even when this makes no sense: Cocaine users often exhibit heightened restlessness and irritability, which can lead to frequent mood swings and outbursts in social situations.
There is a tendency for increased impulsivity, resulting in risky decision-making and a lack of consideration for consequences, affecting personal and professional relationships. Despite this initial energy uplift, users may gradually descend into a more sombre mood and distance themselves from family and friends, choosing to isolate themselves or associate primarily with other users.
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Finding the best cocaine treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
Can cocaine use lead to cognitive impairments?
Yes, absolutely. Regular use can affect attention span, memory, and the ability to concentrate, leading to difficulties in academic or work performance.
There is evidence to suggest that chronic cocaine use can have negative effects on cognitive functioning, such as memory, decision-making, and attention.
This may result in difficulty completing tasks or making rational decisions. In some cases, these impairments may be long-lasting even after discontinuing use of the drug.
A separate topic is cognitive impairments inherited from parents and a general predisposition to using cocaine.
There is no longer any doubt or confusion about the fact that drug use during pregnancy will inevitably have a negative effect on the child’s cognitive ability and may also affect their relationship with drugs as an adult, however, a fresh study has revealed that it’s not only the mothers that put children at risk – fathers who use cocaine before or during the inception, are highly likely to “bestow” their male offspring with significant cognitive impairment and/or memory loss.
It has long been known that there is a genetic element of predisposition to cocaine addiction – Individuals with a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, who struggles with addiction are at a higher risk of developing the disorder themselves.
Physical changes and general appearance
The physical side effects of cocaine abuse can also work as tell-tale signs of addiction. Some of these changes include: weight loss and skin irritation. Cocaine suppresses appetite and can lead to unhealthy weight loss in drug users. If your loved one has lost a substantial amount of weight without dieting or going to gym, it could be due to cocaine use.
Snorting cocaine can cause permanent damage to the nose and the wider respiratory system. It usually starts with skin irritation, runny nose and frequent nosebleeds.
The more advanced the addiction, the more damage is caused, and it can all end in a complete collapse of the nasal cavity and damage of deeper respiratory tissue. Redness around the nasal area is a popular side effect of regular cocaine use, and it is fairly difficult to hide from friends and family.
In rare occasions, people inject a solution of cocaine. If this is the case, you may notice scarring, discolouration, or holes on the skin.
Physical changes and general appearance
Addiction is a consuming illness that affects a person across all facets of life. As a result, interpersonal relationships can suffer, struggling to maintain friendships could be a sign that someone you care about has developed a cocaine use disorder.
Relationships with family members, work colleagues or bosses can all be affected, causing additional strain on the person’s life. Many people suffering from addiction will get into financial difficulty due to the cost of cocaine, or due to it’s negative effect on their work life. If you see this happening to someone you care about, it may be time to step in.
Cocaine use in high pressure environments
Although films like Wolf of Wall Street play with stereotypes and occasionally tread on the edge of glorifying the use of cocaine and other risky behaviours, we often come across individuals whose cocaine addiction is a direct or indirect result of a demanding job role or other type of external pressure – a perceived necessity to deliver high performance at home or at studies. This is probably the reason why a high percentage of cocaine users come from a socially advantageous environment unlike users of other Class A drugs.
One of the problems stemming from depiction of cocaine use in popular culture is the false perception of it not being as addictive as other drugs. This, occasionally “encourages” people to try it without perceiving the act as something dangerous or irreversible. True, cocaine is not as addictive as heroin and other intravenous drugs (30% of heroin users develop dependency within the first year of use) but at 7%, cocaine has a much higher rate than, say, alcohol, nicotine or cannabis where around 2% of users develop dependency within the first year of use
Dual diagnosis - comorbidity involving other popular drugs
Since cocaine is a typical “lifestyle” drug, it unfortunately proves to be a popular substance in dual diagnosis or comorbidity with other types of substances. A recent study showed that 80% of opioid users have also tried (or are regularly using) cocaine.
Recognising when it's time to get help
We understand that getting help for cocaine addiction is not an easy decision to make. It may seem frightening at first and you may wonder if it is necessary. A good indicator of needing help is trying to stop and being unable to do so yourself. If you have begun to feel powerless over your cocaine use, you may require that extra help to recover.
Furthermore, another sign is noticing damage to your social life due to cocaine use. This can be to your romantic relationships, work, or finances. If you notice a decline in your physical and mental wellbeing, this is another insight.
For example, if cocaine has begun to affect your weight or mood, you could need treatment. For family members of loved ones suffering, it is difficult too. It is important to remember that addiction is a journey, full of ups and downs. It is important to prioritise self-care and seek support if needed.
If you are unsure whether you need treatment or not, you can speak with a professional about your drug use. Addiction recovery is a unique journey; only the individual themself can decide that they are ready. There are many different types of addiction treatment, such as group therapy, addiction counselling, and family therapy. You will find the right treatment for you; you just have to take the first step. While cocaine detox is not part of the standard method, it may become necessary if you have been abusing multiple substances.
Cocaine addiction affects many areas of a person’s life, and relationships are no exception. When someone is addicted to drugs, their lives gradually become more concerned with using and obtaining the substance. This can lead to neglect other responsibilities, including effort in relationships.
Addiction can make it difficult to maintain respect, trust, and open communication – key elements to any healthy relationship, whether romantic or friendship based. Typically, when a person becomes addicted to cocaine, they change their social circles and spend more time with others who are using drugs to justify their addiction.
This tends to result in a person becoming socially withdrawn from their loved ones as they become more and more secretive about their activities and whereabouts. It’s important not to take these symptoms personally, they do not reflect you and certainly do not reflect your relationship with your loved one. Addiction is classified as a mental disorder and can completely change a person’s way of being and projecting to the outside world.
Recognising when it's time to get help
Specifically, during cocaine withdrawal, the person may appear irritated, anxious, or depressed. If they are currently under the influence of cocaine, you may notice they have increased energy, enlarged pupils, or an elevated mood.
Underlying mental health disorders can underpin addiction. Disorders such as anxiety, depression, or personality disorders can be attributed. However, substance abuse can also cause mental health difficulties.
Recovery is a highly emotional process and your loved one may have frequent mood swings. It is important to understand that these signs and symptoms are a normal part of the healing process and to provide support and understanding during this time.
It is also common for individuals going through cocaine withdrawal to experience physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, and changes in appetite. They may also have intense cravings for cocaine, which can be difficult to manage.
It is important for loved ones to be patient and understanding during this time, as the person may not be able to control their actions or emotions due to the effects of withdrawal.
Seeking help for cocaine addiction
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it is important to seek help. It’s important to approach them with care and concern rather than judgement or anger.
Encouraging them to seek help and providing support can make a significant difference in their recovery journey. Addiction is a complex disease that requires professional treatment and support but Providence Projects can help as we have decades of experience successfully treating cocaine addiction.
You do not have to go through this alone and there is no shame or stigma associated with cocaine use. The first step to the journey of recovery is to have a no-obligation conversation with an expert who knows what it takes to recover from an addiction.
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