Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine, despite its high price, is widely-known as one of the most abused drugs in the whole world aside from cannabis and tobacco. This stimulant can induce loss of self-control which may later lead to a severe addiction. It can also result to serious risks in areas of finance, health and relationships.

You should know the different symptoms of cocaine addiction and understand the consequences it might induce to avoid serious aftereffect.

1. Crash. This pertains to the irritability shown by an addict when the cocaine starts to wear off. They experience tiredness due to the high energy exerted on a “high.”
2. Nasal Problems. Since cocaine can be snorted, users often encounter problems in their nasal passage such as runny nose, swallowing problems and loss of sense of smell.
3. Paranoia. Cocaine can cause paranoia as it prompts confusion--users start thinking that everyone is out to get them. Cocaine addicts often want to stay at home and avoid large gatherings like parties and public places.
4. Skin Infection. This is often cause by injecting the drugs, leaving track mark or sores. It is possible that these marks become severely infected and affect various parts of the body.
5. Heart Related Problems. Another symptom is when a person experiences heart-related problems even without any family history of heart problems. Cocaine can cause the tearing of arteries which can lead to stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack.
6. Weight Loss. Cocaine can affect a user’s appetite. Sooner or later, they may lose weight because of a lack of nutrients preventing the body from functioning well. This can start the occurrence of other major health problems.
7. Withdrawal. This is the most popular manifestation of addiction. A drug can make a user think differently—physical and physiological effects occur when usage of the drug is stopped, making the user sick and irritable.
8. STD. Addicts often engage in unprotected sex. The needle used for injecting drugs can also cause sexually transmitted disease especially if shared with an infected person. They risk higher exposure to HIV than those who don’t use drugs.
9. Legal Problems. This often happens when the addict does not have enough money and has no choice but to get money from others to sustain his habit. They can also commit crimes as they are not in proper state of mind.
10. Memory Loss. This is one of the worst effects of drug addiction. Cocaine travels through the bloodstream into the brain. This causes serious damage to the neurotransmitters constraining the brain from functioning well, incurring memory loss.

Counseling and Therapy

Cocaine teaches the brain to be unhappy as long as you are not consuming the drug, that’s why an addict is advised to go under exclusive counseling and therapy. There are many kinds of therapies proven to be effective for those who have been treated before. But every individual is unique that’s why it is necessary to look for the right treatment for one’s specific condition. A drug rehab in San Diego offers intensive therapy programs for individuals and loved ones who want to admit their family member. Visit Ranch Creek Recovery for more information. http://www.ranchcreekrecovery.com/what-we-treat/cocaine-abuse/