Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Sometimes, addiction can be obvious. But, in many cases, especially with substances like cocaine, the signs of drug abuse can be subtle and easy to overlook.

From physical indicators to psychological changes, this blog explores the common and not-so-obvious signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction.

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a Class A drug here in the UK. It’s often sold as a fine, white powder, but it can also be processed into rock crystals. This is called crack cocaine. People typically use cocaine by snorting it, rubbing it on their gums, dissolving it in water and injecting it, or smoking it.

Cocaine works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain, which creates feelings of euphoria and increased energy. However, this short (usually around half an hour) high leads many users to take more of the drug to sustain the high. This cycle can quickly lead to addiction.

How Does a Cocaine Addiction Develop?

Cocaine addiction develops as the brain becomes accustomed to the high levels of dopamine that the cocaine abuse produces. And over time, people begin to feel the need to consume more of the drug to achieve the same effect, leading to physical and psychological dependence.

Several factors can contribute to the development of cocaine addiction, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorder. Social factors, such as peer pressure and the desire to fit in, can also play a role.

Common Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Recognising the signs of cocaine addiction is absolutely essential for getting help for yourself or a loved one. Below, we’ve covered some of the most physical and psychological symptoms that are very common with cocaine addiction.

Physical Signs of Cocaine Abuse

There are many physical symptoms that can often be recognised by those close to the individual.

• Nosebleeds and a Runny Nose: Snorting cocaine will damage the nasal passages. This will lead to frequent and random nosebleeds and a runny nose. Chronic use may also cause loss of the sense of smell.
• Dilated Pupils: Cocaine use will cause the pupils to dilate. So, if someone’s eyes appear unusually large and do not respond to changes in light, it’s a sign of cocaine abuse.
• Weight Loss: Cocaine is known to take away your appetite, leading to significant weight loss. If someone is losing weight rapidly without any clear reason, cocaine abuse use might be a factor.
• Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Cocaine is a stimulant that increases heart rate and blood pressure. Frequent use can lead to heart problems, including chest pain, heart attacks and strokes.

Psychological Signs of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine addiction can quite literally change the way a person thinks and feels. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Euphoric Confidence: At first, using cocaine can make a person feel extremely happy and very confident. But these feelings are temporary and can lead to using the drug more frequently.
• Anxiety and Paranoia: Using cocaine for a long time can cause serious mental health issues, which can include extreme anxiety and paranoia. So, this might look like thinking others are watching or following them.
• Depression: After the effects of repeated cocaine use wear off, users often feel very sad and tired. This comedown can make them want to use cocaine again to avoid feeling this way.
• Irritability and Extreme Mood Swings: Cocaine changes how the brain works, which can cause sudden mood changes and irritability.
• Hallucinations: In severe cases, substance abuse can make a person see or hear things that are not real. This usually happens with heavy and prolonged use, and it’s serious. Hallucinations may cause that person to act out or do things they would never usually do.

The Impact of Cocaine Addiction on Loved Ones

When someone close to you is struggling with cocaine addiction, it really can turn your world and life upside down. The person you once knew might start to change in ways that are hard to understand and accept.

One of the first things you might notice is how your relationship begins to suffer. The person may become unpredictable, leading to arguments that will leave you feeling confused, wondering how they even started. It’s very hard to see someone you care about transforming into someone you don’t recognise, who now is capable of lying to you just to hide their addiction.

Cocaine use is also illegal, as we touched on earlier. It’s a Class A, and getting caught adds a tremendous amount of stress and worry for everyone involved. You might find yourself constantly anxious about their safety and future, not knowing if they’ll end up in serious trouble.

As the addiction deepens, withdrawal from family and friends often follows. The person may start avoiding any form of gathering, skipping important family events, and isolating themselves more and more.

There’s no sugarcoating this. Dealing with a loved one’s cocaine addiction is incredibly challenging. But it’s very possible to make a full recovery from cocaine addiction with the right support.

Reach Out for Cocaine Addiction Support Today

We know how hard it is to see someone you care about struggle with cocaine addiction, and we’re here to help.

We offer free, 24/7 advice and support for families and friends. Our team can also help you find the right treatment for your loved one. We’re connected to many incredible cocaine rehabilitation clinics throughout the UK that treat cocaine addiction, helping people make that difficult transition into recovery.

We are here to listen, answer your questions, and support you through this difficult time. You’re not alone. Call us today on 0151 268 6992.

Posted on Friday, May 17th, 2024 at 5:23 pm in Addiction.