Cocaine is a powerful drug that can be very addictive very quickly. Knowing the risks of using this potent stimulant is important because it is easy to overdose and can lead to serious health problems over time. Cocaine use can also be life-threatening, so finding a cocaine addiction treatment program is vital.
If you are looking for a Texas cocaine rehab center, you will find the help you need at The Right Step Hill Country. Our 30-acre campus has all the resources and amenities you need to overcome cocaine addiction in comfort. Contact us today at 1.844.675.1628 to discuss your treatment options.
What Are the Warning Signs of Cocaine Use?
If you have never used cocaine and are unfamiliar with its effects, you may not realize a loved one is using it. While you may notice changes in their behaviors or mood, you might not understand what is causing them. People often blame stress for undesirable mood swings and erratic behaviors when the real culprit may be drug misuse. If someone you know is using cocaine, they are at risk of serious complications, so you need to know how to spot the warning signs of cocaine use:
Elevated Energy, Alertness, and Confidence
Cocaine is an amphetamine, meaning it stimulates the central nervous system. It allows for the buildup of dopamine in the brain, making people feel happy and energized. At first glance, these may seem like positive traits, and they draw people to cocaine in the first place. However, the effects are short-lived, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
Decreased Desire for Sleep or Food
As a stimulant, cocaine makes a person feel more alert and awake than usual. This alertness is why some people use the drug to help them pull an all-nighter, whether for partying or studying. They may also retake it in the morning for an energy boost if they need to go to work or school.
A person using cocaine may also have a decreased appetite. The elevated dopamine levels instigated by cocaine are similar to those people get when eating foods they enjoy. Cocaine can also make it more difficult for the body to store fat, leading to weight loss. Some people use cocaine for the sole purpose of losing weight.
Engaging in Risky Behaviors
People who use cocaine are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like driving under the influence or being promiscuous. The increased confidence and impaired judgment from cocaine may make them feel somewhat invincible. They are more likely to make bad decisions, lose control, and be careless, putting themselves or others in dangerous situations.
Recognizing the Signs of Cocaine Addiction
If you notice signs of cocaine use in a loved one, it does not necessarily mean they have developed an addiction. However, it is still important to encourage them to stop using the drug because it has dangerous side effects. Once a person develops a cocaine addiction, quitting can be even more challenging.
The following are signs of cocaine addiction that indicate someone you care about may need professional help:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Apathy
- Insomnia
- Sudden weight loss
- Aggression
Like any other drug, cocaine disrupts neurotransmitter function in the brain. A person will feel good while high on the drug but much worse when they crash. They may seem happy and excitable one moment, then moody and depressed the next. When addicted to cocaine, the person’s brain will need more of the drug to keep feeling pleasure and happiness. Without it, they will become irritable, aggressive, and unhappy. Getting help from a cocaine rehab will allow them to repair the damage and improve their emotional balance.
End Cocaine Addiction at The Right Step Hill Country
Cocaine is a potent stimulant, but with help from The Right Step Hill Country, you or a loved one can overcome addiction. Call us today at 1.844.675.1628 to find cocaine addiction support for someone in your life.