While many people consider cocaine a drug of the 1970s or 1980s, it is still a very much abused substance today. Cocaine use often seems harmless initially, but it is a highly addictive substance that can lead to several physical, emotional, and social consequences. Therefore, identifying cocaine addiction in yourself or a loved one can be paramount to preventing a bad situation from getting worse. Recognizing the early signs of addiction is key to finding the help necessary to heal. At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we have extensive experience helping individuals detox and begin the rehab process so they can make a lasting recovery. Our substance abuse treatment programs are comprehensive and customizable to meet the needs of each client.

Identifying the Early Signs of Addiction

Identify cocaine and help you know what you are looking for if you find it in a loved one’s possession. There are 2 forms of cocaine, powdered and crystallized (crack). Powdered cocaine is most commonly used and can be snorted, injected, or smoked. Crack cocaine is a rock/crystal form of the drug that is typically smoked. Crack cocaine is more intense, and the effects are felt quicker, but they also wear off quicker. Like many other odorless illicit drugs, cocaine is commonly stored in small plastic baggies. Knowing how this substance looks and is used can help individuals identify when someone is using the drug. These are the early signs of addiction, the paraphernalia of use. However, even after a few uses, individuals will begin to evince physical signs and symptoms.

Observable Early Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Even after just a few uses of cocaine, people using the drug will begin to show signs of use. Several signs and symptoms of cocaine use are easily observable and are a great start to identifying if your loved one has a cocaine addiction. Possible observable symptoms include:

Dilated pupils
White powder around nostrils
Runny or bloody nose (nosebleeds)
Involuntary muscle twitching
Changes in sleeping patterns & long periods of wakefulness
Deterioration in physical appearance
Involuntary muscle twitching (tics)

Changes in behavior will often accompany these physical symptoms. Personality changes may feel more subtle but are also observable changes you may notice when using cocaine. These include:

Talkativeness and excessive enthusiasm
Mood swings
Increased confidence
Paranoia
Depression

Other Signs of Cocaine Abuse

There are further signs that may not be as obvious if you are not the person who is using them, but when you know to look for them might be noticeable. They may also be more or less noticeable depending on your relationship with the person and your involvement in their life. Be aware of the following:

Loss of appetite
Legal issues
Missing or being late to work
Financial problems
Obsessive thoughts about cocaine
Inability to stop using the drug
Relationship problems
Risk-taking behavior
Impotence in males
Hypersensitivity to light, sound, and touch
Engaging in risky behaviors, such as unsafe sex

These are all high-risk behaviors that frequently accompany substance use disorder, whether to drugs or alcohol. Thus, it’s vital to find treatment to address the physical symptoms of addiction but the mental or behavioral issues that sprout from dependency.

Reach Out to Pines Recovery Life Detox to Discover the Support Necessary to Beat Addiction

If you or your loved ones are experiencing these symptoms, our cocaine detox program can help. At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we offer several addiction treatment programs for those struggling with a cocaine addiction, like:

Even if you are not sure if your loved one is using or are unsure that you are addicted to cocaine, our addiction specialists are here to talk you through it. So give us a call today at 855.981.8935, or contact us online.

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