According to the 2021-2022 National Survey on Drug Use, more than 241,000 Floridians reported using an illicit substance within a month of being surveyed. Many of these people showed unique signs that they had been consuming an illegal substance. If one of your loved ones was taking an illegal substance, would you be able to identify the signs?
If you want to help your loved one who’s living with a substance use disorder (SUD), you have to know what to look for.
At Real Recovery Solutions, we know loved ones are often the first people to notice changes caused by SUD. However, people living with SUD will often hide symptoms from their friends and family. This is why we’re talking about the signs of cocaine addiction today.
Understanding What Cocaine Is and How to Identify It
If you’re concerned that your loved one is taking cocaine, you want to get as much information about the substance as you can. That’s why it’s important to understand exactly what it is. Cocaine is an illicit stimulant made from the coca plant. Cocaine alkaloids are extracted from the plant using kerosene, an accelerant typically used as fuel. Those alkaloids are then combined with multiple acids in a laboratory to make cocaine.
When you think of cocaine, your first visual is usually of a white powder that can be snorted. Cocaine is commonly sold in this form. The powder is often “cut” or mixed with other additives to increase profit margins. Cutting agents include baking soda, caffeine, and talcum powder. Cocaine can also be melted down and injected into the bloodstream.
In some cases, cocaine is laced with other substances that have further psychoactive effects. This includes substances like fentanyl and even local anesthetics, which mimic the effects of pure cocaine.
Cocaine is also sold in a white or off-white crystal form known as crack cocaine. Crack cocaine is heated up, and the vapors are smoked. Smoking crack cocaine has a more rapid effect than snorting powder cocaine does.
If you believe you’ve found cocaine and that someone you love is taking it, don’t panic. With the right support and treatment, your loved one can heal.
Identifying Paraphernalia Associated With Cocaine Use
If you aren’t sure whether or not what you’ve found is cocaine, another thing to look for is paraphernalia, or tools people use to take cocaine.
Common paraphernalia associated with cocaine use include:
- Snorting tools like straws, rolled-up dollar bills, or hollowed-out pens
- Small, smooth surfaces, like a hand-held mirror to snort cocaine off of
- Razors used to make uniform lines of cocaine
- Small plastic baggies and balloons for carrying cocaine
- Bulky or hollow jewelry, which is sometimes used to conceal cocaine
- Small “snuff” spoons used to snort cocaine
- A long glass pipe with a round bulb at one end
- Tinfoil to smoke crack cocaine with
- Bottle caps, which are used to mix cocaine with water so it can be injected
- Needles and syringes for injecting cocaine intravenously
- Rubber tourniquets or belts, which are used to make veins more straightforward to identify
Someone living with cocaine use disorder will not necessarily have all of these items. Your loved one likely has a preferred method for consuming cocaine. For example, if they usually snort cocaine, they aren’t likely to have tools that would be used to smoke it. A collection of these tools found together is a strong indicator that someone in your life is taking cocaine.
Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Use
Most people who use cocaine do so for the effect it has on the central nervous system. When someone has cocaine in their system, they feel an intense boost in energy, making them feel very awake. This is often associated with an intense feeling of confidence and joy. These effects are usually short-lived and usually lead to a comedown. During the comedown, a person will feel tired and depressed while their body readjusts to its normal energy levels. The comedown leaves people wanting more cocaine, which is what leads to the vicious cycle of cocaine use disorder.
Let’s go into more detail about some of the signs that someone is living with cocaine use disorder.
The Physical Signs of Cocaine Use
If someone in your life is regularly using cocaine, you’ll likely notice some physical changes occurring in them.
Common physical symptoms of cocaine use include:
- Nosebleeds
- Runny nose
- Sniffling that doesn’t have an obvious cause
- Dilated (large) pupils
- Increased body temperature
- Intense sweating
- Racing heartbeat
- Tremors or shaky hands
- Headaches
- Trouble swallowing
- Changes in hygiene
- Sudden weight loss
- Burn marks on fingers and lips
- Needle marks on the arms or other parts of the body
Every person is unique, so they won’t necessarily experience all of these symptoms. They could also differ depending on the method they use to take cocaine.
The Psychological Signs of Cocaine Use
When someone participates in substance use, it’s common for them to experience psychological side effects. Cocaine, specifically, releases high amounts of endorphins, which get stuck between the synapses in the brain. This means there are much higher levels of endorphins in the brain than normal. The high levels of endorphins create the sense of elation associated with cocaine, but it can also have other psychological effects.
Common psychological signs of cocaine use include:
- Drastic changes in energy levels
- New or worsening emotional instability
- Depression
- Anxiety or intense nervousness
- Paranoia
- Sudden irritability
- Aggression or violent outbursts
- Difficulty focusing, thinking, or making decisions
In some cases, cocaine use can lead to psychosis, causing a person to lose touch with reality. This can result in delusions and hallucinations. If you’re with someone who’s experiencing psychosis, it’s important to prioritize your safety and remain as calm as possible. Get medical attention for your loved one immediately.
The Social Signs of Cocaine Use
A person who has started taking cocaine is also likely to go through changes in their social life as well. Social changes might include hanging out with a new crowd or withdrawing from their normal friend group.
Common social signs of cocaine use are:
- New relationship problems
- Problems with people at work or school
- Lack of interest in gatherings they used to enjoy
- Neglecting or abusing the people in their lives
- Being extremely talkative at seemingly random times
- Lying to the people in their life about where they are and what they’re doing
- Stealing money from loved ones or frequently asking for money
The social changes that occur with cocaine use disorder don’t just hurt the person who’s been consuming cocaine. It also hurts the people who love them. If you notice these changes in your loved one, they’re not your fault.
How to Help Someone With a Cocaine Use Disorder
If someone in your life is living with cocaine use disorder, it’s natural to want to help them. We suggest starting a simple conversation. Let them know that you’ve been doing research and that you’ve noticed some concerning warning signs. Make sure they know that you’re not looking to punish them. Assure your loved one that you just want to help them.
Take time to listen to what they have to say. Give them time to talk and save your questions for the end. Explain to them that you’re concerned about their health and the long-term impact that cocaine could have on them. Discuss the benefits of treatment. Remind them that a good therapist will help them get to the root of their cocaine use disorder. The right therapist will also empower them to identify negative thought patterns and find better coping strategies.
Treatment for Cocaine Addiction in Tampa, Florida
It’s frightening to suddenly realize that you see the signs of cocaine use disorder in your loved one. But it’s important not to lose hope. Now that you recognize what they’re going through, you can empower them to find the care they need. Cocaine addiction rehab is the right next step. With the help of a recovery community and personalized treatment plans, your loved one will discover the joy of a life free from SUD.
At Real Recovery, your loved one will have the support they need from their first day of inpatient treatment through a year of sober living. They will be part of the largest sober living network in Florida. This will provide them access to a strong, supportive group of alumni who’ve all been where they are. Call us at 813-373-6762 to learn more about how we can help today.
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