Cocaine Addiction Signs & Symptoms

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Signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction will vary between different people and be dependent on how long they have been misusing.

Common cocaine addiction signs may include, someone:

taking cocaine even when they have said they’re not going to or are trying to cut down or stop using it
being dishonest about using cocaine, how much or how often they use
continuing to take cocaine in spite of it causing harm and negative effects, for example, to themselves, their relationships or their finances
taking cocaine alone or seeking out people to spend time with primarily because they know they will agree to take it with them
going to extremes to get hold of cocaine such as lying or stealing
losing interest in other things that don’t involve cocaine use
using cocaine at all times of the day and outside of social situations
suffering withdrawal symptoms
displaying signs of anxiety or depression.

Struggling with cocaine addiction? Talk to us today

Signs of cocaine addiction

Someone who has been dependent on cocaine for a long time or who has taken a large amount of cocaine may show other signs of addiction too. The drug has a number of short and long term effects on the body and health.

These may include...

Damage to the nose’s septum (the cartilage that separates the nostrils). This can be completely destroyed by too much cocaine use.
In pregnancy, cocaine use can lead to premature labour, low birth weight, cause other damage to the baby or even miscarriage (this can be the case whether the users is addicted or not).
Breathing problems and pains in the chest may arise from repeated smoking of crack cocaine.
Some people inject cocaine and this can cause damaged veins, ulcers or gangrene (where body tissue dies due to lack of blood circulation).
Mental health may be very poor showing as depression, anxiety or paranoia.
Financial difficulties.
Isolation from family and friends
Continuing to use even if cocaine use has caused a serious problem such as the loss of a driving licence or job
Use of crack cocaine may indicate higher chances of dependence. Crack cocaine, which is usually smoked, is likely to be even more addictive. It is often cheaper than powder forms of cocaine.

Signs of cocaine use

While cocaine is highly addictive, not everyone who uses it will be addicted.

Signs of cocaine abuse or use, but not necessarily addiction, may include:

an excitable and hyperactive or particularly anxious and panicky demeanour
white powder around the nose
disappearing regularly to a private place (such as the bathroom)
loss of weight (due to the appetite suppressing quality cocaine can have)
paranoia or over confidence
being super chatty, agitated or restless
heightened sex drive
reduced awareness of consequences

If you’re worried about your own cocaine use or that of someone else or need help to stop, we’re here for you. We provide treatment and rehab for cocaine users, find out more about our residential rehab today, the UK’s only purpose-built clinic.