Did you know that almost half of the U.S. population 12 and older had tried an illicit drug of some form in 2020? Many users go from trying it once to being completely addicted. One of the most common illegal drugs is cocaine.

While addiction has major consequences for both the user and loved ones, spotting the signs of cocaine addiction isn’t always easy. Read on to learn what some of these signs are and what you can do to help.

Why Is Cocaine So Addictive?

Cocaine is addictive because it affects the limbic system of the brain and causes a buildup of dopamine. This system regulates pleasure and motivation, and cocaine causes a euphoric state. This feeling makes the user want to continue their cocaine abuse.

What Are the Signs of Cocaine Addiction?

The signs of cocaine use include physical and lifestyle changes. Some of the signs to look for include:

• Withdrawal

Cocaine abuse often consumes the life of an individual. These users know how their loved ones will react to their drug use. As a result of these two factors, the user often withdrawals from social gatherings with loved ones and non-addicts.

• Financial Difficulty

When someone begins taking cocaine, their work performance suffers, so much so that they often quit or are laid off. This results in difficulty paying bills and the addict will ask those close to them for money. Despite legitimate uses for the money, it often goes to purchase more cocaine.

• Mania and Crashes

Cocaine abuse results in a pattern of erratic behavior. The user may display increased energy, alertness, and even libido. Some of the behavior prior to the crash can be risky. During the crash, the user may appear depressed and have high anxiety.

• Drug Paraphernalia

Since cocaine can be taken through injection or snorting, there are different forms of paraphernalia to look for if you suspect abuse. If the addict is snorting, you could find small mirrors and razor blades used for separating the drug into lines. If cocaine is being injected, you may find needles, syringes and spoons. The presence of white residue on any of these items is even more of a giveaway.

• Other Physical Signs

There are other more subtle physical signs of cocaine abuse to look for. Some of these include:

• Pupils that are dilated
• Runny nose
• Loss of smell
• Difficulty swallowing

What to Do for Someone Who Is Suffering From Addiction?

Addiction is often enabled by loved ones who think they’re helping. While they want to see an improvement, they often lack the skills that would lead to recovery.

The best scenario is having the cocaine addict enter a treatment center that specializes in drug addiction, such as Hope Rising Recovery. This center has multiple locations and handles many drug types, including cocaine.

Can You Recognize Cocaine Addiction?

Now that you what the signs of cocaine addiction are, do you feel like you could spot them? Cocaine has a profound impact on the brain, making it difficult to quit. A treatment center is often the best chance for recovery.

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