Do you feel like you’re going through withdrawals if you don’t use cocaine? Do you keep using cocaine even though it’s causing harm to your life or the lives of others? Do you have difficulty avoiding cocaine even if you know it’s terrible?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, there’s a good chance you’re addicted to cocaine. Cocaine addiction can last long, so you want to catch it before it’s too late.
The earlier you seek treatment, the better off your life — and the lives of those you love — will be. Cocaine addiction is hard to beat, but you can defeat it with the proper treatment and lifestyle.
Want to know the signs of cocaine addiction? Keep reading to learn more.
1. Change in Peer Group
People who become addicted to cocaine often gravitate towards a group of individuals who also use the drug. They may distance themselves from old friends and family members who do not use drugs and surround themselves with those who enable their addiction.
These new friends may encourage and enable the individual’s addiction, leading to a cycle of dangerous behavior. Additionally, those struggling with cocaine addiction may feel like they can only relate to others who are also using the drug, isolating themselves from those who do not partake in substance abuse.
This change in peer group may be accompanied by a shift in behavior, such as increased secrecy and lying, as well as a noticeable decline in work or school performance. If you notice a loved one retreating from their usual social circle and becoming increasingly involved with new, potentially risky friends, it may be a red flag for cocaine addiction.
2. Increased Energy Levels
People addicted to cocaine often appear hyperactive, fidgety, and unable to sit still. They may talk excessively, have racing thoughts, and seem to be in a constant state of excitement. This increase in energy is due to the stimulant effects of cocaine on the body.
However, it is not sustainable and will eventually lead to extreme fatigue and exhaustion. If you notice a loved one suddenly exhibiting high energy levels without a clear cause, it could be a sign of cocaine addiction and should be addressed immediately.
While this may seem appealing at first, over time, it can become a dangerous and addictive pattern. They may also engage in risky behaviors and neglect essential responsibilities in their pursuit of obtaining and using the drug. This intense increase in energy levels is a red flag for potential cocaine addiction and should not be ignored.
3. Increased Body Temperature
This is due to the drug’s stimulant effects on the body, causing a surge in energy and metabolism. As a result, individuals who are addicted to cocaine may experience persistent sweating and hot flashes. They may also develop a feeling of being warm even in relaxed environments.
People addicted to cocaine may experience a rise in body temperature. This increase in body temperature can lead to excessive sweating, clammy skin, and flushed cheeks. It can even lead to hyperthermia, a dangerous condition resulting in organ failure and death.
These physical symptoms often accompany psychological and behavioral changes, such as:
- restlessness
- agitation
- irritability
If left untreated, cocaine addiction can lead to more severe health complications. This increases body temperature, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing this warning sign.
4. Excessive Perspiration
This is due to the stimulant effect of cocaine on the body, which increases heart issues and body temperature. As a result, individuals may experience profuse sweating even in relaxed environments. Excessive perspiration can also occur during withdrawal from cocaine.
They may also have a constant moist or clammy feeling on their skin. Excessive perspiration can also lead to body odor and the need for frequent showers. This warning sign can be particularly concerning when accompanied by other symptoms of cocaine addiction, such as:
- mood swings
- financial troubles
- changes in social behavior
The body tries to adjust to the sudden absence of the drug. This symptom can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for individuals. She was leading them to use even more cocaine to alleviate it.
5. Poor Decision-Making
This is due to the powerful and addictive nature of the drug. This can impair an individual’s judgment and ability to make rational decisions. As the addiction progresses, a person may prioritize obtaining and using cocaine over essential responsibilities and relationships.
This powerful drug affects the brain’s reward system. It makes it difficult for individuals to think clearly and make rational choices. They may engage in risky behaviors.
Additionally, long-term cocaine use can lead to changes in the brain that impair decision-making abilities and increase impulsive behavior.
It may also lead to impulsive and risky behavior. You are engaging in criminal activities or driving under the influence. If you or someone you know is exhibiting poor decision-making and struggling with cocaine addiction, seek professional help immediately.
6. Hallucinations
These are perceived experiences, sights, and sounds that are not reality-based. This can range from mild distortions of reality to full-blown delusions and hallucinations.
Those struggling with a cocaine addiction may begin experiencing these symptoms. It results in the drug’s effects on the brain and nervous system.
Hallucinations can be terrifying and cause individuals to lose touch with reality. They are making it difficult to function in daily life. If someone exhibits symptoms of hallucinations and is also using cocaine, it is essential to seek professional help immediately to address the underlying addiction.
Ignoring this warning sign can lead to further complications and potential harm to themselves and those around them.
7. Angry Feelings
Cocaine addiction is a severe and destructive disease that can devastate a person’s physical and mental well-being. One of the most common warning signs of cocaine addiction is the manifestation of angry feelings.
This can be observed through sudden and frequent outbursts of anger, irritability, and aggression. Addicted individuals may also experience intense mood swings and become easily agitated or hostile without any apparent reason. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and react explosively to small triggers.
If left untreated, these angry feelings can lead to strained relationships. It is potentially dangerous for the addicted individual and those around them.
It is essential to recognize these warning signs and seek professional help to address the root cause of the addiction before it escalates further.
8. Elevated Levels of Anxiety
They may begin to experience frequent and intense feelings of anxiety, even in situations that would not usually cause them stress. This can manifest in physical symptoms such as tremors, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
Additionally, those struggling with cocaine addiction may become more irritable and agitated, often lashing out at loved ones or displaying erratic behavior. They may also constantly worry about their supply of cocaine and go to extreme lengths to obtain more. This can further exacerbate their anxiety.
If left untreated, this increased anxiety can severely affect the individual’s mental and physical health. It is essential to recognize these warning signs and seek help for cocaine addiction before the situation escalates.
9. Rapid Speech
When a person uses cocaine, it can cause them to talk excessively and rapidly, often without taking a break. They may also speak loudly and have difficulty maintaining an average conversation pace. This can be a noticeable change for loved ones who know the individual to be a slower and more reserved speaker.
This occurs when someone is under cocaine and talks fast and non-stop, often jumping from one topic to another with little coherence or pause. This rapid speech results from the drug’s stimulant effect on the brain and can be a significant red flag for potential addiction.
When the effects of the drug wear off, the person may feel the need to continue talking and using more cocaine to maintain the feeling of euphoria and increased energy. This pattern can lead to a dangerous spiral of addiction.
10. Increased Agitation
As a stimulant drug, cocaine can cause individuals to feel more energized, talkative, and restless. However, they may experience intense irritability and agitation as the effects wear off. This can lead to sudden outbursts, aggression, and impulsive behavior.
Additionally, cocaine addiction can cause individuals to seek out the drug obsessively. It leads to restlessness and agitation when unable to obtain it.
This is when a person becomes overly restless, irritable, and uneasy. They may have a short temper, frequent mood swings, and difficulty controlling their emotions. They may also find themselves constantly fidgeting, unable to sit still or focus on one thing for long periods.
Feelings of anxiety and paranoia often accompany this agitation. Increased agitation can lead to destructive behavior and strained relationships if left unchecked.
If someone you know is displaying increased agitation and irritability, it is crucial to address this warning sign and seek professional help to address potential cocaine addiction. This California rehab center provides a holistic approach to drug and alcohol recovery.
Understanding the Signs of Cocaine Addiction
In conclusion, recognizing the warning signs of cocaine addiction is crucial in getting a loved one the help they need. By being aware of the physical, behavioral, and psychological indicators, we can intervene and prevent the devastating consequences of this addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction, seek help immediately.
Remember, it is never too late to seek help and begin the journey to recovery. Take action and make the call today.
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