It’s a habit that isn’t easily broken. The symptoms are readily apparent. Cocaine addiction signs include many of the same effects as methamphetamines. Sudden and severe weight loss. Dilated pupils. Excessive sweating, quick pulse, persistent runny nose, and sniffling are a few readily visible indications. While most of these symptoms can come from other causes, the pupil changes, and severe weight loss generally do not. Sleep issues, a lack of or inability to sleep, is another issue that should trigger a call to addiction treatment service professionals.
One clear cocaine addiction sign is an inability to focus. Users find it a challenge to complete work assignments or even general work around the house. The frustration and general unease from these failures will lead to even more abuse of the drug. Here’s a clear series of yes and no questions from medical professionals that can give you a good indication if you or a loved one may have lost control.
1. Have you used cocaine to help you function better?
2. Have you seriously thought you might have a substance dependency issue?
3. Do you look forward to your next chance to use cocaine?
4. Have you been confronted about your use of cocaine?
5. Are you spending more time than before around people who also use cocaine?
6. Do you do things under the influence of cocaine that are not normal for you?
7. When you are out of cocaine, do you find yourself unusually anxious?
8. Have you missed work or school because of your drug use?
9. Are you sleeping less since you began using cocaine?
10. Are your finances worse since you began using cocaine?
Professional treatment counselors suggest three ‘yes’ answers to the above questions should provide a very early warning sign that your cocaine use has grown into an addiction.
The use of cocaine in the United States is steady or on a decline in most age groups. The exception to the rule is the rate of use that has nearly doubled in the Baby Boom generation in the past five years. The numbers are based on surveys of nearly 17,000 people between 2002 and 2007 conducted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Kicking a cocaine dependency can be very difficult. Even acknowledgment of the dependency by the user is a difficult task. Professional addiction treatment services, like inpatient hospital stays, and drug rehabilitation centers, are often needed to return to a normal, drug free life. Knowing the cocaine addiction signs is the best first step in helping loved ones or friends get on the road to recovery.
