Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Statistics Regarding Cocaine Addiction
According to U.S. government statistics, about two million people are addicted to cocaine, and more than one million people try cocaine at least once a year. Signs of cocaine addiction are easy to detect and can be devastating to psychological and physical health. Anyone who displays the symptoms or signs of cocaine abuse and addiction should seek medical help in order to break the abusive, compulsive habit.
The physical warning signs of cocaine abuse, addiction, and dependency will vary from one individual to the next. However, there are a number of specific warning signs that are common with every individual and cannot be concealed. These include:
- Anxiety
- Criminal activity
- Dilated pupils
- Drop in grades
- Inability to sleep
- Irritability
- Job loss
- Nausea
- Runny nose
Other physical signs of cocaine addiction include a constant runny nose. Cocaine is inhaled by many abusers and usually causes physical conditions in the nostrils that will cause the user to sniff and suffer with a runny nose. This symptom appears as if the addict has a cold, but in fact, is displaying a warning sign for cocaine addiction.
Bloodshot eyes is another classic warning sign of cocaine addiction, as well as a disregard for personal hygiene. The abuser will not take care of the physical appearance, such as bathing, shaving, or general cleanliness. A cocaine addict will beg for money since the drug is expensive. Addicts will try to find excuses for needing additional money and sell personal or sentimental items in order to purchase the drug.
Psychological Warning Signs
The psychological warning signs of a cocaine addiction include a general loss of interest in activities or daily routines. An addict will give up an interest in hobbies or sports that were once enjoyed. The addict will not want to associate with other people or with family. Cocaine abusers will also have a change in the type of friends they spend time with and are generally include other cocaine addicts. A change in the types of activities or places they frequent are significant warning signs of cocaine addiction. Depression also often accompanies the psychological symptoms and warning signs of addiction.
A cocaine addiction can also lead to an overdose of the drug that can bring on serious health issues and even death. The warning signs of a cocaine overdose include high blood pressure, rapid breathing or heartbeat, high fever, confusion, profuse sweating, and high degrees of agitation or irritability. Seizures, kidney or liver failure, or a heart attack or stroke can occur with a cocaine overdose or severe addiction.
Watching for the warning signs of an overdose or addiction problem and getting help from a qualified professional is vital for a cocaine addict. Getting help for the drug abuser early in the stages of addiction could significantly reduce or prevent an overdose or death.
Get the Professional Help you Need
When an individual gets to the point where their cocaine addiction is completely in control of their lives and they feel that their life is in total chaos, it is time to speak with a specialist of an addiction treatment and recovery center. Entering an in-patient rehab program may be the most important decision they ever make in their lives. In fact, that decision to get professional help may just save their lives. If you or a loved one is currently suffering with a cocaine addiction and you are looking for an addiction treatment and recovery program that addresses your personal needs, we encourage you to contact the Delray Recovery Center for information on our Strength to Change program for substance abuse and addiction. Please call us at the toll-free phone number listed above.
