Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that can have harmful effects on the body. Identifying the signs of cocaine use is crucial to get help for yourself or a loved one.
Let’s take a second to discuss the signs of cocaine use and its symptoms. If you are worried someone you know is abusing cocaine, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help!
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a commonly abused powerful stimulant drug that is manufactured from coca plant leaves. It is typically white in powder form but can also be made into a rock crystal (crack cocaine) that is then smoked.
It is often called a “party drug” because it can make people feel energetic and euphoric. On the other hand, it can also make people feel anxious, paranoid, and irritable.
Cocaine is very addictive, and even short-term use can increase risk factors leading to long-term effects on the brain and other organs.
Cocaine Addiction Statistics
Since addiction can happen after just one use, cocaine is considered highly addictive.
According to studies from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 1.5 million people in the United States are addicted to cocaine. Cocaine use has severe consequences and can lead to heart attack, stroke, seizure, and death. Between July 2019 and May 2020, the cocaine-attributed death rate increased by 26.5 percent.
What Are the Common Cocaine Use Signs?
If you are worried that someone you know is abusing cocaine, there are some behavioral and physical symptoms to look out for:
- White powder around their nose or on their clothing
- Paraphernalia, such as razor blades, mirrors, or small plastic bags
- Increased energy and talkativeness
- Agitation and irritability
- Nosebleeds
- Runny nose or sniffling
- Dilated pupils
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
Signs of Cocaine Overdose
Cocaine overdose is a medical emergency. If you think someone has overdosed on cocaine, contact 911 immediately. Signs of cocaine overdose include:
- Chest pain or heart attacks
- Seizures
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Agitation or paranoid delusions
- Hallucinations
- Death
Withdrawal Symptoms of Cocaine Use
If someone you know is addicted to cocaine, they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using the drug. Withdrawal symptoms of cocaine use can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Intense cravings for cocaine
- Sleep problems
How to Treat Cocaine Addiction
Thankfully treatment options are available for those of you addicted to cocaine. Typically, treatment includes both medication and counseling, and medications can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
While counseling can help people to address the underlying causes of their addiction and to develop healthy coping skills.
In addition, education programs can help with understanding cocaine use and its risks.
Cocaine addiction is a serious problem with potentially devastating consequences. If you think someone you know is using cocaine, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Pathways Recovery offers addiction treatment in Northern California for cocaine use disorders.
How to Find Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Sacramento
When looking for cocaine abuse treatment, Sacramento offers many resources for treatment and recovery. Here are a few options:
Primary Care Physician
A primary care physician can provide a comprehensive physical exam and order laboratory tests to help diagnose cocaine addiction.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient treatment programs offer individual, group, and family counseling as well as medication-assisted treatment.
Inpatient Treatment Programs
Inpatient treatment programs provide 24-hour medical care and supervision. Typically, these programs last for 28-30 days but can be longer or shorter depending on the needs of the individual.
Recovery Support Services
Recovery support services such as 12-step programs (NA or AA), sober living homes, and peer support groups can help people in recovery stay on track.
Pathways Recovery Provides Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Sacramento
If you spot the signs of cocaine abuse in a loved one, reach out to us. Pathways Recovery is a leading provider of cocaine addiction treatment in Sacramento.
We offer a comprehensive approach to treatment that includes individual, group, and family counseling and medication-assisted treatment.
Our holistic programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual.
We also offer recovery support services such as an alumni program and male and female-centered support groups. For more information about the cocaine addiction treatment program at our Sacramento drug rehab, contact us today!
