Another fact is that cocaine addiction is a problem that can concern absolutely any person. If you know the signs showing that a person is possibly having a cocaine related problem then you will be helpful in getting that person the assistance they need.
Among others, we will look at – signs that characterize Cocaine Addiction – how it affects the concerned individuals and how one can help a cocaine addict.
Physical Signs of Cocaine Addiction
The first signs of social cocaine addiction are reflected in physical changes in a person. Cocaine practically creates a new person, and these changes may be visible. Here are some common physical signs:
- Weight Loss: A person who is involved with cocaine substances is able to spend a few days in a week without taking any food since the drug does not make the user have a hearty appetite.
- Dilated Pupils: The pupils become very large, larger than they would naturally be, when one is on cocaine.
- Nosebleeds and Runny Nose: Since cocaine is usually insufflated, there are usually sore throats, constant nosebleeds and a runny nose even if one is not infected.
- Hyperactivity: The user of cocaine always appears to have a lot of energy although they may have problems with sitting especially if they changed to crack.
- Insomnia: It hinders the users from having a good sleep hence giving rise to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Behavioral Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Other symptoms that are easily noticed in cases of cocaine addiction are also related to behavior. These changes may impact one’s life in terms of activities carried out on a daily basis and interpersonal relationships. Here are some key behavioral signs:
- Mood Swings: Cocaine has clinical effects which may also result in extreme swings in emotion, one moment the individual is full of energy, gregarious and happy the next they may be sad or easily angered.
- Increased Secrecy: Users of cocaine can become very secluded in an effort to avoid any individuals who will make them stop using the substance.
- Financial Problems: However, cocaine addiction proves costly and the individual is charged a lot of money for the substance. Users may begin to regularly borrow money or sell their property or even engage in mischief to get money to feed their habit.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: A cocaine addict would start developing problems in his workplace, schools, or in the family.
- Social Changes: Teen addicts may have new groups of friends, normally people who share the same habits like using drugs and relapse from their families and previous friends.
Psychological Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Need for cocaine is also seen in the mind. This means that if one is able to recognize these psychological marks, then it will be easy to diagnose the addiction early. Some psychological signs include:
- Paranoia: Anxiety – cocaine makes the user develop a feeling of fear for no justifiable cause, this makes the user paranoid.
- Anxiety and Depression: E – The drug raises the level of anxiety and depression, and furthermore, when the person is not stoned.
- Hallucinations: In severe cases, when an individual abuses cocaine, he or she may experience hallucinations, when he or she will see things or hear things that are not real.
- Euphoria: When high, users might get the feeling of happiness that far exceeds normal happy emotions that are typically attributed to events occurring in a user’s life.
- Irritability: The clients are easily irritable or angry particularly when they cannot get anymore of the said drug.
Social Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Social impacts can also be used to confirm cocaine addiction by noticing changes in a person’s social relations. These changes can include:
- Isolation: An addict can distance himself from neighbors, friends, and family members in an effort to cover up for his or her addiction.
- Relationship Issues: Different life issues are also affected by cocaine, including conflicts and issues within the social relationships.
- Job Loss: The negative effects of addiction, on performance and consistency, mean that people can end up losing their employment or get into trouble in places of work.
- Legal Problems: The addict may have legal problems as a result of his way of life, for example he/ she may be arrested for possession or other related offenses.
- Loss of Interest: Cocaine users; those who take the substance may not find pleasure in activities or past times which used to be a pleasure in their lives.
Health Hazardous Associated with Cocaine Use
Awareness of the diseases that are bound to happen due to cocaine addiction can enhance the acknowledgement of cocaine addiction. Some major health risks include:
- Heart Problems: Cocaine severely affects the heart function and can trigger heart attacks and problems with the heartbeat.
- Respiratory Issues: Rhinitis and Bronchitis is another effect of snorting cocaine as it affects the nasal passages and lungs.
- Mental Health Issues: This leads to severe mental health issues such as anxiety, Depression, and psychosis once it is used for the long term.
- Overdose: Toxicity of cocaine involves intense risk which cannot be managed without the intervention of a healthcare practitioner.
- Infectious Diseases: Consequently, using the same needles to inject cocaine raises the probability of contracting diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
Supporting a Cocaine Addicted Person
If you suspect someone is struggling with cocaine addiction, there are steps you can take to help them:
- Communicate: Try to explain to them what’s worrying you in a non-shaming manner. Memorize this simple fact: Maybe they do not know that someone cares for them or wants to assist them.
- Encourage Treatment: Remind them to consult with a doctor, therapist or an addiction treatment center and go for a check up.
- Support: Understanding and patience and more so for the victims. Recovery in any way is a long process and depends on the time and effort which is to be put in for its successful completion.
- Educate Yourself: It is very important to learn as many facts about cocaine addiction as possible to be able to understand how they must feel at the moment.
- Set Boundaries: Ensure your own safety by being very clear on the boundaries you are drawing. Sure, it is also crucial to do something for oneself sometimes too, you know.
Conclusion
Understanding some of the common signs of cocaine addiction is of great importance especially in the case of a friend or a loved one who might be facing this severe problem.
Hence when physical and observable changes, behavioral changes, psychological alterations and social changes are observed, people are in a position to prevent the last stage of addiction and offer their support.
Cocaine and crack affect the body negatively and lead to several health hazards and interference with daily life but if the person is brought to treatment early enough, then is likely to recover.
If any of you find themselves in any of these signs demonstrated in this article then do not hesitate to seek assistance. It is also important to emphasize that any efforts to treat cocaine addiction are helpful in preventing death and increasing the quality of life of a patient.
