Addiction to stimulants is a significant concern in cities of all sizes across the U.S. For many people, the source of their problems is the plant-based drug cocaine. Whether you’re aware or not, you may be one of the thousands of people who know someone addicted to this drug. Can you tell if a loved one is affected and needs cocaine addiction treatment? There’s a good chance of doing so if you understand the likely signs of this common drug problem.
Cocaine Use and the Stages of Cocaine Addiction
Addiction to any substance typically takes place in stages or phases. Generally speaking, the process includes the following:
- Becoming physically dependent on that substance’s brain effects
- Experiencing and acting on involuntary urges to seek out more of it
- No longer feeling concerned about what it takes to satisfy those urges
The stages of cocaine addiction may or may not reveal themselves in notable signs. In other words, they may or may not be visible to outside observers.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction – The Most Common Indications of a Problem
People affected by cocaine addiction often appear or act in ways that reveal their condition. Among the possible signs of cocaine addiction, the most common include:
- Rapid shifts between various moods
- Behavior that shows unusual restlessness, irritability, or agitation
- Declining interest in personal appearance and other hygiene-related issues
- Bouts of rapid, excited speech that seem out of character
- Unexplained episodes of energized or over-ramped behavior
Other potential issues include unpredictable behavior or unusually secretive behavior. They also include dilated pupils. In addition, some people addicted to cocaine display signs of paranoia. Other things you may notice include increased tendencies toward anxiousness or depression.
Picking Up on Signs of Cocaine Withdrawal
Withdrawal is a common phenomenon in all forms of substance addiction. Your loved one may enter its opening stages within minutes after a bout of heavy cocaine use. There are no definitive physical signs of cocaine withdrawal. Still, you may notice several non-physical indicators.
Such indicators can include agitation and restlessness, also associated with cocaine intoxication. In addition, your loved one may seem unusually tired or move slower than usual. They may also seem generally uncomfortable or out of sorts.
For days, weeks, or months, your loved one withdrawing from cocaine may feel down or depressed. They may also report powerful cravings for more of the drug. In addition, people withdrawing from cocaine may report increased nightmares or vivid dreams.
Inner Concerns – Cocaine Addiction Symptoms
Some aspects of cocaine addiction may escape your notice because they don’t seem outwardly obvious. Experts refer to these inner aspects as symptoms rather than signs. The most widespread cocaine addiction symptoms include such things as:
- Tachycardia, i.e., a significantly accelerated heartbeat
- Increases in normal blood pressure
- Narrowed blood vessels inside the brain
- Narrowing of the blood vessels leading to the heart
Over time, people addicted to the drug may also lose their sense of smell.
Learn More About the Signs of Cocaine Addiction at Northpoint Colorado
Do you think your loved one may be addicted to cocaine? Talk to the friendly professionals at Northpoint Colorado. We can help you better understand what to look for in anyone affected by this problem and find solutions that work for your specific situation.
You can also turn to Northpoint for top-quality cocaine treatment services. Every day, we help people in various circumstances quit using this highly addictive drug. We also help them develop the tools and abilities to preserve a cocaine-free lifestyle. For more information, call us today at 888.231.1281 or contact us online via our convenient form. We’re here to help.