Recognizing the signs of cocaine abuse and addiction in a loved one can be challenging, especially since the initial symptoms may be subtle. However, understanding these signs is important for early intervention and support.
As of 2022, cocaine was the second most used illicit drug in the United States, behind marijuana. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 4.8 million people abused cocaine in 2021, including crack cocaine, and 1.4 million people had a cocaine addiction or use disorder.
Repeated cocaine abuse can result in severe physical and mental health problems, as well as significant social repercussions like isolation and strained relationships. Seeking treatment for cocaine addiction early on increases the likelihood of achieving and maintaining sobriety, minimizing the risk of long-term consequences.
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Understanding the 7 Signs of Cocaine Abuse
1. Displaying Signs of Cocaine Intoxication Regularly
Some of the easiest cocaine addiction signs to spot are the specific physical and emotional side effects of cocaine use. Cocaine is a stimulant drug, so it boosts energy levels and activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and can present in different erratic ways.
Common side effects of cocaine include:
- Dilated pupils
- Increased energy and focus
- Excitability
- Increased motivation
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Euphoria
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Paranoia
- Boosted confidence
- Wakefulness and inability to fall asleep
2. Developing a Physical Dependence on Cocaine
Cocaine is highly addictive, and those who regularly abuse cocaine may develop a dependence on the drug. Physical symptoms of dependence appear after the body gets used to having cocaine in the system to the point where it can no longer function “normally” without it. If a person who is physically dependent on cocaine stops taking it abruptly, they may experience intense withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Agitation
- Cravings
- Fatigue
- Exhaustion
- Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
- Fear and paranoia
- Body aches
- Chills
- Sweating
- Suicidal thoughts
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are usually not life-threatening, but suicidal thoughts and relapse can be serious, so it’s always important to detox under close medical supervision.
3. Concerning Behavioral Changes
Cocaine addiction and abuse can cause significant behavioral changes that can be easily identified by family and friends. As a person’s addiction gets more severe, the behavioral changes may become more apparent.
Common behavioral symptoms associated with cocaine addiction include:
- Lying to friends and family about cocaine use
- Frequenting places where cocaine is used, such as nightclubs, parties, or get-togethers with other drug users
- Stealing money or selling one’s personal items to keep up with their cocaine spending habit
- Appearing dull, sad, irritable, or upset when the effects of cocaine wear off
- Increased mood swings, irritation, and aggression
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as staying awake all night or falling asleep in the middle of the day
- Changes in eating patterns – cocaine reduces appetite.
4. Making Multiple Failed Attempts to Stop Using Cocaine
A casual user might use cocaine occasionally and stop, but addiction means losing control and repeatedly failing to quit. If your loved one has genuinely tried to quit but finds themselves using again, they may need professional help from a drug rehab program to overcome their addiction.
5. Developing an Irregular Sleep Schedule
Cocaine is a fast-acting stimulant that delivers a powerful, energizing high that lasts 5 to 30 minutes, depending on how it’s used. Users often binge to extend the effects and stay awake, frequenting parties and clubs to maintain their energy. This constant cycle disrupts normal sleep patterns, leading to erratic sleep schedules with long nights followed by extended crashes during the day.
6. Rapid Weight Loss
Like other stimulants, cocaine decreases appetite. People who use cocaine daily may eat little to no food except for when they crash. This often leads to rapid and unhealthy weight loss. If you’ve noticed your loved one acting strange, eating less, and losing a lot of weight quickly, they could be struggling with cocaine addiction.
7. Engaging in Risky Behaviors
Cocaine lowers inhibitions and boosts confidence, making users feel invincible and prone to reckless behavior. This false sense of power can lead to haphazard and aggressive actions. When mixed with alcohol, the risk of dangerous behaviors like driving drunk or having unprotected sex escalates.
Repeated cocaine use alters brain function, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making and reward. This disruption can increase risk-taking and lead to repeated poor decisions, such as legal troubles, relationship damage, and excessive spending, despite severe consequences.
How to Recognize and Prevent Cocaine Overdose
Now that you know some of the signs of cocaine addiction to look for, knowing how to spot the signs of an overdose can be crucial for saving a loved one’s life. While some symptoms may overlap with general cocaine use, being alert to the risk factors of an overdose can be the key to getting timely medical help. This awareness not only equips you to act swiftly in a crisis but also increases the chances of your loved one receiving the care they need before it’s too late.
Signs of Cocaine Overdose:
- Extreme Agitation and Anxiety: An overdose can cause severe agitation, restlessness, and anxiety. The individual may become extremely irritable and display erratic behavior.
- Paranoia and Hallucinations: Overdosing on cocaine can lead to intense paranoia and hallucinations, making the individual perceive threats that are not real and causing irrational fears and behaviors.
- Rapid Heart Rate and High Blood Pressure: Cocaine stimulates the cardiovascular system, and an overdose can cause dangerously high blood pressure and a rapid, irregular heart rate (tachycardia), increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Chest Pain: Severe chest pain is a common symptom of overdose, often indicating cardiovascular distress, such as a heart attack.
- Difficulty Breathing: Overdose can lead to respiratory distress, making it hard for the individual to breathe. This can progress to respiratory failure if not addressed promptly.
- Seizures: Overdose can cause seizures due to its impact on the central nervous system. These seizures can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Nausea and Vomiting: The individual may experience severe nausea and vomiting as the body reacts to the toxic levels of cocaine.
- Hyperthermia: Overheating (hyperthermia) is a serious symptom of overdose, where the body’s temperature rises to dangerous levels, potentially leading to organ failure.
- Unconsciousness or Coma: In severe cases, an individual may lose consciousness or slip into a coma, which is a critical condition requiring emergency medical care.
- Dilated Pupils: While dilated pupils can be a sign of cocaine use in general, extreme dilation can indicate an overdose.
Overdose Prevention
Preventing an overdose is a critical concern for anyone involved with or affected by cocaine use. The unpredictable nature of cocaine—its potency, purity, and the body’s reaction—makes overdoses a significant risk. Understanding how to mitigate these dangers can be a lifesaver. By implementing these preventive measures, you can help safeguard yourself and your loved ones against the potentially fatal consequences of cocaine addiction.
- Avoiding Cocaine Use: The most obvious and effective way to prevent an overdose is to avoid using cocaine altogether.
- Understanding Dosage and Purity: If someone chooses to use cocaine, they should be aware of the dosage and purity. Cocaine can be laced with other substances that increase the risk of overdose. Testing substances for purity can help mitigate this risk.
- Never Using Alone: Using cocaine in the presence of others can provide a safety net in case of an emergency. Having someone nearby who can recognize the signs of overdose and seek help promptly is essential.
- Access to Naloxone: While naloxone is primarily used for opioid overdoses, it’s important to be aware of available overdose reversal medications and resources. Some communities offer naloxone training for various types of drug overdoses.
- Seeking Cocaine Addiction Treatment: Encouraging individuals with cocaine use disorders to seek professional help can reduce the risk of overdose. Treatment programs and counseling can address addiction and provide strategies for managing and overcoming drug use.
The Role of the Drug Abuse Warning Network
One organization that is helping to stem the tide of cocaine overdoses is The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN). DAWN provides valuable data on drug-related emergency visits, helping to understand the prevalence and impact of drug abuse, including cocaine. According to DAWN, cocaine-related emergencies are alarmingly common, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention.
By tracking emergency department visits, DAWN offers critical insights into the acute effects of cocaine abuse, guiding public health policies and intervention strategies. The data highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of cocaine abuse early and seeking prompt medical and psychological help for affected individuals.
