Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant. As an illicit drug, no amount is safe to use. Anyone using it can develop intense symptoms of addiction, ranging from anger to paranoia. Our team is here to help. If your loved one (or you) are using crack or coke, it’s time to get help. At Northern Illinois Recovery, we know that it takes just one phone call to our team.
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Common Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction symptoms typically occur once dependence occurs. At this point, the brain and body are reliant on drugs to function normally. This also means it is nearly impossible for a person to stop using on their own. The most common cocaine addiction symptoms include:
- Changes in appearance including dilated pupils, runny nose, frequent nosebleeds
- Lacking the ability to maintain responsibilities, being late, or forgetting to do things
- Needing to use cocaine all of the time or thinking about doing so
- Feelings of intense paranoia or anxiety
- Outbursts of anger, especially when coming down from a cocaine high
It’s specifically important to look for withdrawal symptoms. These typically only occur when addiction and dependence are present. They may include anxiety, irritation, and mood swings. They may also include the inability to sleep, feeling physically sick, and depression.
Know the Dangers of Continued Use
A person in active addiction struggles to see the benefit of getting treatment. They feel good when using and continue to use as a result. Yet, there are dangers to using cocaine, especially on an ongoing basis. This may include high blood pressure, damage to the kidneys, seizures, and overdose. This is a life-threatening condition that can occur when too much of the drug is ingested.
What to Do If You See Cocaine Addiction in a Loved One
Whether they are talking about crack or coke or seeing the signs of cocaine use in them, it’s not always easy to know what to do when a loved one is using. That’s often because they are not going to listen. Their cravings and withdrawal symptoms are too strong. The best option here is to reach out for an intervention. Offer them the support they need to get help, but pull away all other support.
Cocaine is an expensive drug. This habit can only continue if they have access to the funds to do so. With the help of a therapist, work to create a treatment opportunity for your loved one. Then, tell them you can no longer support their continued use. This can make a big difference in a person’s ability to stop using for good.
Our Team Can Offer Help for Cocaine Addiction
Addiction treatment is effective. It can aid a person in no longer using cocaine through the use of medications and psychotherapy. Our team works closely with you to ensure the very best outcome possible. This often includes treatment plans such as:
- Women’s treatment program
- Men’s treatment program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Outpatient drug rehab
Once treatment starts, it’s possible to start rebuilding health and mental wellbeing. Through a range of therapies, you’ll learn how to control your addiction and overcome triggers, stress, and other challenges holding you back. You also have access to mental health treatment if you need it.
Overcome Your Addiction – Call Northern Illinois Recovery Now
Cocaine, crack, coke – no matter what you call it, it’s a highly addictive drug that’s hard to manage and stop using. Our team at Northern Illinois Recovery knows that having the signs of this type of addiction is scary, whether intense paranoia or anger comes out of nowhere. That’s why we offer a comprehensive treatment program to help you. To learn more, call 855.786.1978 or connect with us online.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
© 2023 Northern Illinois Recovery.