What Are The Symptoms Of Cocaine Addiction?

Cocaine is a tropane alkaloid and stimulant drug that derives from the leaves of two coca species that are native to South America. Cocaine usage has tragically changed the course of many lives. The pandemonium that has occurred over the past two years with COVID-19 has only exacerbated the crisis that is cocaine addiction.

Throughout the US, the number of users who have succumbed to their addictions is rising. As a result, more and more people will need detox and treatment for their cocaine addiction. At Southeast Addiction, our staff strives to learn the many aspects of addiction based on the experiences we have with our patients. Today, we’d like to discuss the symptoms of cocaine addiction and how our team can help you overcome them.

What Is Cocaine?

As previously stated, cocaine is a tropane alkaloid and stimulant drug that comes from the leaves of two coca species that are indigenous to South America. People use it as a recreational drug and euphoriant, which will work to cause a variety of effects in the brain. Users will typically snort it nasally or inject it. When taking a dangerous substance like cocaine, incurring risk is imminent, but if you can come to terms with your cocaine addiction before it manifests, this is usually the first step for embarking on the road of recovery (more on this, later).

Dangers Of Cocaine Use

Habitual cocaine use will come with inherent risks. Like with other harmful substances, it’s very easy for people to become physically dependent on the substance. Users will often do coke in binges. When this happens, users will report feelings of increased irritability, panic attacks, restlessness, paranoia, and in some cases, full-blown psychosis. Additionally, specific routes of cocaine consumption can result in its own set of adverse effects. This can include the following.

• Loss of sense of smell
• Nosebleeds
• Problems with swallowing
• Hoarseness in the voice
• Irritation of the nasal septum, which leads to an inflamed, runny nose
• Can damage the lungs and exacerbate Asthma symptoms
• Reduced blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract 
• Weight loss
• Malnourishment

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Cocaine Use?

Cocaine has been a constant trigger for turmoil. Lots of people will develop addiction unknowingly, and the problem will continue to augment until other’s in that person’s life force them to acknowledge the erratic behavior. Just like all other drugs, there are warning signs that appear from repeated cocaine use, you just need to know how to spot them. The signs and symptoms can easily embody the signs and symptoms of other substances-often presenting themselves as emotional, psychological, or behavioral in nature. 

We are understanding of the parallels of many of these symptoms, but the fact of the matter is, one of the easiest ways that professionals decipher cocaine use is through behavioral changes. What are some telltale signs of behavioral changes? One of the first things you’ll notice from a behavioral standpoint is the persistent need for access to cocaine. Items like razor blades, spoons, and plastic bags are what individuals will use to administer the delivery of the drug into their bodies.

While treatment professionals pay close attention to the physical characteristics, rest assured, the effects on the body and mind are not overlooked. The high feeling from cocaine will last for a short amount of time. The impact on the body and mind can lead to negative effects due to the excessive amount of dopamine that has entered the brain. As you’re probably aware, dopamine serves a multitude of functions, but it’s commonly known as the “pleasure chemical.” This is our brain’s way of reinforcing activities that it believes are in our best interest.

Negative addictions will rear their ugly faces in our lives, from when dopamine is exploited. It’s very unnatural for the brain to be flooded with too much dopamine. Long term use can increase the likelihood of suffering from comorbid mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, due to the disruption of this balance. This behemoth of an addiction can strip away much of the joy you’ve acquired in your life. Addiction is a terrible disease, and it leaves no room for stability.

Some other mental symptoms that can persist from cocaine usage include the following:

• Lethargy and Fatigue
• Inability to feel pleasure or happiness (also known as anhedonia)
• Lack of concentration and slowed cognitive perception
• Irritability

Based on the above-mentioned information, it’s easy to see how chaotic cocaine addiction can be, both physically and mentally. The presentation of many of these symptoms will be a good indicator that your loved one is fighting a battle with a substance use disorder. Thankfully, for many people who  are resistant to seeking care, detox and treatment provide a safe space for anyone that needs to get off cocaine and participate in recovery.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment In Georgia

If you or a loved one needs help for addiction and co-occurring disorders, please contact our team at Southeast Addictions. We provide the latest and greatest in detox service for cocaine in Georgia and the surrounding areas. Our team of compassionate and highly trained individuals have dedicated their lives to helping others beat their addictions for good. Recovery is within reach and there are always possibilities for miracles. Take the next step and contact us today to get started!