Cocaine abuse and addiction are not the same thing but they do have similar characteristics and they do go hand in hand. Initially, a user will abuse cocaine for fun and may not feel any major dependency issues related to the cocaine use. As time goes on, and cocaine abuse continues, cocaine addiction can easily set in.
Recreational cocaine abuse can easily lead to dependency and addiction.
Unfortunately, many people mistakenly become addicted to cocaine believing that the drug is not addictive and that there really are no risks associated with cocaine abuse. Cocaine abuse and addiction are both dangerous, should be avoided and require help if you fall victim to either one. Don’t be afraid to recognize the signs of a problem and to call for help.
Signs of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine abuse is the first step toward cocaine addiction. It’s how cocaine addiction begins and it’s what makes an individual become hopeless in their fight against drug abuse. It all starts with some general moderate use of cocaine that is mistakenly believed to be fun and carefree. As time goes on, the user will require more and more cocaine in order to feel “good” and eventually, cocaine will be a major player in the user’s life.
There are a number of potential signs to look out for in terms of cocaine abuse. In fact, you may recognize these signs of cocaine abuse in a loved one or friend who is using the drug or whom you suspect is using the drug.
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Runny nose
- Trouble swallowing
- Track marks
- Scratchy voice
- Sinus infections
- Mood swings
- Increased energy followed by periods of fatigue
- Change in sleep habits
- Paranoia
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
As cocaine abuse progresses the risk for cocaine addiction increases. Cocaine addiction is plagued by cravings, withdrawal symptoms and a number of potential hazards. Once an individual is addicted to cocaine, he will have trouble quitting even with the best intentions. Cocaine addiction, though not the most physical of all drug addictions, is highly difficult to cope with or to overcome.
Many users don’t realize that they are falling into the perils of cocaine addiction until it’s already too late to easily overcome the battle. While treatment is available, it can be time consuming and very costly. The average user will go in and out of treatment a few times at best before finding a program that they are happy with and that truly helps them to recover. This only adds to the overall cost of getting sober and, while sobriety is possible, can make cocaine addiction even more of a challenge.
There are many signs to watch out for, especially if you are already abusing cocaine on a regular basis. Cocaine addiction doesn’t happen overnight and it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Pay attention to these signs that you may be suffering from cocaine addiction and, if you realize that you have a problem, don’t be afraid to seek help:
- Cravings for cocaine
- Inability to control cocaine use
- Trouble saying “no” to cocaine
- Anxiety that is uncontrollable
- Upset stomach when thinking about cocaine
- Nervousness pertaining to cocaine
- Lying about cocaine use
- Stealing to fund cocaine habit
- Changes in friendships or relationships
- Restlessness or irritability
- Nightmares when not using cocaine
- Inability to function without cocaine
Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Various methods of treatment for cocaine addiction exist to help those who are suffering to get their lives back on track. While cocaine abuse may not require treatment, once an individual has become addicted to cocaine, the need for addiction treatment is often rather significant. Without proper treatment, cocaine addiction may continue to spiral out of control, cravings will continue to be a major player in the risk of relapse and recovery is a long, difficult and rocky journey.
The most common types of treatment that are available to assist you in overcoming cocaine addiction include:
- Residential treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Therapy
- Support groups such as Cocaine Anonymous
- Family Counseling
Each method of treatment provides distinct care that is generally focused on supportive help and guidance. Counseling is a major player in cocaine addiction treatment, providing those in need with a safe place where they can talk about their fears, their struggles, their past, the present and anything that they feel they need to get off their chest. A counselor will guidance the conversation in a way that helps to promote realization and healing—both of which are beneficial in recovery.
When to Call for Help
There are many signs that you can look out for when it comes to recognizing cocaine abuse and addiction. Most importantly, if cocaine use is interfering with your life, if you cannot say no to cocaine and if you have suffered from any consequences as a result of your cocaine use then you should seek immediate help. The earlier you call for help, the greater your chances of recovery are.
Cocaine can lead to heart attack, stroke, disease, infection and even death. If you’ve suffered from a cocaine overdose, if you have a history of heart disease and you use cocaine, if you are using cocaine despite the known troubles that it is causing for you, or if you abuse cocaine after it has caused legal problems in your life already, it’s time to seek help. The best time to call for help is just as soon as you realize that there’s a problem that needs to be fixed.
Calling for help is the first step to getting sober. With so many different types of cocaine addiction treatment readily available to help you get sober, there’s sure to be a program that you have an interest in and that works well for you. Each individual is different and requires a different approach to treatment, you’ll quickly find that cocaine rehab centers understand your needs, your fears and your desires for recovery—and they can help.