Cocaine Warning Signs

Posted by Tony Bylsma on June 17, 2010 under How to Help a Drug Addict | 7 Comments to Read

This is another in a series of articles outlining the symptoms and signs of abuse of and addiction to various dangerous drugs, both legal and illegal.

First, a little about cocaine:

Cocaine abuse and cocaine addiction is not a new problem in most of the world. Cocaine was first used recreationally in the 1860s and quickly spread world-wide. Various preparations of cocaine were added to cigarettes, nasal sprays, ointments and other preparations including “tonics”. The negative effects of coke use were very soon recognized and by 1914, laws were passed in the US outlawing its use without a prescription as a dangerous and addictive substance.

Now a major problem, the true effects and risks of cocaine use are poorly understood by those who take it. It is even considered by addicts to be relatively safe, as addictive drugs go. But according to the US Center for Disease Control, (CDC), poisoning deaths from cocaine more than double those from heroin and for three of the most recently years, deaths from cocaine poisoning actually tripled the overdose deaths of heroin in the United States.

Cocaine Use – Physical Signs and Symptoms

People under the influence of cocaine appear restless, fidgety, highly talkative and seem to have increased energy levels. They experience euphoria, anxiety, feelings of superiority or increased alertness and hyperactivity.

Physical signs include increased body temperature, running nose and watery eyes. Decreased appetite, dilated pupils and trouble sleeping are also possible indications. Nose-bleeds can be another sign of sniffing cocaine.

After-effects of cocaine use may be lethargy, intense sleepiness, hallucinations and often depression.

Behavioral and Emotional Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Use

The first sign of illicit drug use will be changes in attitudes. These changes may be very subtle or quite marked, but will usually be sudden.

When a normally calm person changes to an anxiety ridden, constantly moving and talkative “flibbertigibbet”, it could be a sign of cocaine use. But if those changes or also mixed intermittently with depression and sleepiness and lethargy the likelihood is increased.

Cocaine abusers are usually combative and quick to anger; they take offense easily when addiction has set in. These changes become more pronounced and more constant with longer use.

Cocaine Paraphernalia:

Pocket mirrors, small plastic tubes or dollar bills which have obviously been rolled into tubes. Razor blades being carried for no apparent reason is a bad sign. Sometimes the razor will even be worn on a necklace like a pendant. This is not a ‘fashion statement’, it is symptom of drug abuse.

One of cocaine’s most dangerous qualities is that it is extremely addictive. If you see these symptoms and discover cocaine use in a friend or family member, the clock is ticking. Ignoring the warning signs for a week or a month only increases the chances that the person will become dependent. Getting help, the sooner the better, provides the best chance of beating the problem of cocaine addiction before it claims another victim.

For help overcoming cocaine addiction.

Tony Bylsma

Detox Rehab Blog