Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system, releasing large amounts of dopamine in the brain. This dopamine surge can feel intensely pleasurable to those who use it, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. If you suspect that someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction, there are certain signs of cocaine addiction you can look out for.
Looking for “cocaine addiction treatment near me?” Contact Sophros Recovery at 904.760.4295 to learn more about cocaine addiction signs. Our addiction treatment in Jacksonville, FL, can help you or a loved one attain the life you deserve.
The Dangers of Cocaine
Cocaine is often used as a social drug, but it can be incredibly addictive, even after only a few uses. Over time, cocaine users may need higher doses of the drug to get the same effect they used to get from smaller doses. This is known as “tolerance” and is one way addiction develops.
This drug is highly addictive because of the intense reward it provides when users are high. But this euphoric moment can be followed by a crash, often resulting in feelings of depression and irritability. This “crash” is another way people become addicted to cocaine, as they seek more of the drug to make them feel better again.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
It can be difficult to identify cocaine addiction, but here are a few cocaine addiction signs to look out for:
Physical Changes in Appearance and Behavior
One of the most obvious physical signs of cocaine addiction is changes in appearance and behavior. When someone is high on cocaine, they will often manifest physical changes such as:
- Dilated pupils
- An elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Nosebleeds or runny nose due to snorting powdered cocaine
- Rapid movement or speaking patterns
Additionally, long-term cocaine abuse can cause serious health issues like weight loss due to lack of appetite, insomnia or difficulty sleeping, heart palpitations or chest pain caused by increased heart rate, or breathing problems from smoking crack cocaine.
Mood Swings and Loss of Interest in Activities
Cocaine addicts may also experience significant mood swings due to the intense highs and lows associated with using this drug. They may seem overly excited at times but then suddenly become agitated or irritable. In addition to mood swings, addicted individuals may also lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as hobbies or sports teams they used to care about deeply. They may also start to withdraw from social engagements as their addiction progresses.
Financial Difficulties
Another sign of cocaine addiction is financial difficulties due to the expensive habit of buying drugs on a regular basis. Addicts may find themselves going into debt or asking friends and family for money just so they can purchase more cocaine for their next hit. They may also take desperate measures such as stealing from others in order to get their hands on more money for drugs if necessary.
Impulsive Decisions
Finally, impulsive decisions are another common sign of cocaine addiction since addicts will often act without thinking when they are under the influence of the drug’s powerful effects. This can lead them into dangerous situations where they make foolish decisions that could potentially harm themselves or those around them. This type of decision-making should be taken seriously because it could potentially have dire consequences if not addressed quickly enough.
Find Help for Cocaine Addiction at Sophros Recovery
Cocaine addiction is a serious problem that requires professional help in order to overcome it successfully. Recognizing the potential signs early on could prevent your loved one from experiencing severe side effects down the line due to this dangerous substance use disorder. If you think someone close to you might be struggling with a cocaine addiction issue, please reach out for help at Sophros Recovery at 904.760.4295.
