Conquering Addictions

Cocaine addiction is a serious problem, and it is important to seek professional help immediately if you believe you might be suffering from this substance use disorder. Consider the 10 signs below to find out if you might be addicted to this dangerous drug.

1. Headaches

Headaches, according to the Center for Substance Abuse Disorder, are a sign of “prolonged cocaine abuse.” Because the drug can cause addiction so quickly, anyone who has been abusing it for more than a few months is likely to be addicted.

2. Overdose

If you have experienced a cocaine overdose, you are probably addicted. This shows that you do not have control over your use of the drug, and you are unlikely to be able to make a change without treatment.

3. Issues Specific to Your Method of Use

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states, “Specific routes of cocaine administration can produce their own adverse effects.” These may include:

Snorting cocaine: loss of the sense of smell, problems swallowing, and nosebleeds

Smoking crack: lung damage

Injecting the drug: track marks and contracting serious diseases like HIV, hepatitis, etc.

4. Tolerance

Have you noticed that every time you use the drug, you need higher and higher doses in order to feel the same effects? This is called tolerance, and when someone abuses a drug, it often goes hand-in-hand with addiction.

5. Withdrawal

The withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine abuse are some of the most severe and difficult to cope with of any withdrawal syndrome (https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000947.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">National Library of Medicine). Experiencing depression, irritability, and severe cravings are signs of withdrawal, and these can last months, even years after your last use.

6. Paranoia

While it is common for acute cocaine addiction to cause some paranoid effects, “taking high doses of [the drug] or prolonged use, such as binging, usually cases [extreme] paranoia” that can last for days (Drug Enforcement Administration).

7. Psychosis

A full-blown psychosis can even develop, which is a strong sign you need cocaine addiction treatment. The symptoms can include hallucinations, hostile or violent behavior, and homicidal or suicidal thoughts. You will need to be treated in a residential or inpatient center to avoid hurting yourself or others––and to avoid further cocaine use.

8. Life Problems

Using cocaine can start to cause problems in your professional and personal life, such as issues with loved ones, getting reprimanded at work, and even getting arrested. If you have begun to notice these issues in your life and are still unable to quit, you have a serious addiction.

9. Physical Disorders

Stroke, lung damage, seizures, and heart disease are all possible side effects of long-term cocaine abuse. If you have begun to experience any of these, seek help immediately.

10. Sensitization

This often occurs in addition to tolerance, where you might realize that it takes lower does of cocaine for you to experience the toxic effects of the drug. This means your body is adapting to the substance in all the worst ways.

Is It Time to Seek Help?

If you have experienced any of these issues, it is time to seek cocaine addiction treatment and to put an end to your substance abuse. This is the safest and most effective way to achieve recovery.