While some people may think that cocaine doesn’t cause serious damage, the truth is that the drug is just as bad as other addictive substances, such as heroin or LSD. Consistently taking the drug can lead to serious problems. You end up ruining your life, your career, and your social relationships.
On top of that, cocaine addiction is extremely hard to beat, and some signs of cocaine use may go unnoticed by your loved ones.
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If you want to know more about the warning signs of cocaine addiction, look at this short guide.
1. Increased Usage
One of the main cocaine addiction signs is a rise in the amount and regularity of use. People becoming addicted may use cocaine only rarely at first.
Still, as time goes on, they may use it more often and in larger amounts. This rise is often caused by tolerance, which happens when the body gets used to the effects of the drug and needs more of it to get the same high.
When someone uses cocaine more often, it could be a sign that their relationship with it is becoming troublesome and possibly addictive.
2. Cravings
One thing that defines cocaine abuse is how strong the cravings are. These cravings are strong and long-lasting, and they want to use cocaine, even though the person knows how bad it is for them. Different things, like environmental cues, social situations, or emotional states, can trigger cravings.
They can be very hard to stop, leading to loops of drug-seeking behavior. Strong, uncontrolled cravings are often a sign that the brain’s reward system has been changed by how addictive cocaine is. This makes it hard for the person to stop using without help from a professional.
3. Neglected Responsibilities
Drug addiction can lead to a decline in a person’s ability to meet their responsibilities at work, school, and home. Individuals may miss deadlines, skip classes, or neglect household chores due to their preoccupation with obtaining and using cocaine.
As the addiction takes hold, the person’s priorities shift, and once-important activities take a back seat to the pursuit of the drug. This neglect can strain relationships, jeopardize job security, and hinder personal growth.
4. Social Withdrawal
When people struggle with cocaine abuse, they often spend less and less time with their friends and family. As the person’s addiction takes up more time and energy, they have less time and energy to spend with others.
Also, they might pull away to hide their drug use from family and friends. The shame and guilt of addiction can make the person feel even more alone. This can lead to a vicious loop where the person feels lonely and alone, which makes them want to use cocaine to feel better.
5. Financial Problems
Cocaine use can put a lot of stress on a person’s finances. As people get used to cocaine and take more of it, the cost of getting it can become a big problem. Once set aside for bills, groceries, and other needs, the money could be used to buy the drug instead.
The money problems that come with addiction can get worse quickly, leading to missed bills, the loss of assets, and even doing illegal things to keep up the habit. These financial problems affect not only the person having them but also their friends and family, which can lower their quality of life.
6. Mood Swings
Cocaine’s effects on mood can be intense and erratic. While under the influence, individuals may experience an elevated sense of euphoria, increased confidence, and heightened energy levels. However, these positive feelings are often followed by periods of deep depression, irritability, and emotional instability when the drug wears off.
This emotional rollercoaster results from cocaine’s impact on neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, which plays a key role in regulating mood. As the addiction progresses, these mood swings can become more pronounced, leading individuals to rely on cocaine to modulate their emotional state.
7. Physical Changes
Prolonged cocaine use can cause noticeable changes in a person’s physical appearance and health. Weight loss is a common side effect, as the drug can suppress appetite and lead to poor nutritional habits. Dilated pupils are another telltale sign resulting from the stimulant effects of cocaine on the nervous system.
Frequent cocaine use can also damage the nasal passages, causing nosebleeds, a runny nose, and even more severe issues such as a perforated septum. These physical changes are visible indicators of the toll that addiction is taking on the body.
8. Behavioral Changes
Cocaine addiction often leads to a shift in behavior that can be alarming. Individuals may engage in impulsive and risky actions driven by the drug’s influence on decision-making processes. This can include engaging in unsafe sexual practices, driving under the influence, or participating in criminal activities to obtain funds for cocaine.
Pursuing the drug becomes the primary focus, overshadowing concerns for personal safety, legal consequences, and the well-being of oneself and others.
9. Failed Attempts to Quit
Recognizing the detrimental impact of cocaine on the life of a drug addict, many individuals attempt to quit or reduce their use. However, the grip of addiction can be formidable, often leading to repeated failures in these attempts. Cocaine’s effects on the brain’s reward system and the development of strong cravings can make it exceedingly difficult to break free from its influence without professional help.
Failed attempts to quit and an inability to control or moderate usage highlight the depth of the addiction and the need for comprehensive treatment.
In situations like these, seeking guidance from addiction specialists or considering comprehensive treatment options, such as enrolling in programs offered by this rehab campus in Tucson, becomes essential for overcoming the challenges of cocaine addiction and achieving lasting recovery.
Learn the Signs of Cocaine Addiction Today
If you or someone you know displays any signs of cocaine addiction, help should be sought immediately. Cocaine can seriously affect physical and mental health, so it is important to get help before the situation worsens.
Contact a mental health professional or rehabilitation center today for more information and assistance!
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Sharon Howe is a creative person with diverse talents. She writes engaging articles for WonderWorldSpace.com, where she works as a content writer. Writing allows Sharon to inform and captivate readers. Additionally, Sharon pursues music as a hobby, which allows her to showcase her artistic abilities in another creative area.