Symptoms and Signs of Cocaine Addiction

What Is Cocaine Addiction?

Cocaine is an illegal stimulant that impacts the central nervous system almost immediately after use. It increases levels of dopamine in the brain, which stimulates energy, pleasure and alertness.

Typically, cocaine comes in a white powdery form but can also be a solid, referred to as crack cocaine. It can be snorted, injected, smoked or dissolved in water.

While cocaine impacts the body almost instantaneously, its effects can wear off within just minutes or after a few hours. This factor can result in withdrawal symptoms and cause the user to crave more.

Since cocaine is an illegal substance, any use can be considered drug abuse. When it becomes an ongoing problem, it’s a drug addiction.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can become addicted to cocaine in a short period of time. However, some factors can put a person at a higher risk for this type of addiction, such as:

• Past history of drug or alcohol addiction
• Family history of drug or alcohol abuse
• Frequent exposure to illegal drugs or alcohol
• Mental health disorders, such as depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder

Physical Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Ongoing cocaine use can start to impact a person’s body, such as causing high blood pressure. These undeniable symptoms, combined with related behavioral, social and emotional issues, can be a clear sign of addiction.

• Frequent nosebleeds and runny nose: Addicts who snort cocaine can damage the nasal passages over time. This damage can lead to frequent nosebleeds and a constant runny nose.
• Dilated pupils: You can tell if a person’s pupils are dilated when the black center of the eye is larger than normal. Many types of drug use, including cocaine abuse, can cause dilated pupils.
• Weight loss: Sudden weight loss is a common cocaine addiction sign. This symptom occurs because cocaine can suppress a person’s appetite.
• Increased energy and hyperactivity: As a stimulant, cocaine can give a person a sudden burst of energy. They may seem abnormally hyperactive and unable to sit still.

Behavioral Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction can also change the way a person behaves. In fact, these behavioral signs may be the first symptoms of cocaine use that friends and family members notice.

• Increased secrecy and isolation: To hide their cocaine addiction, a person may become more isolated and secretive. You may catch them lying about who they’re with or where they are.
• Financial problems: It’s no secret that cocaine is expensive. People addicted to this drug often fall behind on their bills or may even resort to stealing money to fund their addiction.
• Mood swings and irritability: Cocaine use can lead to extreme mood swings. Users may seem full of energy and happiness one minute and lethargic and irritable when craving more drugs. In severe cases, it can even lead to violent behavior.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Those addicted to cocaine may start neglecting regular responsibilities, such as missing appointments and not completing household chores or work assignments.

Psychological Signs of Cocaine Addiction

As mentioned above, cocaine releases high levels of dopamine in the brain. Initially, these increased levels can boost a person’s energy and happiness levels.

However, chronic cocaine use can cause psychological issues, including:

• Paranoia and anxiety: Cocaine users can be very good at hiding their drug abuse, but they also worry constantly that someone will find out. This can cause paranoia and anxiety. You may notice they’re jittery, vague with their answers and always questioning your interest in their life.
• Depression during withdrawal: Addicts experience extreme highs when using cocaine and extreme lows when withdrawing from it. One of the leading cocaine withdrawal symptoms is depression, which can last for days.
• Obsessive thoughts about cocaine use: Another common cocaine withdrawal symptom is obsessive thoughts. Those deep in their addiction constantly have cravings for cocaine. They may seem distracted and no longer interested in things they used to enjoy.

For those struggling with the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal, our drug and alcohol detox program can provide the necessary support. Discover how our outpatient treatment program can help individuals regain control of their lives.

Social Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Repeated cocaine use eventually destroys relationships with friends and family members. You may notice signs such as:

• Changes in social circles: You may notice an addict hanging out with a new group of friends and failing to attend family events.
• Frequent absences from work or school: Addicts often have trouble keeping up with their regular responsibilities. They may frequently skip school or work and risk losing their jobs or not graduating.
• Increased legal troubles: Regular cocaine use can limit a person’s impulse control. They may take more risks and even find themselves in legal trouble.

What to Do If You Recognize These Signs and Symptoms: Seek Treatment at Camelback Recovery

Noticing just one of these cocaine addiction signs may not be definitive of drug abuse. However, multiple cocaine addiction symptoms could signify a more serious problem.

It’s important to talk to your loved one and encourage them to seek cocaine addiction treatment. If they’re unwilling to admit their problem, you may need to enlist the help of others.

Together, you can plan an intervention. Explain the various cocaine addiction symptoms and signs you and others have noticed. Let them know how the right treatment can help them overcome this addiction.

Contact Camelback Recovery in Phoenix, Arizona, at (602) 466-9880 to learn more about cocaine addiction rehab and how it can help your loved one break free from addiction.