Cocaine is a popular illicit drug found in many countries, and a significant challenge to public health. Millions of people worldwide suffer from cocaine addiction, and the impact is tremendous—the symptoms of cocaine use change from one individual to the next. The reason has to do with body weight and behavioral patterns. Most times, people don’t intend to abuse cocaine. They want to enjoy the euphoric feeling it brings. However, a one-time user can become an addict because the intense effects are short-lived. This post will discuss the signs of cocaine use and possible treatment options.
If you are looking for cocaine addiction treatment programs in New Jersey, contact Next Wind Recovery today.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is an alkaloid obtained naturally from coca plants. It can also be prepared synthetically and sometimes used medically as an anesthetic during surgery. However, many people know cocaine as an illicit drug that provides a euphoric feeling to users but is detrimental to their mental and physical health.
When a person uses cocaine often, it causes the small blood vessels to constrict. Also, it brings a feeling of exhilaration and leads to psychological dependence.
What Are the Signs of Cocaine Use?
So how can you spot the signs of cocaine abuse in a person? We shall look at obvious cocaine use signs below.
- Significant weight loss, to the point of looking unhealthy, is common among addicts. The user will continue to lose weight without exercising or dieting.
- Financial problems due to regular spending to buy the product. Most cocaine addicts always have money troubles because cocaine is expensive, and they need supplies to feed their addiction
- Constant mood swings. Addicts have mood swings as a result of the way cocaine interacts with the brain and increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which brings euphoric emotions. The mood swings can lead to occasional Violent outbursts.
- Poor personal hygiene. Cocaine addicts often forgo their hygiene since they are high most times and don’t know what they are doing. A visit to their home or room will show an unkempt environment.
- Involvement in risky behavior. Addicts of illicit drugs such as cocaine are known for engaging in risky activities. The explanation for this behavior is simple; they are high and feel invincible.
- Horse throat. Those who invest in cocaine experience physical changes such as horse throat. A keen observer will notice changes in their voice. It gets worse over time.
- Body Shaking, especially early in the morning. It is easy to know when a cocaine abuser has not taken his drugs because they will shake uncontrollably. Although you may not know why their body shakes, it is obvious to anyone that sees them.
- Paranoia. Most cocaine addicts experience hallucinations and paranoia, especially long-term users.
- Anxiety and depression have been linked to drug abuse. So cocaine addicts will show early signs of anxiety and depression, which worsens as they continue to indulge in addiction.
How to Treat Cocaine Addiction
Although cocaine addiction remains a significant health problem in the United States and globally, the best treatment methods remain a debate among healthcare providers. So as shall look at some of the popular treatment methods below.
- Presently there is no known FDA-approved medicine to treat cocaine addiction. However, antidepressants and stimulants can help control cocaine cravings, and withdrawal symptoms, and counter the euphoric feelings cocaine gives to addicts. When medications are combined with psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy provide a reasonable success rate.
- Both in-person and online peer support groups such as Cocaine Anonymous provide a safe space for addicts to share their thoughts, feelings, and actions with others going through similar challenges. Support groups are crucial to addicts because it makes them feel they are part of a community. Also, it makes them realize they can overcome their addiction since they can see others that have done it.
- Treatment facilities with residential treatment programs have shown success in treating cocaine addicts. These programs include all aspects of addiction and often last many months or a year. Most times, the programs comprise vocational rehab and occupational therapy.
- As the number of addicts continues to rise annually worldwide, people explore more treatment options. One such option is alternative therapies. Although it is still in the early stages, alternative therapies combined with cognitive therapy have shown a measure of success in treating cocaine addicts. Alternative therapy includes exercises, herbs, acupuncture, and hypnosis. The only downside is that it requires constant monitoring to ensure the addict follows through in the case of physical exercises. Also, there is a need for more research to determine the best treatment pattern.
How to Find Cocaine Addiction Treatment in New Jersey
Cocaine addiction is a worldwide phenomenon. If you are in New Jersey, and struggling with addiction, you can easily access one of the best treatment facilities in the country.
Cocaine addiction is real, and many addicts don’t know how it can be stopped. If you observe any of the cocaine abuse signs listed here in a loved one, ensure you seek help immediately. Cocaine addiction can be stopped with the right treatment plan. Next Wind Recovery is a comprehensive drug rehab in New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you overcome addiction.