Cocaine addiction is a severe problem in the United States and many other countries worldwide. As with any other addiction, cocaine has physical and psychological symptoms that can be difficult to recognize. At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we provide people with cocaine addiction treatment that fits their specific needs. To better understand cocaine addiction, it’s important to be familiar with its symptoms. Knowing what to look for can help you or a loved one get the treatment needed to overcome this debilitating condition. To learn more about cocaine addiction and treatment options, contact us at 844.962.2775.
Cocaine Addiction Symptoms
Cocaine addiction symptoms can be physical, psychological, or both. Common symptoms can include the following.
1. Changes in Appetite and Weight Loss
One of the most common cocaine addiction symptoms is an altered appetite and subsequent weight loss due to nutrition neglect. Cocaine users often forget to eat properly or even at all, resulting in a decrease in their body’s natural energy sources, which leads to drastic weight loss. This symptom is often accompanied by exhaustion, weakened immune systems, and chronic fatigue.
2. Increased Paranoia
Cocaine users may also experience increased paranoia due to long-term use of the drug. This could manifest as an irrational fear of being watched or followed or feeling like someone is out to get them. While these feelings are not always linked directly with cocaine use, they can become more severe if left unchecked, leading to further mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders.
3. Insomnia and Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Another common cocaine addiction symptom is insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns due to changes in brain chemistry following prolonged cocaine use. Many people will stay awake for days without feeling tired, only for their bodies eventually crash from exhaustion when they finally get some rest. This can result in a vicious cycle of sleep disruption that can have long-term effects on your mental and physical health if left untreated.
4. Anxiety and Nervousness
Prolonged use of cocaine has been linked with higher levels of anxiety and nervousness than normal among those who suffer from it, especially during times when they are not using the drug. This can cause them to become easily agitated and make it harder for them to control their emotions leading to further problems if not addressed appropriately.
5. Aggression and Irritability
Alongside anxiety and nervousness, many users report feeling increased levels of aggression when under the influence of cocaine and when going through withdrawal periods following extended periods without using the drug. These feelings can lead them to make rash decisions that could potentially cause harm both physically and mentally.
6 . Poor Decision Making
Lastly, another prominent symptom associated with cocaine addiction is poor decision-making. This can range from something small like choosing unhealthy foods over healthy options all the way up to more drastic decisions such as risking relationships or engaging in criminal activities to get access to more drugs.
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction has devastating, long-term effects on the body and mind. When consumed, the drug creates intense pleasure in certain brain pathways, prompting users to become quickly addicted to the sensation. Over time, however, their brains become accustomed to the high doses of dopamine created by cocaine, which then reduces its effectiveness. This leads to people taking higher doses more often to achieve that same euphoric feeling they once enjoyed at lower doses.
Besides the increased risk of overdose with heightened dosing, regular cocaine use can lead to the following:
- Cardiovascular issues such as heart attack and stroke
- Respiratory problems like chronic bronchitis
- Permanent damage to the brain and nervous system
- Seizures, coma, or death
- Insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems
The emotional toll is immense as those who suffer from long-term addiction experience a significant amount of guilt and shame due to their behavior while under its influence. It can struggle to form interpersonal relationships with others. Fortunately, there are many addiction treatment programs available for those struggling with cocaine abuse so that they can regain control of their lives and heal from this serious addiction before it’s too late.
Learn More About the Behavioral and Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction at Spokane Falls Recovery Center
It’s essential for anyone suffering from substance use issues such as cocaine addiction to understand these six common symptoms so that they can take action early on before things spiral out of control. If you believe you or a loved one may have developed an addiction issue related to cocaine use, please seek professional help immediately. Doing so could potentially save a life. With proper treatment and guidance, it is possible for anyone suffering from substance use issues like those related to cocaine addiction to recover fully and lead satisfying lives free from drugs or alcohol altogether.
At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we understand the physical and behavioral cocaine addiction symptoms and have a comprehensive treatment program to get you back on track. We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment services to help you break free of your cocaine addiction. Our clinicians are here to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to helping you on your journey to recovery. Contact us today at 844.962.2775 for more information on cocaine addiction symptoms and the treatments available at Spokane Falls Recovery Center.
