Psychological & Emotional Signs of Cocaine Addiction |
Physical & Behavioural Signs of Cocaine Addiction |
|---|---|
| Increased anxiety or paranoia without a clear cause. | Frequent nosebleeds, runny, or congested nose. |
| Mood swings, particularly towards irritability and aggression. | Rapid and unexplained weight loss. |
| Preoccupation with obtaining or using cocaine. | Dilated pupils even in normal lighting conditions. |
| Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities previously enjoyed. | Abnormal restlessness, fidgeting, and hyperactivity. |
| Difficulty concentrating on work or family responsibilities. | Visible jaw clenching and teeth grinding. |
Continue reading to learn more about the signs of cocaine addiction and to put these signs into the right context. Contact Us or visit our Cocaine Addiction Rehab page to learn more about permanently overcoming addiction.
In 2018/19, approximately 976,000 people, or 2.9% of the English and Welsh population between the ages of 16 and 59, tried cocaine at least once, making it the second most-consumed drug for that year (NHS England, 2019).
What does this mean in practice? Do we have about a million people running around England and Wales, all trying to hang in there while figuring out where to get the next bump? Fortunately not. Of those roughly one million people who tried cocaine in 2019, or any year for that matter, many would only have tried it once out of curiosity or as a ‘once off to see what it’s like’. Most people who try cocaine don’t make it a habit and return to their normal lives after the high wears off.
But some don’t. Some fixate on cocaine, planning their week to ensure everything is set up for round 2 the next weekend. Then rounds 3, 4, and 5. Before long, cocaine is no longer just a way to ensure a fun weekend but instead an everyday necessity.
The person described above is facing a serious health issue, whether they know it or not. Cocaine is a highly potent stimulant that wastes little time forming a physical dependency, and breaking that dependency can be a significant challenge.
Understanding the signs of cocaine use and addiction is the first step toward addressing the problem and seeking help.
Reach out to Gladstones Clinic to find out how we can help you or your loved ones safely, effectively, and permanently overcome cocaine addiction.
It’s easy to bundle the ‘signs and symptoms’ of cocaine addiction together as the same thing; however, there’s an important distinction to be made: ‘signs’ refer to indications that a cocaine addiction might be developing, while ‘symptoms’ are indicators of the effects of cocaine abuse.
The signs of cocaine abuse appear before the symptoms, giving those heading toward a full-blown cocaine addiction a chance to seek help and avoid what could easily become a health catastrophe. While there may be outward signs of a budding cocaine addiction, in reality, it’s not that difficult to hide cocaine abuse in the early days, and only the person taking cocaine is likely to experience or notice these signs that they’re on their way to becoming a cocaine addict.
Some of the early indicators of a potential cocaine addiction include:
The signs mentioned above are all serious indicators that someone is heading toward cocaine dependence. Even if no one else has noticed or said anything, and even if the first physical symptoms of prolonged cocaine haven’t appeared yet, Gladstones Clinic strongly recommends acting on these signs and seeking professional help to diagnose and treat cocaine addiction.
Unlike the early signs of cocaine addiction, which are largely psychological, the symptoms of cocaine addiction, particularly the physical and behavioural symptoms, are a bit more concrete and easier to identify, even in others. We should also point out that many of these symptoms might only be relevant at certain times, for example, dilated pupils and hyperactivity are symptoms of recent cocaine abuse, but so are depression and insomnia once it’s worn off.
Regular cocaine use causes physical, behavioural, and psychological symptoms. One might notice these symptoms in themselves or their loved ones.
The physical symptoms of cocaine addiction and misuse can be split into two categories: the temporary physical symptoms that present for up to 2* hours after use, and the longer-term symptoms that stay even after the high has worn off.
*varies based on several factors, including use frequency, period of use, and effects of other substances.
If you’re wondering about your cocaine use and where it might lead, we applaud your efforts to educate yourself on the topic.
Cocaine is a potent stimulant that can cause permanent and irreversible physical, psychological, and cognitive harm, despite its frequent portrayal as a less harmful alternative to other party drugs.
We encourage you to seek professional medical help in diagnosing and treating cocaine addiction, whether at home, in an outpatient setting, or in a residential rehab clinic.
Confronting someone with the hope that they will stop using cocaine is both ambitious and challenging. Ending cocaine abuse is an exceptionally uncomfortable process, and many will go to lengths to avoid losing access to cocaine.
If heartfelt discussions about the implications and effects of cocaine abuse have failed, please consider talking to an intervention specialist. They are skilled professionals trained in dealing with the heightened emotions at an intervention and can significantly improve the odds of getting someone into treatment.
Contact Gladstones Clinic for an obligation-free discussion of how we can help you or a loved one permanently overcome cocaine addiction.
NHS England. “Statistics on Drug Misuse, England, 2019.” digital.nhs, NHS England, 2019, https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/statistics-on-drug-misuse/2019/part-3-drug-use-among-adults. Accessed 19 Nov 2019.
