Know the Signs of Cocaine Use: What a Person Should Look For

Cocaine overview

Cocaine is derived from the coca plant’s leaves and is a combination appetite suppressant, central nervous stimulant, and topical anesthetic. It is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs on the illegal market today and one of the most popular recreational drugs around. The cultivation, distribution, and possession of cocaine, for non-government and non-medical reasons are illegally virtually worldwide. Despite this fact, it is widely used in many cultural, personal, and social settings.

Recognizing the symptoms and warning signs of cocaine abuse

Whenever a person is abusing cocaine and has a dependency on the drug, there are several symptoms and warning signs to be aware of. If the person does not quit once they first start using, a tolerance can build up quickly and dependency will eventually follow. Whether it is you or a loved one that you are concerned with, the following are the 5 most common symptoms and warning signs of cocaine abuse and dependency.

Behavioral signs – noticeable changes in behavior become apparent when a person is abusing cocaine or has a dependency on it. Certain behaviors may include being overly talkative, exhibiting extreme paranoia, having erratic mood swings and rapid changes in demeanor, and suffering with panic attacks.

Money – as with other powerfully addictive drugs, cocaine addiction can become extremely expensive. Individuals with a severe dependency rarely have any extra cash because they are spending the majority of it on cocaine. Withdrawals from their bank account increase in amounts and the person will make excuses for what is happening to the money, most of which won’t make any sense.

Paraphernalia – cocaine is usually snorted, but it can be injected or smoked. Cut up straws, razor blades, rolled up money, small glass mirrors, and vials for storing are signs that the individual is snorting the drug. If a person is freebasing (smoking) cocaine, you may find aluminum foil, a glass pipe, and a spoon. Finally, if they are injecting the drug, you will mostly likely find a belt or other tourniquets, needles, spoons, and syringes.

Physical signs – the most common signs and symptoms to look for include constant sniffing, dilated pupils, a lack of appetite, nose bleeds, and sudden weight loss.

Rushing out at all hours – when the individual starts receiving phone calls at all hours of the day or night, this is probably their dealer or source of cocaine. The individual will have to rush out immediately and will make up any excuse to justify their leaving, no matter how confused they sound or how confusing the excuse sounds. Regardless, this is another indicator that the individual is addicted to cocaine because they can’t wait to get their hands on more of the drug.