Learn to Recognize the Signs of Cocaine Use
Cocaine is a highly addictive substance that originated from the coca plant that comes in the form of a white powder form. It is classified as a schedule II substance which means it puts users at high risk for developing a substance use disorder. If you are concerned about a loved one potentially experiencing cocaine abuse, it is important to know the signs of substance abuse in order to be prepared to offer the support of an addiction treatment center when needed. Individuals abusing cocaine will exhibit different signs and indicators of drug addiction as substance abuse can impact a person’s life in various ways depending on your specific physical makeup and environmental factors. At Serenity Oaks, we provide patients with individualized treatment programs that will be tailored around their individual needs and specific goals for recovery to ensure that each patient will have long-lasting success in sobriety.
Physical Signs of Cocaine Use
The effects of cocaine can significantly impact a person’s overall physical health the longer that your cocaine addiction persists. You may not be aware of the physical symptoms of cocaine abuse if you have not had experience with someone engaging in crack cocaine abuse, but there are some tell-tale signs of cocaine abuse. Physical symptoms and signs to look out for to indicate that your loved one is engaging in cocaine abuse are:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Unexplained onset of nosebleeds
- Significant weight loss
- Lack of healthy, regular personal hygiene care
- Dilated pupils
- Change or decrease in eating habits
- Irregular sleep patterns include staying awake for prolonged periods of time followed by a “crash” where a person will sleep for longer periods of time
- White residue around the nose or mouth
Behavioral Signs of Cocaine Use
Individuals that are living with a cocaine addiction will experience significant changes in their behavior that will make them act out of character. Common behavioral signs of addiction are:
- Sudden increase in self-confidence
- Becoming more talkative than normal
- Having drastic mood swings
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors
- Changes in eating patterns or showing signs of an eating disorder
- Financial difficulties
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
- Isolating from friends and family
- Increased need for privacy
- High levels of excitability and energy
Long Term Effects of Using Cocaine
While cocaine abuse can have immediate risks that can impact a person within the short term, there are a number of long-term effects of cocaine abuse. Without intervening with the proper addiction treatment support, individuals are at higher risk of developing physical symptoms that will impact a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Some long term effects of cocaine addiction are:
- Blood clots leading to heart attacks, pulmonary embolism, or stroke
- Permanently increased blood pressure
- Tachycardia
- Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat
- Myocardial infarction means the failure or death of the heart muscle from lack of oxygen related to poor blood flow
What Makes Cocaine Addictive?
Cocaine addiction occurs in many individuals and occurs quickly due to the short, high-intensity feeling that it produces within the person using cocaine. The effects of cocaine high are felt for about 30 minutes and then individuals will begin to feel withdrawal symptoms. As your tolerance for cocaine builds, your withdrawal symptoms become worse causing many to continue to use cocaine to avoid the unpleasant comedown or withdrawal symptoms.
Overcoming Cocaine Abuse at Serenity Oaks
There is hope in overcoming your cocaine addiction with the appropriate support through a drug addiction treatment program. At Serenity Oaks treatment facility, we offer patients a whole-person integrated approach to addiction recovery that utilizes the latest in evidence-based addiction therapy methods. Patients will be invited to participate in behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, holistic therapy, and the development of life skills and relapse prevention methods. We believe that healing from your drug addiction requires a community of support offered throughout a continuum of care. When you choose to heal from drug addiction within our recovery center, you will have the ongoing support of our compassionate team to ensure that you have success in your new life of sober living.
Contact Serenity Oaks today to hear more about the support we offer your loved ones to overcome their cocaine addiction within our safe and supportive recovery center.
Learn the tell tale signs of cocaine use and get help today at Serenity Oaks Wellness! #cocaineuse #cocaineaddition #serenityoakshttps://t.co/g9qdXTIMFC
— Serenity Oaks (@Serenity_Oaks_) May 26, 2022
