What are the Signs of Cocaine Addiction?

A Look at the Signs of Cocaine Use and Addiction

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is prevalent in the United States. In the stimulant category, you will also find methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy). Coke, blow, snow, flake, and powder are among the popular slang names for cocaine. It is of utmost importance that you familiarize yourself with the slang names of cocaine if you suspect a loved one is abusing it. In addition to slang names, you should become familiar with the signs of cocaine addiction and signs of cocaine use.

The Signs

If you suspect a loved of one using cocaine, you must look for the signs of cocaine use. The effects of this drug are short-lived – from only a few minutes for up to an hour. One of the terrible signs of cocaine addiction is if the individual has to use again once the high wears off. Some short-term effects of this drug include (but are not limited to) paranoia, mental alertness, euphoria, excess energy, irritability, and hypersensitivity to touch and sound.

Some signs of cocaine addiction and cocaine addiction symptoms to consider include:

• Changes in concentration and focus
• Hyperactivity
• Disinhibition
• Decrease in appetite
• Decrease in weight
• Muscle twitching
• Common cold-like symptoms
• Nosebleeds

Overdose and even death are possible from the overuse of cocaine. People like to mix this drug with other drugs, like alcohol, and the combination may very well be a deadly one. Heroin is also a popular side dish with cocaine, which can also lead to death depending upon the amounts mixed. If overdose occurs, you must contact emergency services immediately. If you need help for yourself or a loved one, contact WhiteSands for assistance today.

The Effects

The signs of cocaine addiction that happen inside the body are quite different from the euphoric feeling the drug produces.

• Dilated pupils
• Tremors
• Muscle twitches
• Nausea
• Restlessness
• Constricted blood vessels
• Faster heartbeat
• Elevated blood pressure
• Raised body temperature

Long-term cocaine users tend to be malnourished since the drug decreases appetite. Some addicts go so deep down the rabbit hole, so to speak, that they become superbly paranoid and experience auditory hallucinations. If you have more questions about cocaine addiction symptoms you can contact WhiteSands for further information.

Treatment Options

Any way you look at the options, one thing remains constant – the need for behavioral therapy. The addict must “unlearn” their bad habits and learn to live a sober life. There are a few options which have proven to be popular inside (and out) of drug rehabs.

• The Matrix Model is a combination of a twelve-step program, drug testing, behavioral therapy, individual counseling sessions, and family education.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches the addict how to cope with drugs so that they can function in society. In addition, the addict will learn how to identify and deal with triggers and resist cravings.
• Contingency management uses a reward system, like gift certificates, for example, to urge the addict to stay clean.

The cornerstone of sobriety is a good therapy program. If you want help – call WhiteSands now. One phone call can change your life.

Addicts seek help at rehab and detox center as well. In detox, the addict will “dry out” and the body will rid itself of the drugs. Sometimes the withdrawal symptoms are so savage that medical intervention is appropriate. If this is the case, medical professionals will administer the medication and monitor you until the detox phase is completed.

Once the rehabilitation phase begins, the addict will begin their intensive therapy sessions and get to the root cause of their addiction. Being surrounded by others who are in rehab is usually helpful in teaching the addict that they are not alone. If you, or someone you love, is addicted to cocaine (or any other substance) contact WhiteSands today for help.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.