Signs Of Cocaine Addiction

There are a variety of signs of cocaine addiction. Many signs are, for the most part, obvious to those around the user; however, the user may find it difficult to admit that there is a problem and that he or she truly has a cocaine addiction. Some signs of cocaine addiction are not always obvious.

Warning signs of a cocaine addiction include:

•    Extreme usage of cocaine and inability to fulfill commitments at work, home, or to others
•  Obsession with using cocaine and going to extreme measures or compulsively seeking out the drug in order to use it
•    A change in one’s tolerance for the drug.  Needing more and more of the drug in order to feel it’s effects
•    Difficulty not using cocaine or being able to control how much is used
•    Having withdrawal symptoms when not using cocaine (shaking, paranoia, nausea, depression, anxiety, irritability, or agitation)
•    Using cocaine to bypass withdrawal symptoms
•    Finding oneself in financial, legal, or relationship problems due to the abuse of cocaine

Signs of Cocaine Addiction Should Not Be Ignored

Cocaine affects the brain of the user in a unique way by targeting the brain’s reward pathways through the neurotransmitter, dopamine. There is an influx of dopamine sent to the brain and this creates feelings of euphoria. This pleasurable feeling is created every time the person uses cocaine, and when the person is not using it, they feel a distinctive low. This is what keeps the user compulsively seeking the drug and to a cocaine addiction.

If you or someone you know is displaying the signs of cocaine addiction contact one of our professional addiction treatment counselors today.