Cocaine is an extremely dangerous illicit drug. It is a stimulant that is very addictive. People who use cocaine regularly are likely to develop a dependence that could become an addiction. Often, the signs of cocaine addiction will make themselves known in physical, behavioral, and psychological ways. Paying attention to these cocaine addiction signs can help you intervene with a loved one before cocaine abuse spirals into addiction.
No matter where someone is in relation to substance abuse, they are not beyond help. Learn more about how Serenity Grove tackles cocaine addiction treatment in Athens, GA by calling 844.904.3485.
3 Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction signs come in many different forms. Some are psychological; others are more physical in nature. Some cocaine addiction signs are even related to behavior. That’s because cocaine abuse often changes how people act. Explore three top signs of cocaine addiction below.
1. Psychological and Physical Dependence
Regular cocaine use changes the brain in ways that make the brain dependent on the presence of cocaine for normal functioning. Moreover, the burst of pleasure people feel when using cocaine is something people can become attached to. It can make them want to use it again or use it more frequently.
The psychological and physical dependence that cocaine can create is often expressed in withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person stops using a drug. But they can also occur between instances of use for people with a severe addiction. Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Fatigue
- Cravings for cocaine
2. Weight Loss
A major side effect of using cocaine is weight loss. As a stimulant, cocaine suppresses appetite. People who use cocaine regularly thus tend to eat less and often lose weight. This kind of weight loss is never healthy. But it does mean that a cocaine addiction sign to watch for is sudden or unexpected weight loss.
3. Anxiety and Sleep Issues
Cocaine abuse often results in difficult mental health issues. One of the biggest of these is anxiety. This could stem from worrying about how to get more cocaine or even be related to psychological withdrawal in between using cocaine. Extending from increased anxiety is sleep issues. Many people who abuse cocaine suffer from poor sleep due to cocaine being a stimulant that boosts energy levels and interrupts the body’s natural sleep cycle.
Treating Cocaine Addiction
If you recognize any of these cocaine addiction signs in yourself or a loved one, the best thing to do is to connect with professional help. Addiction treatment providers like Serenity Grove have years of experience addressing cocaine addiction and helping people turn their lives around.
Effective cocaine treatment begins with detox, which is the process of stopping cocaine use and helping the body adjust to life without cocaine. After completing detox, people enter a phase of ongoing treatment with a focus on therapeutic interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy or contingency management.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is geared toward helping people identify problematic thoughts and behaviors. Once these are identified, CBT sessions help people modify those thoughts and behaviors in ways that support sobriety and better mental health.
Meanwhile, contingency management is an approach that relies on rewards as motivation during treatment. These rewards are tied to sober goals. When someone achieves a recovery goal, they receive a meaningful reward. Both of these therapies are evidence-based and backed by decades of research indicating they are effective in treating substance abuse disorders.
Find Help for Cocaine Addiction at Serenity Grove
Overcoming addiction may be difficult, but it is possible. Connect with Serenity Grove by calling 844.904.3485 or filling out our online contact form. Learn more about your treatment options and how we can help–take the first step today.
