If you signs of cocaine use how to tell if someone uses cocaine or a loved one exhibits cocaine addiction symptoms, seek treatment as quickly as possible. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists now to explore our holistic treatment programs. Our admissions staff can answer your questions, verify your insurance, and schedule an intake appointment. However, you may notice signs like dilated pupils, excitability, mood swings, weight loss, sniffing and nosebleeds, talkativeness, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
Mood Swings
It’s crucial to spot cocaine abuse early to avoid a potentially tragic outcome. You should act quickly if you suspect that a loved one is abusing cocaine. The Canadian Centre for Addiction explores the signs of cocaine use and how to help someone struggling with cocaine abuse and addiction. Understanding the nature of cocaine use is key to identifying its symptoms. As a central nervous system stimulant, cocaine manipulates dopamine, leading to intense feelings perceived as pleasure and energy. As the effects wear off, the user may experience a “crash,” including fatigue, depression, or anxiety, making the signs of someone taking cocaine more noticeable during and after use.
People who use cocaine can quickly become dependent on it for strong rushes of brain chemicals that strongly influence how they think and feel. Knowing how to tell if someone is on cocaine can help you take the right steps toward supporting a loved one struggling with addiction. The sooner you can identify the signs, the quicker you can help them seek the help they need. Let them know you’ve noticed the signs of someone on cocaine and that you’re worried about their well-being.
Professional Resources
Professional addiction treatment is often required to identify and modify the thinking patterns and behaviours that promote cocaine use. Pick a good time and place to talk, preferably a calm place where the person feels at ease. Also, select a time when you know they won’t be under the influence of cocaine. Start the conversation calmly, explaining your concerns in a non-accusatory tone.
Health Declines
This guide walks through the common signs of cocaine use — both the ones you notice right away and the ones that take time to show. Cocaine addiction can affect a person’s social life and financial stability. Identifying these social and financial signs can provide more context if you suspect someone is using cocaine. The perceived euphoric high is often accompanied by a sense of increased energy, alertness, and misplaced confidence and comes at the expense of both physical and mental health. Long-term effects of cocaine use include moodiness, loss of smell, mental disorders and financial problems. At The Summit Wellness Group, we offer services to help both you and your loved one receive the necessary support during this difficult time.
ADDICTIONS? GET HELP NOW
The dangers of mixing drugs go beyond overdose—long-term organ damage and severe mental health decline are common. People may experience confusion, breathing problems, or sudden unconsciousness. Using multiple substances increases addiction risk and makes withdrawal more complicated. Stopping polydrug use often requires medical detox, therapy, and a structured recovery plan. The sooner help is sought, the better the chances for survival and long-term health.
Effects of Snorting Cocaine
Contact us today to learn more about our personalized treatment programs. Together, we can help your loved one take the first steps toward recovery. At Alamo Behavioral Health, we understand that the cost of rehab often discourages people from seeking help.
- One moment, a person may be cheerful and full of energy, but soon after, they might feel irritable or depressed.
- People with a long history of cocaine use may be at increased risk of developing a life-altering movement disorder.
- The Canadian Centre for Addictions helps people struggling with cocaine use and addiction.
- The skills learned here can last a lifetime and help you stay committed to sobriety.
- There are several proven paths to recovery, and the best choice depends on your needs, support system, and resources.
Opioid addiction: Signs & symptoms of opioid abuse
- Also check for puncture marks on the person’s arms, as some users inject cocaine intravenously with a syringe.
- Coming across as judgmental or attacking them for their behavior can push them further away and make them more resistant to help.
- Our facilities ensure everyone receives fair access to compassionate, comprehensive, and top-quality care.
Emotional support is equally important, as cravings can spike unexpectedly. A structured detox plan lays the foundation for further recovery work. When handled in a professional setting, detox becomes safer, and you leave better prepared for therapy and rehabilitation. This step often determines whether recovery will last or relapse will occur. Royal Life Centers is a comprehensive network of substance use disorder treatment centers, with locations spanning the nationwide.
Overdose Effects
Freebase and crack cocaine look like small crystals that are heated up and smoked. But the most common way cocaine is taken is by crushing the rocks into a fine white powder and snorting/inhaling it through the nose or rubbing it on one’s gums. Beyond broken relationships and ended careers, being addicted to crack can ultimately lead to legal troubles.
Cocaine is a Schedule II drug, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).5 This is largely due to its high risk of addiction. If the user tries to cut back or stop using cocaine, intense withdrawal symptoms often follow. When you’re wondering how to tell if someone is on cocaine, you’ll more than likely first consider their behavior. Then, consider the physical signs.There aretreatment optionsfor those who are addicted to cocaine, most of which involve dual diagnosis programs. If you believe someone close to you is using cocaine or is addicted to cocaine, consider talking to a medical or addiction specialists, because it can be dangerous or deadly.