Do you suspect that your loved one has a problem with cocaine addiction? You may suspect this but be struggling to notice any specific signs. In fact, there are signs of cocaine use that are difficult to recognize. Learning to recognize these can help you understand whether you actually need to get them into treatment. Here’s what you need to look for.
Changes in Personality and Appearance
First and foremost, anyone high on cocaine will have dilated pupils. If he or she smokes the cocaine as crack, their lips may show signs of splitting or peeling. Furthermore, there may be profuse sweating during use. Your loved one will behave with high excitement, energy, and the ability to stay awake for long periods.
Other signs of cocaine use become more apparent when the drug leaves the system. In fact, there commonly are signs of enormous fatigue and feelings of depression. Typically, these changes happen within a moment’s notice.
Mental Signs of Cocaine Use
Someone with a cocaine addiction will go through more and more frequent binges of using the drug. Doing so changes the individual’s mental state. In addition to signs of unusual confidence and enthusiasm, there’s also a dark side. Look for delusions, evidence of poor judgment, a more pronounced aggressiveness, and paranoia.
Reckless financial decisions, putting others at risk, and other uncommon feelings are also common. When you try to talk to your loved one about these changes, he or she may respond with hostility. In severe situations, they may threaten physical harm. Getting help for your loved one is vital at this point.
Overcoming an Addiction to Cocaine
What makes the drug so addictive is the quality of the high. For a brief time, there is euphoria and feelings of strength. But, as time goes on, they become more elusive and call for greater quantities of the drug. Your loved one now finds that life has become little more than a vicious cycle.
Addiction therapy and treatment offers a way out. It isn’t necessary to continue the cycle of procuring the drug, using it, and trying to hide the habit. Examples of clinical modalities include:
- Individual therapy that allows your loved one to work one-on-one with a therapist
- Group therapy that provides a safe environment for discussions and learning with others in the same situation
- Family therapy that brings in family members and other loved ones who become instrumental in forming a support network
- Trauma treatment that assists with working through situations from the past
- Comprehensive wellness programs that engage the mind, body, and spirit with recreational therapy, meditation, and nutritional counseling
Don’t allow substance abuse to take control of you or your loved one’s life. They have an incredibly dangerous condition which requires professional help. Your loved one’s drug use will not stop or get better by itself. The Crest View Recovery Center offers real answers to tough questions. Call 866.327.2505 now for more information on how to help a loved one with a cocaine habit.
