The Telltale Signs of Cocaine Addiction You Shouldn't Ignore

The road to treatment starts with recognizing the warning signs. Here are the telltale signs of cocaine addiction you shouldn't ignore.

Do you think someone you love might be addicted to cocaine, but aren't sure?

Cocaine use and addiction are more prevalent than many people realize. In fact, cocaine is the second most trafficked illegal drug in the world. Additionally, according to a 2016 survey, around 1.9 million people in the US are cocaine users. 

If your loved one is suffering from cocaine addiction, it's very important o get them the help they need. But, how can you tell if they're addicted?

Check out this guide to discover the top signs of cocaine addiction. 

What is Cocaine?  

Before we delve into the signs of cocaine addiction, we first need to answer the question, "What is cocaine?"

Cocaine is a highly-addictive, fast-acting stimulant drug. People can develop an addiction to cocaine after just one use. This is due in large part to the way that cocaine acts on the brain. When you ingest cocaine, it increases the level of neurotransmitters in your body.

Specifically, the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. This results in a euphoric feeling. However, with regular use, cocaine can change the chemical makeup of a person's brain. This can make it quite challenging to quit the drug without help. 

Visible Signs of Cocaine Use 

Luckily, the signs of cocaine abuse are often physical, making the addiction easier to spot. Visible signs of cocaine abuse  include:

• White powder around the nose or mouth
• Burn marks on fingers  or lips
• Significant weight loss
• Mood swings
• A decrease in personal hygiene
• Engaging in risky behaviors

If you notice any of these signs in your loved one, it's time to start thinking about approaching them about substance abuse treatment.  You can find a treatment center through a site like America's Rehab Campuses.

Physical Signs of Cocaine Abuse 

Signs of cocaine abuse also manifest physically. Physical symptoms include:

• Stomach aches
• Shaking
• Sniffling
• Hoarse throat
• Fast heartbeat
• Impotence
• Runny/bloody nose
• Sniffling
• Significant weight loss

If someone is abusing crack cocaine, they may also have burns around their lips, fingers, and mouth area. 

Behavioral Signs of Cocaine Abuse 

There are also behavioral signs of cocaine abuse that you need to watch out for. Typically, when someone is addicted to cocaine, they don't act like themselves. You may classify their behavior as out of character or strange. 

Here are some behavioral changes you should watch out for:

• Paranoia
• Mood swings
• High bursts of energy
• Elevated mood
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations
• Poor judgment
• Anxiety

They may also suffer from a disorder known as cocaine psychosis. This actually occurs in over 50 percent of people who use the drug. Those who suffer from cocaine psychosis experience hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and violent urges. 

Signs of Cocaine Addiction: Time to Act 

If any of these signs of cocaine addiction sound familiar, it's time to act. First, you need to speak to your loved one about their addiction, and then you need to help them sign up for a substance abuse treatment program. 

If you're looking for more advice on helping a loved one with addiction, be sure to check back in with our blog.