The Signs of Cocaine Addiction

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 4.8 million people age 12 and older have used cocaine within the past month. That’s just under 2% of the country’s population. Of those, 1.4 million people, or 0.5%, are struggling with a cocaine use disorder.

Do you believe someone you know may be addicted to cocaine?

This condition can be mentally, physically, and emotionally debilitating, but some of the red flags can be difficult to spot. The sooner you can recognize them, the better you can support your loved one through their next steps.

Today, we’re sharing the signs of cocaine addiction so you can be more informed on the journey ahead.

Physical Signs

If someone is addicted to cocaine, the symptoms can be wide-ranging in nature. The individual’s personality may begin to change and you might start to notice differences in their behavior and outlook. However, before we dive into the mental and emotional changes, let’s take a step back and look at the physical transitions that can start to take effect.

Dilated Pupils

Cocaine can have a pronounced effect on a person’s eyes. In fact, the changes are so significant that the term “cocaine eyes” is often used to describe someone who’s been abusing this substance.

The pupil is the black dot in the eye, located in the center of the iris. Throughout the day, it grows and shrinks to let more or less light into the eye, optimizing vision. When someone is under the influence of cocaine, their pupils can become (and stay) very dilated.

How quickly these effects will take hold depends on the way in which the person uses the drug. If they smoke or freebase cocaine, their pupils will change almost immediately, within four to five seconds. If they snort it, the timeline is typically around one to three minutes.

This physical change occurs because cocaine inhibits a person’s norepinephrine reuptake. Norepinephrine is a critical neurotransmitter. These are the components that help communicate various signals to different parts of the brain and body, triggering different responses.

Specifically, norepinephrine is responsible for signaling the body’s “fight or flight” response that kicks in when it perceives immediate danger. When someone uses cocaine, it amplifies the release of this chemical but stops it from being reabsorbed into the brain.

As a result, the body enters into a state of heightened awareness. Dilated pupils are a natural side effect of this state. When the pupils dilate, they allow less light to enter the eye, which allows people to become hyper-focused on one area of their vision.

Not only does this change affect the person’s physical appearance and focus, but it can also trigger emotional side effects, such as paranoia.

Runny Nose or Nosebleeds

Especially when paired with other, more direct signs of substance abuse, a runny nose could be a sign that someone is using cocaine. The same applies if the individual is experiencing recurrent nosebleeds that aren’t linked to any other condition.

The action of snorting cocaine can damage the sensitive membranes inside of the nose. This can loosen mucus and lead to sniffles. Over time, this damage can cause the nose to bleed internally and can also negatively affect the person’s sense of smell.

Of course, a runny nose on its own could be indicative of many different health conditions, including the common cold! This is why it’s important to consider the full scope of the person’s symptoms. Another telltale sign to look for is the remnants of white powder around the individual’s nose, which could indicate they’ve snorted the powder recently.

Difficulty Swallowing

Snorting cocaine can also damage the lining of a person’s throat. This can not only lead to a sore throat but can also make it more difficult for them to swallow. You might also notice that they sound hoarse or congested when they talk.

Eating and swallowing can become especially difficult if the cocaine eventually perforates through the roof of the mouth. This section of the sinuses connects the mouth with the nasal cavity, and everyday tasks can be hard if it becomes damaged.

Weight Loss

For some people, cocaine can lead to short-term weight loss, especially in the beginning. This is because it suppresses the person’s appetite. At the same time, it also works as a stimulant, boosting energy levels and causing increased bouts of physical activity.

When all of these symptoms take place in tandem, the individual might appear thinner. However, their drug addiction can eventually have the opposite effect.

When under the influence of cocaine, they may be more prone to consuming sweet, processed, or otherwise unhealthy foods. Paired with prolonged wakefulness and stimulation that the drug provides, that effect disrupts their body’s ability to metabolize and store fat, which alters their natural metabolism.

This study examined the link between weight loss and cocaine use.

Researchers discovered that the substance alters a person’s ability to regulate fat, causing users to develop a strong appetite for fatty food while keeping their fat mass low. Thus, when they enter rehab for cocaine, they tend to experience weight gain. This can trigger feelings of depression and increase the risk of relapse.

Burn Marks

If someone is using a pipe to smoke crack cocaine, you may notice burn marks on their fingers or hands. The pipe and substance can become very hot, especially if they aren’t familiar with how to use them.

Along the same lines, you might also see burns on their lips. Frequent drug use can cause the skin on their lips to peel and crack, which makes them more susceptible to burning. As they frequently bite down on the pip, it can also cause their teeth to break and chip over time.

Loss of Personal Hygiene

When someone is in the throes of a cocaine use disorder, they might let certain habits slip by the wayside. This is because the idea of doing the drug consumes them from the moment they wake up until they go to bed.

As a result, they may put less time and attention into their appearance. You might even notice that they aren’t bathing or brushing their teeth and hair every day.

