Recognizing drug use in a loved one can sometimes be tricky. In order to effectively help them get treatment, you’ll need to clearly identify their drug of choice, and be able to confirm an abuse or addiction problem. Here are some of the top things to look for when identifying signs of cocaine use.
Chronically Runny Nose
While there are many ways to consume cocaine, most users snort the drug in powder form. Doing this consistently can cause damage to the nasal cavity, and often leads to a runny nose.
Many cocaine users seem to constantly have a cold or the sniffles. They may complain of having a cold or allergies to cover up this symptom. Heavy cocaine use can lead to nosebleeds as well.
Bloodshot or Watery Eyes
One of most telling ways to identify cocaine use or abuse is by looking at a person’s eyes. To start, cocaine can cause a lack of quality sleep, which can result in red eyes from exhaustion.
On top of that, cocaine is a stimulant that can cause red, bloodshot eyes. Many cocaine users have watery eyes, uncontrollable tears or a redness of the eyes that persists throughout the day.
Spotting and Identifying Cocaine Paraphernalia
Sometimes, the clearest signs of cocaine abuse or use are not behavioral or physical, but simply have to do with the visibility of paraphernalia. Most users consume cocaine in a white powder form, so spotting this powder on possessions or on a person’s face may be one clear sign.
Other examples of cocaine-related paraphernalia include small plastic bags as well as rolled up paper or dollar bills. These items are used to transport, sell and snort cocaine.
Rapidly Changing Moods
One of the biggest signs of cocaine use in a person is a drastically changing mood, or moods that fluctuate quickly. For example, a person may seem sullen, quiet or upset. After a trip to the bathroom, he or she may return happy, confident and outgoing. This drastic change in mood may be a result of cocaine use.
Behavioral Signs of Cocaine Use or Addiction
Like all drug use, cocaine use can have a profound impact on the behavior of an individual. Cocaine, in particular, can increase the outgoing nature of a person, and it can also lead to a greater likelihood of aggression.
Cocaine use may cause a person’s appetite to decrease, since it’s a stimulant. Those who use cocaine frequently might also disappear at regular intervals in order to use cocaine. They may come up with excuses for this odd behavior.
See Signs of Cocaine Use? Enter Therapy Now
One major treatment used after seeing signs of cocaine use is therapy. Addiction therapy is a follow-up to detox, which heals the body. Psychotherapy instead focuses on healing the mind, tackling the roots of addictive behaviors. Therapy also handles co-occurring mental disorders through dual diagnosis treatment. The types of therapy used in countering signs of cocaine use can be split into the holistic approach and evidence-based modalities.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, therapies used to treat cocaine addiction include:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Animal Assisted Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Behavioral Therapy
- EMDR Therapy
- Exercise Therapy
- Experiential Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Holistic Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Meditation Therapy
- Mindfulness Training
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Nutritional Therapy
- Outdoor Therapy
- Recreational Therapy
- Trauma Therapy
- Yoga Therapy
Recognizing the signs of cocaine use in a friend, family member or loved one can prepare you to take action to help them get clean. In most cases, the best course of action is a reliable, high-quality cocaine addiction program. Call San Antonio Recovery Center at 866.957.7885 to learn more and to secure a spot in a rehab program for cocaine use, abuse or addiction.
