Signs, Effects & Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

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Cross Creek Hospital helps children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with cocaine addiction through an unmatched quality of care and support. Located in Austin, TX, Cross Creek is the leading provider of cocaine addiction treatment.

Understanding Cocaine Addiction

Learn about cocaine and substance abuse

Cocaine, a powerful stimulant, is commonly used for illegal recreational purposes. This substance has a high potential for abuse and addiction in chronic users. When used, cocaine produces an intense feeling of euphoria by blocking the pain receptors located in the brain. This powdered substance, which is extracted from the coca plant, can be snorted, smoked, or dissolved in water and injected. After periods of prolonged cocaine abuse, an individual will most likely find themselves dependent upon this substance and, without constant use, will begin to experience symptoms of withdrawal. An addiction to cocaine can lead to a number of negative consequences in a person’s life including extreme physical and psychosocial problems that can have a permanent effect on the individual.

However, while cocaine is highly addictive and can completely destroy a person’s life, there is help available. There are many treatment options that can provide individuals with the skills needed to overcome their addiction and live a sober lifestyle.

Statistics

Cocaine addiction statistics

Research states that cocaine is the second most commonly abused illicit substance in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, every month approximately 2 million Americans use cocaine and, of those individuals, almost 1.4 million meet the criteria for cocaine abuse or dependence.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for cocaine addiction

Experts in the field of addiction and mental health agree that there is a combination of factors that work together to make some individuals more vulnerable to developing an addiction to substances like cocaine than other individuals. The following are brief descriptions of such factors:

Genetic: After extensive research, scientists have come to the conclusion that 25% of individuals addicted to cocaine are more likely to carry a specific gene that makes them more susceptible to developing a cocaine addiction should they place themselves in a circumstance in which they will use this substance. While having this gene does not guarantee that a cocaine addiction will develop, it just indicates that these individuals are at a higher risk.

Environmental: Research has indicated that an individual’s environment can play a significant role in whether or not they will go on to develop an addiction to substances, such as cocaine, should they decide to start using that substance. Some environmental factors that can put an individual at greater risk include growing up in a household where drug use was common and accepted or having a close group of friends who abuse substances.

Risk Factors:

  • Family history of chemical dependency concerns
  • Personal history of the abuse of other drugs and/or alcohol
  • Personal or family history of mental illness
  • Being subjected to extreme levels of stress
  • Peer pressure
  • Having easy access to the drug
  • Being exposed to cocaine while in utero
  • Chronic exposure to the use of drugs and/or alcohol
  • Exposure to crime and violence

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction

The signs and symptoms displayed when a cocaine addiction is present are going to vary depending upon the length and amount of abuse as well as individual characteristics. Some examples of possible signs and symptoms that may indicate a cocaine addiction include:

Behavioral symptoms:

  • Excessive, rapid, or excited speech
  • Aggression
  • Bizarre behaviors
  • Periods of excessive hyperactivity
  • Engaging in high-risk, impulsive behaviors
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Lying
  • Stealing
  • Restlessness

Physical symptoms:

  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Decreased appetite
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Dilated pupils
  • Fragile and gaunt appearance
  • Paleness
  • Frequent nose bleeds
  • Increased heart rate
  • Elevated bodily temperature
  • Excessive sweating

Cognitive symptoms:

  • Heightened startle response
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Psychosis
  • Panic attacks
  • Ability to hyper-focus
  • Decrease in ability to use sound judgment
  • Paranoia

Psychosocial symptoms:

  • Unwarranted anger
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Mania
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Excessive agitation

Effects

Effects of cocaine addiction

The effects that can result from long-term abuse of cocaine can be detrimental in all areas of a person’s life and, in some instances, can still exist even after the cocaine abuse has been stopped. If proper treatment is not implemented the symptoms associated with cocaine addiction can be devastating. Some of the examples of various effects that can result from the abuse of cocaine can include:

  • Permanent damage to the heart and blood vessels
  • Irreversible cognitive impairment
  • Liver, lungs, and/or kidney damage
  • Malnutrition
  • Academic or occupational failure
  • Chronic unemployment
  • Financial discord
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Interaction with the legal system, including incarceration
  • Loss of sense of smell
  • Ruined nasal tissue
  • Respiratory failure
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Sudden death

Co-Occurring Disorders

Cocaine addiction and co-occurring disorders

It is fairly common for individuals who are struggling with a cocaine addiction to be suffering from another mental health disorders. Some of the most common co-occurring disorders include:

  • Schizophrenia
  • Antisocial personality disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depressive disorders
  • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
  • Conduct disorder

Withdrawal & Overdose

Effects of cocaine withdrawal and overdose

Effects of cocaine withdrawal: If an individual has been using cocaine for a prolonged period of time and abruptly stop taking the drug, he or she is likely to experience the symptoms of withdrawal. While everyone’s withdrawal experience is different, some of the most common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:

  • Cravings
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Vivid, unpleasant dreams / nightmares
  • Aggression
  • Depression
  • Increased appetite
  • Excessive restlessness
  • Paranoia

Effects of cocaine overdose: A cocaine overdose occurs when an individual ingests more cocaine than their body is able to metabolize. If you suspect that someone is suffering from a cocaine overdose it is extremely important to seek medical attention immediately. Signs that can be indicative of a cocaine overdose can include:

  • Extreme sweating
  • Fast, irregular breathing
  • Extreme chest pains
  • Rapid heart beat
  • Hyperthermia
  • Delirium
  • Vomiting
  • High body temperature
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Death
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Past Clients Say

Cross Creek Hospital is the best place to get sober. I am so thankful to all of the amazing staff that helped me break free from my cocaine addiction and am now about celebrate my third year of sobriety.

– Former Patient