Every year, cocaine addiction directly affects thousands of Americans. Highly potent, remarkably addictive, and easily accessible, cocaine has become a nightmare for both addicts and their families. Popularized through the drug culture of the 1980s and made relevant today by pop culture, cocaine has been a major hazard to users for decades. By learning the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction, we hope to help you answer the question: am I addicted to cocaine? Learning how to combat cocaine addiction could mean the difference between a new lease on life and tragedy.
Am I Addicted to Cocaine?
Originally derived from the Coca plant of South America, cocaine has remarkably addictive properties. Users have reported that even as little as one use can be enough to develop a full-blown addiction. By recognizing addiction, one can take the necessary steps to get the appropriate help in order to get their life back on track. The first step in this process is to answer the question: am I addicted to cocaine? Let us dive deeper by analyzing the signs and symptoms of cocaine dependence.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction and Symptoms of Dependence
Spotting the signs of cocaine addiction is your first line of defense when getting yourself or a loved one the help they need. Unlike drugs such as methamphetamine, physical signs of addiction can be a bit trickier to spot in cocaine users. So, am I addicted to cocaine? Signs of cocaine addiction and dependence include the following:
- Nosebleeds
- Risky Behaviors
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Dilated pupils
- Runny nose
- Increased desire for privacy
- Sudden financial woes
- Excitability
- Boost in confidence
- Talkative habits
- Cocaine related drug paraphernalia
While this list is not exhaustive, it does highlight many of the common signs and symptoms of dependence. By finding yourself or your loved one the help they deserve, you can effectively give them a new chance to live a happy and drug-free life.
What Does Cocaine Do to You?
Chemically, cocaine is a tropane alkaloid that acts as a stimulant when ingested. The high from cocaine is typically short, averaging between 20 minutes up to one hour. This leads many users to become quickly addicted, as they need more and more of the drug in order to produce the original effects.
Primarily snorted through the nostril, cocaine can also be injected or smoked. When ingested, cocaine produces a numbing effect on the face, mouth, nasal cavity, gums, and any other body part it may come into contact with. Many users have reported becoming addicted to the “numbness” rather than the psychological effects of the drug.
Psychologically, cocaine can have a profound effect on one’s mental state. Overconfidence, risky behaviors, and dangerous actions are common among users, as cocaine often gives a brief feeling of invincibility to its users. This is extremely dangerous, as many users throw caution to the wind and put themselves in highly dangerous, sometimes lethal situations as a result of their altered mental state.
Additional side effects of cocaine include:
- Hollowed out nasal cavity
- Brain damage
- Liver damage
- Pneumonia
- Stroke
- Heart attack
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?
Cocaine leaves the body relatively quickly when compared to a drug such as cannabis. In moderate users, cocaine typically leaves the bloodstream completely after only a few days. Saliva and blood testing can yield positive cocaine results up to two days after use, while a urine test can usually detect cocaine up to four days after use. Even in heavier users, cocaine becomes relatively undetectable through testing after around two weeks since the last use. The most effective testing method is the hair follicle test which can yield positive results months or even years after the last use.
How to Get Cocaine Out of Your System?
When going through cocaine withdrawal, it is always safest to do so under the proper medical supervision. This helps to mitigate the risks and adverse effects of withdrawal, while also giving one the most complete opportunity for a full recovery. Quitting solo is never recommended, as a professional detox center can make all the difference. When recovering from cocaine addiction and attempting to rid the body of its toxins, it is important to drink water. By drinking water, one replenishes their body with vital nutrients, while simultaneously flushing any toxins out through sweat and urine. By taking care of your body and seeking the proper help, you can give yourself the best opportunity for a successful recovery.
Safely Detox from Cocaine in Nashville, TN
Here at Detox Nashville, we are waiting with open arms to help you through every step of your recovery journey. Located in Nashville, TN, we are a luxury drug and alcohol detoxification facility dedicated to effective treatment and lasting recovery. Our professional and compassionate staff are ready to give you the tools necessary to reclaim your freedom from addiction. There has never been a better time to get yourself or your loved one the help they deserve. Contact us today, and let us help you take the first steps in your individual recovery journey.
