Know the Signs of Cocaine Use

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Knowing the Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse Can Save a Life

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that causes addiction in a single use. It’s important to understand that cocaine abuse is a widespread problem. It affects people from all walks of life. We can destigmatize substance abuse through honest conversation.

According to recent statistics from the Drug Abuse Warning Network, cocaine is among the most abused drugs in the United States. It rates in the top five. The results of cocaine abuse can be devastating. It harms both the user and their loved ones, and knowing the signs of cocaine use can be the first part of getting help.

With treatment and support, it is possible to overcome cocaine addiction and live a fulfilling life in recovery. If you or someone you know or love struggles with cocaine addiction, you are not alone. Help is available at Catalina Behavioral Health.

What are the Signs of Cocaine Use?

Cocaine abuse can cause a range of physical cocaine addiction signs. These symptoms, signs, and addictive behaviors can reveal a problem.

Common physical signs and symptoms of cocaine use as a potent CNS stimulant include dilated pupils, restlessness, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing. Other physical symptoms may include a runny nose, nosebleeds, and redness or irritation around the nose and nasal passages.

Behavioral symptoms of cocaine use are also evident. It can affect a person’s mood and behavior. Someone using cocaine may exhibit mood swings, even violence. They might become more talkative or agitated. Or they might exhibit signs of paranoia or hallucinations.

They may also experience decreased appetite, insomnia, and lack of interest. These cocaine use signs may present in many combinations.

Understanding Cocaine Addiction, Learn How People Abuse Cocaine

Before understanding the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction, you must learn how they use it. One of the first cocaine signs is seeing drug paraphernalia.

There are several ways in which people abuse cocaine. These include smoking crack cocaine, snorting white powder cocaine, and injecting cocaine.

Smoking cocaine involves heating the drug to create a rock form substance. Users smoke this form, called crack cocaine. Snorting the white powder form of cocaine involves inhaling the drug through the nose. Some users use a needle to inject the drug into the bloodstream.

Regardless of the method of use, cocaine can cause serious health consequences. Long-term cocaine abuse can damage the heart, kidneys, lungs, and other organs. Cocaine or using other drugs can increase the risk of contracting hepatitis C due to sharing needles. It also can cause mental health problems, like severe mood swings, depression, and anxiety.

What are the Risk Factors for a Substance Use Disorder?

Several factors can contribute to drug abuse. These include genetics, environmental factors, and mental illness. For example, people with a family history of addiction may be more susceptible to developing cocaine abuse. These risk factors may also apply to alcohol abuse or any other misused or illegal drug.

Also, people with mental illness may have increased odds. Common disorders like depression, anxiety, or PTSD may increase the likelihood of abuse. That’s because the effects of cocaine feel useful to them for self-medication.

Alcoholism is also a significant risk factor for cocaine users. Many use cocaine and alcohol together, they are frequent co-occurring disorders. The combination can be hazardous. The effects of cocaine and alcohol combined increase the risk of overdose. It also causes other serious health problems that require medical attention.

Signs of a Cocaine Overdose | Watch for the Following Symptoms

Cocaine overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Signs of a cocaine overdose include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, seizures, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. The individual may also exhibit confusion, aggression, or hallucinations. In the worst case, it causes sudden death.

If you think someone is overdosing on cocaine or other drugs, act right away. Call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency personnel, keep the person calm and awake. Track their breathing and heart rate. It’s also essential to let the emergency responders know you see cocaine abuse. They can then provide appropriate treatment.

Recovering from overdose effects can last from a few hours to several days. Abusing cocaine is a complex issue. The effects of cocaine are unique to each person – as are the overdose effects.

How the Brain Becomes Addicted to Cocaine or Other Substances:

Cocaine addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease. Understanding cocaine, and how it alters the brain’s chemistry, and neural pathways can be helpful. When a person uses cocaine, the drug stimulates the release of dopamine.

That is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in pleasure and reward. This surge of dopamine creates chemical messengers that deliver almost immediate effects of euphoria. Plus, they reinforce the desire to use cocaine again.

Over time, repeated cocaine abuse can cause changes in the brain. The changes make it increasingly difficult to resist the drug’s effects. Intense cravings, risky behaviors, weight loss, and other consequences of addiction are all manifestations of the brain’s adaptation to the drug.

How to Quit Using Cocaine With Support and Treatment

Entering rehab is often the first step to quitting cocaine abuse. The intake process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s physical and mental health, substance use history, and treatment goals. Custom-fit treatment options will address the individual’s unique needs from there.

Medical detox is often the next step in the treatment process. Staff manages withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings–preventing relapse. After detox, individuals receive addiction treatment counseling for drugs and co-occurring disorders.

Those with co-occurring disorders will receive care for both conditions. After completing a treatment program, participating in aftercare programs such as Narcotics Anonymous is essential. These groups help millions stay sober and build a supportive community.

Cocaine Withdrawal and the Negative Consequences of Quitting At Home

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can cause physical and psychological dependence. The effects cocaine makes on your life can be problematic, even when trying to stop. Most experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit. Cocaine withdrawal can be dangerous, and attempting to quit alone can increase the risk of complications.

Withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and duration. These signs, symptoms, and behaviors include cravings for more cocaine, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and irritability. Physical symptoms may also occur. They can experience high or low blood pressure, tremors, chills, and sweating.

Withdrawal from cocaine is dangerous. It may cause seizures, heart attacks, and strokes. Quitting cocaine without medical supervision also increases the risk of relapse, as individuals may turn to the drug to relieve withdrawal symptoms.

A safe and successful detox from cocaine means a qualified medical staff. Medical professionals monitor detox, ensuring safety during withdrawal. They also provide medications to manage withdrawal symptoms.

What are the Risk Factors of Cocaine Addiction?

The effects of cocaine addiction can destroy lives. While chasing a cocaine high, most engage in risky behavior. But what causes substance abuse to begin with?

Drug addiction can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. However, certain risk factors can make a higher risk for someone to develop a substance use disorder. Some of these risk factors include the following:

• Genetics. Family members with substance use disorders, especially a first-degree relative, can increase the odds of addiction. Genes can play a significant role in the development of addiction.
• Mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD can make addiction more likely. These, and other mental health issues, up the likelihood of turning to drugs for self-medication.
• Trauma and stress. Experiencing trauma or chronic stress can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Traumatic experiences like abuse, neglect, or violence can lead individuals to turn to drugs.
• Environmental factors. Living where drug use is prevalent increases the likelihood of developing an addiction. Peer pressure and drug exposure through family members during adolescence increase risk.
• Early drug use. The earlier someone abused cocaine, the more likely an addiction. That’s because drugs can interfere with the developing brain and increase the chances of being cocaine users later in life.

Your Rehab of Choice in the Battle Against Cocaine

Cocaine addiction can be devastating. But it’s treatable with help and support. Understanding the signs of cocaine addiction and overdose can help you or a loved one recognize the need for help.

Substance abuse. Cocaine. Alcohol. All addiction is challenging, and if you are seeking treatment we are here to support your recovery.

With the proper care and someone to encourage you, it’s possible to achieve and maintain lasting recovery from cocaine addiction. Catalina Behavioral Health can help you or your loved one get clean.

We can discuss treatment with you today – if you are ready reach out. Your call is confidential. There’s no time like right now. Let’s do this!