Cocaine Addiction: The Classic Signs

According to the US Department of Health & Human Services, following marijuana, cocaine is the most popular and widely used illicit drug in the US, which warrants knowing the signs of cocaine addiction becoming a priority. Nearly 15% of people that are over 12 years of age have used this drug no less than one time during their life. While cocaine use was the drug of choice in the 1980's and then seemed to take a downward turn in popularity for a while, that is no longer the case as the numbers of cocaine users in rapidly increasing, especially in the form of "crack" cocaine use.

Cocaine is highly addictive. There is a cliché that follows the dark trail of cocaine; "one hit is too many and a thousand hits are not enough." That sums up how cocaine's grip can grab a hold of so many so quickly. Cocaine will take you to a dark and lonely place and it will peck and gnaw at you until you are so broken and it will make you feel like there is no hope. This is why it is so important for people to recognize the signs of cocaine addiction. Many times it is a friend or a loved one that will have to pick you up, dust you off and lead you to where there is help available.

If you or a loved one has fallen prey to this giant called cocaine then time is of the essence, you must summons the help of those who can help. If you suspect but are not quite sure then read the following classic signs of cocaine addiction:

Usually people that are addicted to cocaine will start to lose pride in their personal appearance, not quite caring what they look like as much as they once may have. Weight loss is common with cocaine use as a result of simply not eating. One telltale sign of cocaine addiction is a disturbed sleep pattern where the person will stay awake for endless periods followed by the "crash" where they sleep for hours upon hours.

There are many ways to ingest cocaine: some snort it, some smoke it and some will also use it intravenously. Another sign of cocaine addiction is when a person has the sniffles and a runny nose but no other signs of a cold and for periods that are more extensive than a normal cold.

Addicts never have enough of one things and that is money. If someone you know is constantly borrowing money, asking for money or there is missing money this is a sure sign of cocaine addiction especially if the excuses for the need of money seem to be compiling with no evidence of what the money was spent on.

These are the physical signs of cocaine addiction but there are psychological signs as well. Depression can signal many things but it is also a sign of cocaine addiction. Using cocaine can trigger depression but in some cases the cocaine use is used to mask the depression too. Most of the time when a person starts using drugs you will see a change in friends but not always. However, when there is a change in friends in conjunction with a change in activities or interests or a loss thereof that is an even more indicative sign of cocaine addiction.

It is common to notice that those who use cocaine are paranoid, often to the point of pure panic. Cocaine steals an addict's life and they will lose interest in most things because they are too caught up in the drug itself. Everything will take a back seat to cocaine. Families are broken, jobs are lost, relationships are severed, and finances go bankrupt because of cocaine. Until professional help is sought...cocaine will always triumph.

The individual experiences paranoia or panic attacks. Cocaine changes the brain's chemistry so this is not uncommon. These symptoms of paranoia might also bring about sweating and chest pains. A sign of cocaine addiction is when a person does everything fast as if they have unfailing energy. They may speak very quickly and seem to be filled with an almost manic energy.

If you suspect that loved one is struggling with a cocaine addiction please help them because they need treatment. Battling this is not easy and can not be done alone. We can help you or a loved one recover in a comfortable and controlled setting while teaching you and allowing you to experience the gift of sobriety and finally live a life that is worth living. Treat yourself kindly and call us today!

Genesis House Inc. is a leader in addiction treatment and have helped thousands of people recover from the devastating consequences of their addictions. Call 1-800-737-0933 or 561-439-4070 for immediate help and answers. More information is available on our web site http://www.genesishouse.net or please email us at info@genesishouse.net