According to the United Nations, more than 17 million people worldwide use cocaine. In the U.S. alone, there are at least 1.5 million users; are you one of them? Cocaine stimulates the brain in a powerful way by boosting levels of the chemical dopamine. In the short term, this has a euphoric effect, giving users lots of energy and an upbeat, happy mood—which is one of the main reasons why so many people with problems and mood disorders like stimulants such as cocaine.
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Unfortunately, as anyone who has taken cocaine can confirm, this upbeat mood and flood of dopamine don’t last. After these positive effects drain away, they leave users with serious side effects. This positive/negative high and low cycle is the reason that so many cocaine users are physically and mentally addicted to the drug.
Suspected cocaine addicts have often negatively affected their lives in many ways, and also the lives of those people who are closest to them. Typically as an addiction develops, things that used to be meaningful and important fall by the wayside. Treatment and cocaine detox are critical to anyone wondering, “am I a cocaine addict?” because asking the question usually means that you not only see and feel that something is wrong, but also you still know you want to live a normal life.
If you recognize several of these signs of cocaine addiction, taking a reliable cocaine addiction assessment is a smart move:
- You focus on using cocaine every day, a lot
- You have tried and failed to stop using cocaine
- You think about quitting cocaine a lot
- You spend lots of time getting high on cocaine or trying to find more of it
- You consume more cocaine than you intend to
- You give up activities you used to love to take cocaine
- You neglect responsibilities at home, school, or work to use cocaine
- You experience cocaine withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit
- You see that you need more cocaine to get the same high
- You don’t stop using cocaine even though you see that using it is making you sick
- You use cocaine even though it’s dangerous, illegal, risky, or even life-threatening, like when you’re at work at a dangerous job, driving, or likely to be caught
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction?
If you think you might be addicted to cocaine, be aware of signs of cocaine addiction:
- Abscesses (from injection)
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Changes in appetite, usually less hunger
- Cellulitis
- Decreased need for sleep
- Criminal behavior
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Euphoria and dysphoria in a cycle
- Increased attentiveness and energy that doesn’t last
- High blood pressure
- Increased sociability at times
- Increased body temperature
- Intranasal effects, such as nosebleeds or sniffling
- Insomnia, even for days at a time
- Manic behavior
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mood swings
- Marked weight loss
- Noticeable changes in mood and behavior, especially intense anger, hostility, or paranoia
- Nervousness
- Panic attack
- Pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia-like behaviors
Being able to spot these signs of cocaine addiction may save your life. It’s important to get help if you are addicted to cocaine. Trying to quit without support and professional guidance isn’t just difficult; it can be hazardous to your health.
Cocaine Addiction Self-Assessment
If you’re ready to get answers to your questions, take a few short minutes to complete this cocaine addiction self-assessment. Empower yourself with more information, and reach out to the professional team at Casa Palmera for more help if you decide to take action.
