Recognizing when you or a loved one needs help for cocaine addiction is critical. There are devastating physical, social, and financial impacts of cocaine use. This burden can feel unbearable if not addressed professionally. There are some tell-tale signs to look out for to help you understand if someone you know is struggling.
Reaching out to a professional addiction treatment center like Crossroads can be your best course of action. Our treatment team understands the effects and symptoms of cocaine use. We have designed treatment programs to meet the unique needs of those battling addiction. For more information on the signs of cocaine addiction and how to get treatment, contact the Crossroads team today at 877.978.1667.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine derives from coca leaves. It has become one of modern history’s most widely used and powerful illicit stimulants. It is a recreational drug that has a high risk of abuse. Some of its common street names include blow, powder, coke, or crack. The drug can be smoked, snorted, or injected. This versatility makes it a popular party drug. Cocaine use impacts the central nervous system, and it can immediately bring on the following:
- Feelings of euphoria
- Unnaturally high levels of energy
- Hypersensitivity to light, sound, and touch
- Becoming extremely talkative
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Hyper alertness
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine use brings on potent effects, both mental and physical. The signs of use and abuse are easily recognizable if you know what to look for. People who abuse the drug do so because it makes them feel invincible—superhuman at times. Substance users claim to experience increased energy and self-esteem, which can be some of the major attractions of the drug. It is even used as an appetite suppressant by some. Unfortunately, the accompanying side effects and risks make it a dangerous drug. Plus, once someone becomes addicted to cocaine, it can be difficult to stop.
The most common signs of cocaine addiction to be on the lookout for are:
- Damage to the nose from snorting (including nosebleeds, constant runny nose, and sore throat from post nasal drip)
- Bowel issues and gangrene from ingesting cocaine by mouth
- Respiratory problems from smoking crack cocaine
- Track marks and scars from injecting cocaine
- General physical signs like bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, and weight loss
- Severe crashes after the prolonged high of using cocaine
- Severe mood swings
- Depression, anxiety, and mania
- Paranoia and delusions
- Loss of important relationships
- Manipulative behavior
- Aggressive tendencies
- Verbally abusive
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Financial problems
- Physical withdrawal symptoms when the drug is unavailable include cravings, paranoia, high blood pressure, and more
Managing many of these symptoms as part of a detox program under medical supervision is the safest way to navigate drug addiction treatment effectively.
Contact Crossroads to Get Help with Cocaine Addiction
At Crossroads, we have designed treatment programs and services that meet each client’s specific needs. Customizing each treatment plan can better help break the hold that addiction has on people’s lives so that they can begin to rebuild their lives and work towards sobriety.
Crossroads offers a variety of evidence-based treatment options, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Recreational therapies
- Individual therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- Group therapy
With our gender-responsive treatment approach, our experienced clinicians work to guide and support women who suffer from addiction. Getting sober and free of drugs is just one call away. Reach out to Crossroads today at 877.978.1667 and get more information on treatment options so that you can make the best-informed decision you can for treatment for yourself or a loved one.
