Cocaine is a very addictive substance. As a result, the signs of addiction are easy to spot. However, for people mired in the quagmire that is cocaine addiction, spotting the signs may be difficult. Most of the time, what starts off as a harmless act can quickly spiral into a life-threatening issue with vast consequences in terms of work, relationship and physical health.
As a controlled substance, cocaine can be classified as a stimulant for the central nervous system. It boosts energy levels while also increasing blood and heart rate levels. In addition, it also floods the system with dopamine, increasing feelings of pleasure. In fact, this attribute is why the signs of cocaine addiction are easy to ignore for an addict. Typically, the focus is always on the pleasure that dopamine brings with the negatives sidelined.
Mostly, the signs that you need cocaine addiction treatment are there regardless of the mode of consumption. Some people snort cocaine. Others choose to smoke crack cocaine or place it in certain orifices. Regardless of which method is used, cocaine addiction comes with severe symptoms.
Thankfully, with cocaine addiction treatment, it is possible to get your life back on track. However, you have to be able to recognize the signs of cocaine abuse. This way, you can make a decision on whether to get professional help.
The Signs of Cocaine Abuse To Look For
The symptoms below may be an indicator that you or a loved one is abusing cocaine:
- Dilated pupils
- Constant loss of appetite
- Extreme overconfidence
- Extreme paranoia
- Legal issues due to cocaine use
- Issues at work due to indulgence in cocaine
- Unpredictable mood swings
- Frequently sniffles and a runny nose
- Financial problems caused by cocaine-related expenses
- Irritability
- Depression
The signs above are easy indicators that it’s time to get cocaine addiction treatment. However, there’s more to it. Another common sign that cocaine usage is getting too much is chest pain. Constant cocaine usage constricts blood vessels. Consequently, this stresses the heart as well as the cardiovascular system. It’s a symptom of cocaine addiction that you need to know. In fact, the risk of getting a heart attack doubles as much as 12 times after you use cocaine.
Cocaine comedown
Another of the recognizable signs of cocaine addiction, a comedown, occurs when you suddenly stop indulging. A comedown is a type of withdrawal. However, since it’s unintentional, getting a quick fix may seem like a simple solution.
Nevertheless, a comedown is often an indication of a bigger problem. Usually, it may mean an increased dependence on cocaine. Some of the common symptoms of a cocaine comedown include feelings of depression, irritability, anxiety and extreme tiredness. Additionally, it comes with really strong cravings.
Cocaine psychosis
One of the signs that you need cocaine addiction treatment comes in the form of psychotic feelings. Some symptoms of cocaine psychosis include paranoid delusions as well as seeing things that aren’t there. As a frequent user, if you or a loved one notices that you’re hearing things that are not there, it may be time to find where to get cocaine addiction treatment.
Cocaine psychosis is very real. Studies show that as many as 68% of cocaine abusers experience this condition. Usually, it is associated with severe dependence as well as taking higher doses of the substance.
Symptoms of cocaine abuse by snorting
The most common method of using cocaine, snorting the substance comes with its own set of telltale signs. Therefore, if you’re worried that you or a friend may be doing cocaine, here are symptoms to look out for.
- Nosebleeds
- A runny nose
- Loss of the ability to smell (temporarily)
- Difficulties swallowing
- Frequent cold-like symptoms
Mostly, these symptoms are caused by chemicals added to the substance by dealers. In the same vein, it constricts nasal blood vessels, cutting off vital oxygen supply.
Related article: The Harmful Effects Of Cocaine
What are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Addiction?
If you are wondering whether to get expert cocaine addiction treatment near you, perhaps knowledge about the long-term effects can serve as a pointer. Some of them include:
- Weight loss
- Severe malnourished look
- Sexual dysfunction
- Movement issues that resemble Parkinson’s disease
- Damage to vital organs
- Reproductive problems
A good number of the long-term effects of cocaine addiction are internal. As a result, they are not a great pointer to the signs of cocaine abuse. However, the threat is very real. In addition to the above, cocaine can cause a serious increase in blood pressure. Furthermore, it may thicken vital muscles thereby increasing the possibility of heart failure.
What are the Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?
When people that are addicted to cocaine run out of the drug for one reason or the other, they experience what is known as withdrawal. Cocaine withdrawal is caused because the body is craving the euphoric feelings of a high. Majorly, it comes with irritability, mood swings and depression.
Other symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include the following:
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Hunger
- Intense cravings
- Sleeping issues
- Issues focusing on tasks
- Thinking delays
Severe withdrawal symptoms are a part of the signs of cocaine abuse. In addition, they can lead to dangerous health issues and problems. Therefore, it is critical not to go it alone. The best option is to seek expert assistance from addiction treatment professionals near you.
How To Get Expert Help For Cocaine Addiction
As mentioned earlier, the best way to get rid of cocaine addiction is to seek expert help. Addiction experts can use a wide variety of treatment techniques to combat the issue. Contact 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.
Related article: How to Quit Cocaine Addiction