Signs of Cocaine Usage & Addiction

Cocaine is one of the most commonly abused and deadly drugs in the United States. In 2022, 5.3 million Americans over the age of 12 used cocaine, and more than 24,000 Americans died in 2021 from cocaine-related overdose.

To prevent yourself or someone you love from becoming another statistic, it is critical to recognize the signs of cocaine usage and addiction.

Read more to discover what cocaine is, the symptoms of cocaine addiction, and how to find help for a cocaine use disorder.

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What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is an illegal drug derived from the leaves of South American coca plant leaves. Drug dealers often cut the drug, for more profit, with talc powders, cornstarch, and even other drugs such as opiates and other stimulants. Cocaine produces its “euphoric high” by blocking dopamine from being recycled and creating an influx of this “feel good” neurotransmitter.

Cocaine is typically found in two forms:

• A powdered form that is typically snorted but can also be injected
• A rock form, known as “crack,” which is mixed with baking powder and other substances to create smokable “rocks”

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that provides users with a rush of energy and focus. It also provides feelings of euphoria and confidence. However, these feelings are short-lived, generally no more than 30 minutes. This motivates users to use the drug many times in short succession, dramatically increasing its addictive potential.

Signs Someone May Be Using Cocaine

Cocaine users may be talkative, excitable, impulsive, seemingly invincible, sleep-deprived, and have low appetites. Contrarily, during the comedown from cocaine, users may sleep more and binge eat, making up for the meals and sleep they may have missed.

Here are some other signs of cocaine usage:

• White powder around the nose/mouth
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Nosebleeds
• Injection sites (track marks)
• Blisters or burn marks on hands and lips
• Drug paraphernalia (syringes, crack pipes, razor blades, spoons, baggies, white residue on items)
• Glossy eyes
• Dark circles under eyes
• Changes in sleeping/eating patterns
• Financial troubles
• Weight loss
• Isolation
• Mood swings
• Lack of concentration or motivation
• Increased impulsivity
• Clenched jaw
• Sexual promiscuity
• Fidgety
• Dilated pupils
• Tremors
• Increased heart rate
• Paranoia
• Depression
• Frivolous spending
• Boost in confidence
• Changes in social circle
• Frequently “going to the bathroom” to do more cocaine
• Neglecting personal, professional, financial, legal, or other obligations
• No longer participating in previously enjoyed activities

Signs of a Cocaine Overdose

A cocaine overdose occurs when someone consumes a potentially fatal amount of cocaine.

Cocaine overdoses can kill very quickly, which is why it’s so important to be able to recognize the signs of one. Here are the common symptoms of a cocaine overdose:

• Severe chest pain or discomfort
• High blood pressure or hypertension
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures
• Hyperthermia (high body temperature)
• Excessive sweating
• Confusion
• Respiratory distress, including shallow breathing, rapid breathing, or respiratory failure
• Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress
• Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
• Inability to be woken up
• Stroke symptoms, including sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), trouble speaking, or severe headache

If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing a cocaine overdose, call 911 immediately and stay with the person until emergency services arrive.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction, or cocaine use disorder, is a diagnosable disease. If a patient has met at least two of the following criteria in the last 12 months, a medical or mental health professional can diagnose them with a cocaine addiction:

• Using more cocaine for longer amounts of time than originally intended
• Failed attempts to cut down or quit cocaine
• Cravings for cocaine
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from cocaine
• Dropping the ball at school, work, or home because of cocaine use
• Continuing to use cocaine despite issues it’s causing in relationships
• Not engaging in hobbies or social activities as much because of cocaine use
• Repeatedly using cocaine in unsafe environments and situations
• Continuing to use cocaine despite its dangerous effects on the body and mind
• Building a tolerance to cocaine
• Experiencing withdrawal when reducing or stopping cocaine use

Short- and Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use

Using cocaine for prolonged periods of time has many short- and long-term negative effects.

In the short term, cocaine can cause many health risks, including:

• Heightened heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Increased body temperature
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Overdose
• Death

Short-term cocaine use can also cause many negative mental health effects, such as:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Paranoia

Long-term cocaine use causes severe medical health problems, including:

• Chronic cardiovascular issues
• Greatly increased likelihood of heart attack and stroke
• Damage to the blood vessels and heart
• Respiratory problems
• Damage to the respiratory tract and tissues
• Chronic coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Lung damage
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Abdominal pain
• Reduced blood flow to the intestines

Long-term cocaine use also causes severe damage to mental health, including:

• An increased risk of anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Decreased impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making

How to Address Someone Who May Be Using Cocaine

If you recognize the signs of cocaine usage in a loved one, the first thing you should do is research cocaine addiction and treatment options.

The next step is to choose a calm and private setting to have the conversation. When you have the conversation, it is important that you always remain non-judgmental and supportive. Use “I” statements to express what you have observed and what you feel. Emphasize your desire to understand and willingness to listen.

You may consider hiring a professional interventionist or enlist the help of a therapist to help with these initial conversations.

The most important thing to do is encourage them to seek professional help. Inpatient or residential rehab, where the patient lives at a treatment center, provides the greatest chance of achieving lasting sobriety. However, there are numerous other options, including outpatient rehab, individual and group counseling, and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Make sure your loved one is aware that there are cocaine addiction treatment options at all price points, including free. Additionally, if they have insurance, their plan should provide coverage for addiction services.

Get Help for Your Loved One Today

If you recognize the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction in yourself or your loved one, then it is time to seek help.

Here at Legacy Healing Center, we’re dedicated to helping people overcome cocaine addiction so they can live long, meaningful lives.

Cocaine addiction affects the mind, body, and spirit, and the only way to fully heal it is to use a holistic treatment method. That’s why we use a three-pronged treatment approach that combines the right psychotropic medications, cutting-edge clinical therapy, and peer support from those who know what you’re going through.

Call 888-534-2295 to speak with a member of our treatment staff about how we can help you or your loved one overcome cocaine addiction.

Signs of Cocaine Usage FAQs

What are the signs of cocaine usage?

Some of the most common signs of cocaine usage include:

• Physical signs, including dilated pupils, nosebleeds, frequent sniffing, rapid weight loss, track marks, and changes in sleep patterns
• Behavioral signs, including unexplained financial issues, frequent unexplained disappearances, decreased performance at work or school, changes in social circle, and engaging in secretive behavior
• Psychological signs, including heightened energy and talkativeness, irritability, aggression, paranoia, anxiety, mood swings, delusions, and an inflated sense of self-importance
• Drug paraphernalia, including small plastic bags, vials, straws, rolled-up bills, small mirrors, burnt spoons or aluminum foil, and needles or syringes

What are the symptoms of cocaine addiction?

Some of the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction include:

• Increased tolerance
• Failed attempts to quit
• Intense cravings
• Spending significant amounts of time using, obtaining, or recovering from cocaine
• Neglect of responsibilities
• Social isolation
• Continued use despite suffering negative consequences
• Engaging in risky behavior while using cocaine
• Financial problems
• Physical and psychological health issues
• Legal problems

How does cocaine abuse affect the body?

Cocaine misuse causes numerous effects on the body. It affects the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate, elevating blood pressure, causing palpitations, and heightening the risk of heart attack and stroke. It also affects the respiratory system, causing shortness of breath, lung damage, and nasal damage. Cocaine can also affect the brain, causing anxiety, paranoia, and cognitive impairments.