Signs of Cocaine Addiction

It can be difficult to watch a friend or family member struggle and not know exactly what their problem is.

What may have started as a recreational incident may have turned into a dangerous drug habit. Cocaine is just one addictive drug that can turn a person’s life upside down. Signs of a cocaine addiction can manifest as both physical and behavioral changes. It is important to learn how to recognize cocaine abuse if you suspect that someone you know is addicted. Our Banyan treatment center in Chicago is here to help you recognize the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction so you can get the appropriate help for your loved one.

Behavioral Signs of a Cocaine Addiction

Because addiction can often be linked to mental health disorders or other drug abuse, it can be difficult to decipher what exactly is going on in the head of the person you love and they may need dual diagnosis treatment.

Co-occurring disorders can have a variety of effects on a person’s behavior, but some of the most common behavioral signs your loved one is abusing cocaine include:

• Excessive energy. Cocaine is a stimulant that causes people to receive temporary blasts of energy. This energy burst often makes a person extremely talkative as well.
• Privacy concerns. In an attempt to hide their addiction, a cocaine addict may be uncharacteristically private.
• Stealing and borrowing money. This drug can be expensive, but an addict will find a way to get what they need to feed their addiction.
• Mood swings. Like many other drugs, cocaine abuse can cause drastic mood swings.
• Increased anger or even violence. Addiction can cause a person to become irritable and even vicious.
• Extreme confidence. If you notice an excessive sense of self paired with some risky behavior, it may be a side effect of cocaine use.