Presence of Drug Paraphernalia

One of the more tangible signs that someone is using cocaine is the presence of drug paraphernalia in their home, car, or office. Some of the items to look for include:

• Razor blades
• Spoons
• Plastic baggies

These items won’t always be lying around in plain sight. In fact, they’ll usually be hidden to some degree. You might find them under the person’s bed or in the pockets of their clothing, for instance.

Chest Pain, Headache, or Stomachache

If you’ve seen any of these signs plus the person is complaining of frequent chest pains, headaches, or stomachaches, take heed.

When they intake cocaine, many people experience increased sensitivity and tenderness around their abdomen. They may also feel dizzy and nauseous, with side effects that include vomiting and diarrhea.

As the drug courses through their system, it can also hurt their head. This may be due to the way the substance stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, decreasing the reuptake of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine, in addition to norepinephrine.

All of this activity in their brain center is enough to cause migraine-like symptoms. It can also have a damaging effect on their cardiovascular system, leading to chest pain that feels like heavy pressure. In some individuals, it can also trigger the onset of a condition called Tachycardia, or rapid heartbeat.

Emotional and Mental Signs

In addition to physical signs, you may also notice that the individual is exhibiting certain symptoms of emotional or mental distress. As mentioned, these signs alone don’t always mean that the person is suffering from a cocaine use disorder. Some of them, such as disrupted sleep and mood swings, can be associated with other conditions, including depression and anxiety.

Still, it’s helpful to know which signs to seek out, especially if you’ve noticed other, physical signs of cocaine use as well. Let’s take a look at the key ones to consider.

Excitability and Mood Swings

Cocaine is a very powerful stimulant, and it can make someone seem more excitable, or hyper than they are on a normal basis. When an individual consumes it, it causes a rapid and strong surge of dopamine in their brain, which can lead to a state of euphoria.

Known as the “feel good” neurotransmitter, dopamine is closely related to feelings of joy, pleasure, and reward. It also contributes to neurological and physiological functioning and has a direct effect on our actions, moods, and decision-making functions.

When it’s delivered in hearty quantities, it can elevate the person to a state of mania. They might seem to be “bouncing off the walls” or unable to sit still. You might also notice that they’re more talkative than usual.

However, that can eventually lead to an emotional crash once the levels re-regulate, leaving them feeling depressed. This is one of the reasons why many people who are addicted to cocaine will often seem like they’re experiencing extreme mood swings.

When they’re on the drug, they may seem like they’re on top of the world. However, as soon as the substance dips and they’re faced with their reality, the opposite can hold true.

Recurrent Lying

It can be incredibly difficult to face a cocaine addiction head-on. To avoid such confrontation, individuals might lie about their behavior because it seems like the easiest decision at the moment.

For instance, if you confront someone about the drug paraphernalia you found in their room, they might lie and say it wasn’t theirs. Or, they might fib about where they’ve been that night, or who they were with. While this dishonesty might make things easier in the short term, it will almost always lead to more destruction down the road.

Asking for Money

Cocaine can be a very expensive drug to purchase, especially if someone is using it on a daily basis. As such, you might hear them ask you for money on multiple occasions. If they’re especially desperate, they might even steal from you, others, or a local store.

While you might think you’re helping them out by spotting them with a little cash, take note of any other signs of drug abuse that you notice. By supplying them with money, you could be inadvertently supporting their habit.

Risky Decisions

Your loved one used to be careful and considerate. They calculated the risks before doing anything remotely daring. Now, they seem to be walking on the edge, teetering over it to see what’s on the other side.

They’re staying out late and hanging out with new people. They’re going to parties and talking to strangers on social media. They may even be driving under the influence.

Does this sound familiar?

If someone you know has suddenly seemed to have a lapse in safety and judgment, you may want to sit down and ask a few questions. These are actions and behaviors that could risk their lives, as well as the lives of others.

Isolation or Sudden Confidence

Being shy and purposefully isolating isn’t always a sign of a drug problem. Yet, it should raise concern when a once-social and bubbly person suddenly chooses to be left alone on a more frequent basis.

This could mean that they’re hiding their behavior and drug use, especially from those who are closest to them. There can be intense feelings of guilt and shame associated with this disease, and they may feel the need to withdraw from others.

Alternatively, cocaine seems to take hold in an entirely different way for some people. You might find that the person is suddenly ultra-confident and wants to engage more than ever before. They could even make outlandish claims that seem out of character, such as saying they’re better than others.

This could be linked to the dopamine boost that the drug provides, though the effects are typically short-lived.

Decreased Interest in Activities

The depression linked with cocaine (and the drop in dopamine as it wears off) can lead many people to sink into depression. One of the most prominent side effects of this condition is disinterest in things or activities that once brought the person happiness.

