Many people reach for coffee or energy drinks when they need a pick-me-up. Others desire a more intense stimulant, and they may go to cocaine. If you think someone you care about may have switched from caffeine to cocaine to help them get through their day, you need to learn the signs of cocaine abuse, so you will know if they need the help of a cocaine detox program.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand that the overwhelming obligations of modern life can be exhausting and challenging to keep up with. If someone you love is exhibiting symptoms of cocaine addiction, give us a call at 866.516.8356 for immediate guidance.
What Are the Most Common Cocaine Abuse Symptoms?
This stimulating drug is highly addictive and expensive, quickly taking over a person’s life and leading to further problems. If you can recognize the following symptoms of cocaine abuse early on, you may help prevent the downward spiral of cocaine addiction:
- Remnants of white powder under or around the nostrils – After someone snorts cocaine, they may not realize they still have bits of powder left behind.
- Chronic sniffling or runny nose – The snorting of cocaine irritates the nasal lining, leading to nasal symptoms similar to a cold.
- Pupil dilation – Using cocaine can make the pupils large and dilated, making it an easy sign to spot.
- Excitability – Since cocaine is a powerful stimulant, it makes a person feel energized and overconfident. They may also become very talkative and argumentative.
- Mood swings – The cycle of getting high then crashing can lead to drastic mood fluctuations. A person may go from depression to irritability to paranoia.
- Chronic absence or lateness at work – Cocaine abuse can keep a person up at all hours, and they may not be able to get up in the morning to go to work and other obligations.
- Financial problems – Cocaine is an expensive drug, and when a person gets hooked on this potent stimulant, they may be willing to take financial risks to obtain more of it. They may stop paying their bills on time or steal from family members to pay for their pricey habit.
Awareness of the above signs of cocaine abuse can enable you to support a loved one struggling with addiction and encourage them to get help. It can be tough to break free from the grip of cocaine addiction, but with the assistance of a cocaine detox program, your loved one can heal.
What to Do Once You Notice the Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Here are some steps to take when you recognize the signs of cocaine addiction in a loved one:
- Calmly speak to the person and let them know that you are concerned about them.
- Encourage the person to get treatment at a cocaine detox center. If they are willing, you can offer to make the appointment and drive them to the center.
- If the person gets defensive and is resistant to treatment, you may want to speak to an addiction counselor about staging an intervention.
Unfortunately, you cannot force treatment on a loved one who shows symptoms of cocaine abuse. Try to remain supportive in case they come around later and are willing to accept help. In the meantime, you may benefit from individual therapy and boundary setting to protect your own health and well-being.
Why Should You Encourage Your Loved One to Seek Treatment?
If you notice cocaine abuse symptoms in someone you care about, you must try to get them help. Without treatment, cocaine abuse can lead to worsening symptoms, including:
- Insomnia
- Violent outbursts
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Death
The earlier you or your loved one address their cocaine abuse, the better chance a person has to recover before experiencing severe side effects.
End Addiction at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
The evidence-based cocaine detox program at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston can support your loved one through cocaine withdrawal with medication, therapy, and support throughout treatment. When your loved one is ready to get a new lease on life and leave cocaine addiction behind, give us a call at 866.516.8356.
