Cocaine and Heroin: Signs of Use, Addiction, and When to Seek Help

If someone frequently has these symptoms without being sick or having allergies, it might be worth noting. Look for patterns over time — if they constantly have nasal issues, it could point to frequent cocaine use. Ongoing care helps you adjust to life’s changes without losing the progress you made. It also keeps you connected to others who share your commitment to sobriety. Aftercare isn’t about living in the past—it’s about preparing for the future. Relapse prevention requires consistent effort, and aftercare gives you the tools to stay ready.

Waiting too long to seek help for heroin and cocaine addiction can have life-threatening consequences. You should act when you notice regular use, strong cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or any health decline. Denial is common, but early treatment leads to better recovery outcomes. A West Virginia heroin rehab can provide the medical care, structure, and therapy needed to quit safely.

What Are Cocaine Abuse Symptoms?

Getting caught obtaining, possessing or using the drug has significant ramifications. That’s why at Abbington House, we take the time to understand the full picture. We don’t just look at the drug we ask what it’s doing for the person. These signs often go unnoticed by others, and by the user themselves.

Health and Psychological Symptoms

  • Reach out to us today to learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs in San Antonio or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment.
  • Inpatient rehab often suits those with severe addiction or unstable home environments.
  • At Insight Northwest Recovery, we specialize in substance use counseling tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
  • Cocaine is abrasive and can erode the delicate lining of the throat and nasal passages.
  • Most insurance providers offer some form of rehab insurance, either as part of their standard coverage or as an add-on policy.

And as frustrating as that might seem, you have to take the guilt and blame out of the situation and seek help for yourself if the stress becomes too much. If you suspect that someone you love is using cocaine, it is important to look out for the signs. Repeated use of this drug can alter the brain’s chemical makeup permanently. This can cause issues that someone will have to deal with for the rest of their life. Early intervention is the best possible way to ensure that whatever damage has been done can be reversed or improved upon. Addiction is complicated, and many people battling it are painfully aware of the harm it causes to themselves and their relationships.

Financial problems:

Freebase and crack cocaine look like small crystals that are heated up and smoked. But the most common way cocaine is taken is by crushing the rocks into a fine white powder and snorting/inhaling it through the nose or rubbing it on one’s gums. Beyond broken relationships and ended careers, being addicted to crack can ultimately lead to legal troubles.

People in neighbourhoods where drugs are easily accessible may also have a higher chance of getting and using cocaine. The drug impairs decision-making and increases risk-taking behavior. Reckless driving, unprotected sex, or financial irresponsibility could be signs of someone taking cocaine. Cocaine’s effects are fast-acting but short-lived, leading users to binge or repeatedly use the drug over a short period. Many people live with anxiety, fear, or addiction without realizing how much it’s affecting their daily lives. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure about your symptoms, or just looking for answers — we’re here to listen, without judgment.

Behavioral Signs

Cocaine use can also cause plaque accumulation in the renal walls, leading to atherosclerosis. Cocaine constricts the blood vessels and reduces the amount of oxygen that gets to the brain, increasing the risk of strokes, seizures, and cerebral atrophy. Long-term use can also affect cognitive functions, impulse control, and decision-making capabilities. Cocaine has a relatively low price point in Canada despite its status as one of the world’s most expensive illicit substances. The average cost of cocaine in Canada is $85 per gram compared to the global average of $120. In 2020, 62% of stimulant toxicity deaths in Canada involved cocaine.

The dangers of mixing drugs go beyond overdose—long-term organ damage and severe mental health decline are common. People may experience confusion, breathing problems, or sudden unconsciousness. Using multiple substances increases addiction risk and makes withdrawal more complicated. Stopping polydrug use often requires medical detox, therapy, and a structured recovery plan. The sooner help is sought, the better the chances for survival and long-term health.

  • With some drugs, such as prescription medications, it can be difficult to determine when there’s abuse and an addiction and when use is normal.
  • It is obtained from the coca plant and synthesized into a fine white powder that is snorted, injected, or smoked.
  • We recognize the profound significance of residential treatment in the journey toward long-term sobriety and overall well-being.
  • Please fill out your phone number and take the first step toward recovery today.

Recognise When It’s an Emergency

If you or a loved one exhibits cocaine addiction symptoms, seek treatment as quickly as possible. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists now to explore our holistic treatment programs. Our admissions staff can answer your questions, verify your insurance, and schedule an intake appointment. However, you may notice signs like dilated pupils, excitability, mood swings, weight loss, sniffing and nosebleeds, talkativeness, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns.

Cocaine is a Schedule II drug, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).5 This is largely due to its high risk of addiction. If the user tries to cut back or stop using cocaine, intense withdrawal symptoms often follow. When you’re wondering how to tell if someone is on cocaine, you’ll more than likely first consider their behavior. Then, consider the physical signs.There aretreatment optionsfor those who are addicted to cocaine, most of which involve dual diagnosis programs. If you believe someone close to you is using cocaine or is addicted to cocaine, consider talking to a medical or addiction specialists, because it can be dangerous or deadly.

signs of cocaine use how to tell if someone uses cocaine

Signs that someone has potentially binged on crack can include extreme irritability, paranoia and anger. In some instances, a large amount of crack may lead to a complete psychosis, including a loss of reality and hallucinations. Using crack in large amounts can also lead to severe paranoia and extreme violent behavior. Crack cocaine, which is often just referred to as crack, is a free-base version of cocaine that can be smoked. When it’s smoked, it delivers a short but very intense high to the user, and because of that sense of euphoria it creates, it’s incredibly addictive. That time was often called the crack epidemic, and it hit places like New York and Los Angeles particularly hard.

signs of cocaine use how to tell if someone uses cocaine

This article lists the physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of cocaine use and the symptoms of cocaine intoxication. It’s essential to be aware of these signs, symptoms, and health effects of cocaine use to break the habit and get treatment if needed. Over time, repeated cocaine use can lead to physical dependence and addiction. People who develop a substance use disorder (SUD) typically require comprehensive addiction treatment and ongoing support to avoid relapse. Cocaine has signs of cocaine use how to tell if someone uses cocaine serious effects on physical and mental health, relationships, and daily life. If you notice signs like mood swings, fast talking, weight loss, or secretive behavior, pay attention.