They may stop working on their favorite hobbies or spending as much time with their families. They might cancel plans with friends or skip the exercise routine they once cherished. While depression can definitely exist apart from drug abuse disorders, it’s often noted as a co-occurring condition, along with anxiety.

One change to pay particularly close attention to is a disinterest in spending time with sober friends. They might even develop a new friends circle altogether because it’s easier for them to gain access to the drug that way.

An Increased Libido

When cocaine activates the pleasure center in someone’s brain, it can cause them to become more interested in sexual intercourse than usual. At the same time, their logical reasoning, judgment, and critical thinking skills are significantly impaired.

This can cause them to engage in unsafe and risky sex, which can lead to other issues including sexually transmitted diseases.

An Uptick in Violence

Does your loved one seem especially prone to violent, angry outbursts lately? If you’ve found them to be excessively short-tempered or mean-spirited, this could be a potential sign of cocaine abuse.

There are a few reasons why this could be the case. First, cocaine can trigger a change in brain chemistry, which can lead to increased feelings of suspicion or paranoia. This can cause the person to be less trusting of others, and more “on edge”, which can lead to violence.

These acts can run the gamut in terms of severity, ranging from minor psychological aggressions to very serious and even deadly physical acts. Much of this traces back to the way cocaine affects a person’s neurotransmitter systems and the mental changes that imbalance can induce. Some studies even suggest that cocaine takes hold of certain areas of the brain, including the limbic system, that are linked to aggressive and violent behaviors.

Delusional Speed or Behavior

Cocaine’s effect on the brain can make a once-logical person suddenly seem erratic and delusional. It can also trigger an uptick in paranoia. The individual might seem super suspicious of everything or everyone, and claim that there are forces out to get them.

They may grow extremely private and protective, and become defensive if you bring up the issue to them. When describing how they feel, they might mention seeing things or people that aren’t there. These hallucinations and delusions can greatly interfere with their quality of life, and could motivate them to do things that are risky or unsafe.

Where to Find Help

Any of these signs and symptoms can be incredibly difficult to notice in someone you love. Thankfully, there are resources available to help you navigate the recovery journey with your loved one.

At Reflections, we offer a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program designed to help individuals gently work through their addictions. Through this program, we provide a medication-assisted detox in a safe, peaceful, fully licensed facility. Our clinical and medical teams consist of trained staff specialists who will use industry-proven medications and protocols to promote healing in our private, luxurious environment.

Understanding Cocaine Detox

The cocaine detoxification process can be extremely difficult and painful. As they slowly withdraw from the substance they’ve become dependent upon, people can experience a range of side effects, including:

• Increased agitation and restlessness
• Anxiety
• Fatigue and drowsiness
• Paranoia
• Increased appetite
• Depressed mood
• Vivid, upsetting dreams
• General sense of discomfort

When someone suffers these symptoms unnecessarily, the experience can be so uncomfortable that they’re triggered to slip back into their old habits. In some cases, the effects of detox stress the body to the point of serious complications.

Medically-Assisted Detox

Our medically-assisted approach helps encourage them to stay the course and complete the full recovery process. You can rest assured that our professional detox specialist carefully monitors the administration of all detox medications, monitoring vital signs and checking reactions to make sure no extreme symptoms occur.

Before beginning any type of detoxification program, our team will complete a three-step process that consists of the following stages:

1. Evaluation
2. Stabilization
3. Life After Detox

At the initial evaluation, we will test each patient to understand the specific substances that are in their bloodstream. We will also evaluate any co-occurring disorders, mental/behavioral issues, or dual diagnosis that might apply. This helps us determine the best detox protocol based on the person’s needs.

During the stabilization phase, we will gently and safely guide each patient through the process of detoxification, which takes place at our facility. While some treatment plans do not include the use of medications, most of the plans in our program do. We will clearly explain what the patient can expect before, during, and after detoxification, and we may bring loved ones in for support during this time.

Finally, once the detox process is complete, the individual is ready to re-enter the real world. We know that this transition can be tricky, and we’re here to offer ongoing support. Each patient will leave with a thorough plan that details how they can maintain their progress. Some of the options will include:

• Entering an outpatient program
• Entering a 30-day intensive psychological treatment program
• Entering into a Sober Living home
• Attending a 12-step program or similar support meeting
• Working with an individual therapist

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to life after detox. We’ll work with each individual and their family to determine which approach will be most effective and beneficial for their case.

Recognize These Signs of Cocaine Addiction

It can be disheartening to notice the signs of cocaine addiction in someone you know or love. However, it’s even harder to sit back and watch them lose every part of their lives to this heart-breaking disease.

If you’re ready to help your loved one find help, let us know. At Reflections, we offer many different treatment programs, along with specialized tracks and therapies, including holistic therapies. We understand the step you’re about to take will be a challenging one, and you don’t have to take it alone.

Feel free to take a virtual tour of our Bay area facilities or call us today to learn more!