Cocaine Addiction Signs and Treatment
Cocaine is a fine, white powdery substance that is most commonly snorted but can also be injected. This drug affects the body and mind almost instantly. Cocaine is a stimulant that gives the user feelings of happiness, confidence, and energy.
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. Constant use of cocaine can limit the body’s ability to produce positive thoughts and feelings when not using the drug. Users will become dependent on cocaine in order to feel normal. The National Institute of Drug Abuse claims that over 1 million Americans may be addicted to cocaine. Cocaine dependence is dangerous to not only yourself but the relationships you have.
Recovering from cocaine is difficult, but it is possible. The most important step is recognizing that you or a loved one needs help. Once this is done, you open yourself up to a number of helpful resources.
If you know a loved one who may be using cocaine, Preferred Med Supply has at-home drug testing kits that can give you the answers you’re looking for. These tests will let you know if you need to find help for a loved one. The information found below can help you determine if someone you know may be using cocaine.
What Makes Cocaine Addictive?
When someone uses cocaine, their brain begins to build up lots of dopamine and will only release dopamine once the drug is used again. Cocaine quickly reaches your brain, swarming it will dopamine. This chemical makes you feel happy and pleasurable, resulting in an intense feeling of euphoria. This strong euphoric feeling is what causes someone to become dependent on the drug. Cocaine can become the most important thing in your life, even if only used once.
Symptoms of Cocaine Use
Telling if someone is currently using cocaine can be difficult. The signs are not as apparent as on other drugs. The most common signs to look out for include:
- Paranoia
- Isolation
- Changes in personality
- Paranoia, irritability, and anxiety
- Financial difficulties due to cocaine
- Persistent nosebleeds
- Bursts of energy
- Loss of appetite
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in a loved one, they may have developed a cocaine dependency. Consider one of our drug testing kits to know if someone is or has been using cocaine.
Some long-term side-effects you may notice include:
- High blood pressure, stroke, death
- Heart attack
- Deterioration of nose tissue
- Tooth decay
- Liver, kidney, and lung problems
- Depression
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Overcoming cocaine addiction may be difficult, but it can be done. Users that have overcome cocaine addiction have done so with the help of rehab, family therapy, support groups, behavioral therapy, and dual diagnosis.
The best way to treat cocaine addiction is to recognize the signs early. Doing so will prevent the addiction from becoming something even worse. If you know someone that is possibly using cocaine, visit our shop page today and get an at-home drug testing kit. These kits will give you the answers you need to ensure that someone you love doesn’t go down the wrong path.