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Being aware of the signs of cocaine abuse can often be the crucial first step in getting yourself or someone you know the help they need for a potential addiction. Subtle signs of cocaine abuse can be easily overlooked, which not only increases the risk of harm but means there is a delay in intervention and treatment.
Find out more about the common and subtle signs of cocaine abuse as well as the less obvious indicators and highlight how you can recognise potential hidden drug use in others.
Understanding Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can have a huge impact on physical and mental health. As a stimulant drug, it is often abused for its associated high and euphoric effects. While this can vary from person to person, it typically includes increased energy, feelings of confidence and alertness. These effects are short-lived, however, and cocaine use can soon lead to dependence and addiction.
According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, cocaine is one of the most commonly used substances in the UK. Research shows that 5.1% of adults aged between 16-24 have used cocaine in the past year. Cocaine use is particularly high amongst younger adults aged between 16-24, and the signs of cocaine abuse are often subtle in young people.
Cocaine use can result in several mental and physical health effects. Again, this can vary from person to person but can include breathing issues, cardiovascular problems, and neurological damage. As a stimulant, cocaine is known to cause heart strain which can put immense pressure on the organ leading to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Cocaine is also linked to mental health issues like depression, anxiety and psychosis. Long-term and prolonged use of the substance can also lead to poor mental health episodes known as substance-induced psychiatric disorders.
Cocaine abuse doesn’t just impact someone’s health but its harm extends to families, communities and our society as a whole. For this reason, it is important that we are able to spot cocaine use and get someone the help they need quickly and efficiently.
Physical Signs of Cocaine Abuse
Drugs can affect people in different ways and largely depend on the substance consumed, how much was taken, how it was ingested, their individual makeup and their current health state. Some of the most common signs of cocaine abuse include dilated pupils. However, there are also subtler signs such as nosebleeds, unexplained weight loss, changes in sleep patterns, and frequent sniffing and rubbing of the nose. All of these signs may indicate a cocaine issue and should not be ignored – see some more physical signs of cocaine use here.
There is also something called functioning addiction which is where someone is able to maintain their responsibilities such as a career while suffering from addiction. On the face of it, these individuals may look fine but deep down they are experiencing huge challenges. This can make identifying cocaine abuse and seeking the right treatment very hard.
Behavioural Signs of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine use and abuse don’t just impact someone physically, it can also alter their behaviour and mood. Cocaine is associated with confidence so if someone suddenly appears more confident or has episodes of increased confidence, this could be a sign. Other less obvious signs include lying, increased secrecy, unexplained financial issues and a change in friendship groups.
Those suffering from drug addiction can often become more isolated and may even get defensive when questioned, two reasons which again can make it difficult to approach them and get the right support and treatment.
Psychological Signs of Cocaine Abuse
It’s not uncommon for cocaine addiction to manifest in various psychological ways. This includes mood swings, and mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, paranoia and even irritability. As well as this, cocaine can lead to periods of unusual confidence and energy followed by fatigue. One of the less obvious signs of cocaine addiction is a change in behaviour or personality.
While this doesn’t mean that someone is definitely suffering from addiction, it might imply that something else is on their mind.
What To Do If You Notice These Signs
If you recognise any of the above cocaine abuse symptoms and believe that someone you care about is struggling with addiction, then it’s important that you act. Be sure to approach the situation in a calm and understanding way and make it known that you want to help. Don’t judge them or criticise their behaviour. Instead, highlight that you are worried for them and their wellbeing. Open communication and trust are key here and can be the difference between them seeking professional help and not.
Cocaine abuse is very challenging but there are cocaine treatment such as ours and support services out there to help individuals get back on the right track. This includes counselling and support groups in the community to residential rehab programmes that are tailored to individual needs. By outlining the different treatment options available to your loved one, and explaining what life could look like without cocaine abuse, you are more likely to be encouraging them to make a change for the better.
What’s more, there are plenty of resources online and via local community groups that can help you initiate these often difficult conversations and provide friends and family members with the support they need when helping someone going through addiction.
How We Can Help
Understanding and being able to identify the symptoms of cocaine abuse is essential for early intervention and long-term recovery. By recognising the physical and mental side effects of cocaine abuse as well as the early indicators of drug addiction, you can be in a better position to help your loved ones towards recovery.
Cocaine addiction can be a very challenging and lonely road but it is treatable and with the right help, you and your loved one can overcome any hurdles and reclaim your lives. So if you or someone you know is currently suffering from a cocaine addiction, get in touch with our friendly team today.
