Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that often creates devastating effects on the life of anyone who is using it.
Recognizing the signs of cocaine abuse in yourself or someone else can be essential to seeking help and treatment.
Read to explore common signs of cocaine abuse, how to best recognize them, and addiction treatment options!
Relevance is a top-rated rehab in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Learn more about how we can help you overcome addiction.
How Common is Cocaine Abuse?
Cocaine is a powerful narcotic linked to many physical and psychological issues, including addiction and death.
Unfortunately, in 2020, cocaine remains a significant public health concern in the United States, with about 1.5 million people struggling with substance use disorder.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing a Cocaine Addiction?
Various factors can increase the risk of developing an addiction to cocaine, such as:
- Genetic predisposition to addiction or co-occurring disorders
- Environmental exposure during development
- Socioeconomic status with limited access to education and prevention programs
- Living in an area with high levels of drug use or crime rates
- A history of trauma or mental health issues
What Are the Warning Signs of Cocaine Addiction?
Physical cocaine addiction symptoms often characterize compulsive drug abuse, such as:
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Repeated nosebleeds
If you observe any of the following behavioral cocaine abuse signs, it may also show that someone has a problem:
- Paranoia
- Excessive talking or restlessness
- Aggressive behavior
- Sleep disturbances
What are the Effects of Cocaine Abuse?
Besides these risk factors, it’s essential to be aware of the potential short-term and long-term risks associated with the regular use of cocaine on the body.
Short-Term Effects of Substance Abuse
Short-term effects can include:
- Increased alertness followed by exhaustion
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Nausea, vomiting, and tremors
- Nosebleeds
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Hallucinations
Long-Term Effects of Substance Abuse
Long-term effects can lead to severe damage to the cardiovascular system (heart and lungs), including:
- Premature aging of the heart muscle
- Decreased brain activity
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Ulcers on the digestive system
- Increased risk of stroke, seizure, and coma
What Health Issues Are Caused by Cocaine Withdrawals?
Understandably withdrawals from dependence on this substance may also cause serious problems such as:
- Anxiety
- Severe depression
- Confusion
- Intense headaches
- Extreme fatigue
It’s important to note that cocaine overdose can be fatal, and the effects of a cocaine overdose may include seizures, coma, heart attack, or stroke.
The number of cocaine overdoses reported in the United States is higher than ever, with about 19,000 deaths related to cocaine overdose in 2019 alone.
Emergency rooms and law enforcement agencies are increasingly called to respond to cocaine overdoses.
As you can see from these cocaine addiction statistics, this is a concerning trend.
Anyone struggling with cocaine abuse must seek help immediately to reduce the risk of potential physical and psychological harm caused by long-term use and prevent overdose deaths.
Relevance Recovery Treats Signs of Cocaine Abuse in New Jersey
Cocaine use affects millions yearly, but through proper treatment, individuals break free from its grasp and live healthier lives.
Relevance Recovery is here to help you through the addiction treatment process and beyond.
We offer a multifaceted approach to addiction rehab, including behavioral therapies, family and group therapy, and aftercare support services.
If you see a sign someone is suffering from cocaine dependence, please contact our care staff today to learn more about our facility and programs to see if we are the right fit for you! Relevance Recovery offers drug addiction and mental health treatment in New Jersey. Learn more about how we can help you overcome substance abuse with our cocaine rehab center in New Jersey.
