Author: James Anderson

Signs of Cocaine Use How To Tell If Someone Uses Cocaine

Recreational use of cocaine is illegal because it is dangerous and can lead to severe health consequences, including stroke, heart attack, and overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 24,000 people died from cocaine overdose in 2021. Cocaine addiction can be devastating for the person who uses cocaine, severely impacting their lives and relationships. Giving up cocaine doesn’t require medical detox and is generally not life-threatening. However, finding treatment, whether it be rehab, therapy, or a 12-step program, can increase the chances of successfully quitting.

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine

Some of the most apparent changes seen in those using cocaine are behavioral and mood changes. These include symptoms such as increased energy or activity, being overly talkative, sexualized, becoming excitable, erratic, reckless, irrational, including becoming violent. An addiction to cocaine can be hard for many people to distinguish. Knowing the symptoms can help you determine if someone needs help.

Cocaine withdrawal doesn’t typically produce physical symptoms, but psychological symptoms can range from depression to fatigue. Once a cocaine addiction has been realized, the next step is to make sure the person affected seeks help. Many times those suffering from an addiction may deny they have a problem or refuse to seek treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about cocaine?

One of the main tell-tale signs of cocaine use is the presence of small, trace amounts of white powder appearing around their nose. Sincecocaine is a stimulant, it typically causes the person that uses it to be very talkative, energetic and confident. It also creates a sense of improved well-being, which can lead them to be social, excitable and even more sexual. NIDA also notes that a cocaine overdose can be intentional or unintentional, and can occur even on the first occasion of use, or at any time thereafter.

How we reviewed this article:

1. It can be stressful and overwhelming to talk with a loved one about a cocaine addiction.
2. Please call us at to learn more about your treatment options or to ask any questions you may have about rehab.
3. One of the main tell-tale signs of cocaine use is the presence of small, trace amounts of white powder appearing around their nose.
4. This is why people who develop addictions often stop getting pleasure from the things they used to enjoy and being relying on a high to produce happiness.

Injecting cocaine also raises the risks of contracting IV-related viruses, such as HIV and hepatitis. Because cocaine constricts blood vessels, frequent cocaine or crack use can cut off the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the intestines, causing the bowel to die and rupture. A cocaine comedown is actually a form of withdrawal that can last for days. During the crash, a person experiences powerful cravings for more cocaine.

Signs of Cocaine Use: How to Tell if Someone is on Cocaine

The only way to prevent cocaine intoxication and overdose is to avoid using cocaine altogether. If you or someone you know is struggling with a cocaine addiction, there are treatment options that can help. Secretive behavior can be a red flag for a substance abuse problem, and people with a cocaine addiction will often try to hide their drug use. As their addiction grows, their lives begin to revolve around the drug. They’ll often neglect people and activities that were once important to them.

A cocaine comedown, or cocaine crash, occurs after a binge or when someone stops using cocaine suddenly. During a crash, a person will feel fatigued, depressed, anxious, irritable and profoundly tired. As the cocaine wears off, euphoria may give way to anxiety, agitation and depression. Restlessness, insomnia and fatigue are also typical of a cocaine crash, or comedown. One of the most important things you can do is remind your loved one that you care. It’s best to keep your words and your tone supportive and to offer help and resources without making any accusations.

This article lists the physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of cocaine use and the symptoms of cocaine intoxication. It’s essential to be aware of these signs, symptoms, and health effects of cocaine use to break the habit and get treatment if needed. If you think someone is abusing cocaine, look for physical symptoms like dilated pupils and nasal issues. Since many cocaine users snort it, someone who is abusing cocaine will likely suffer from nosebleeds, a decreased sense of smell, and damaged nostrils. Also check for puncture marks on the person’s arms, as some users inject cocaine intravenously with a syringe. In addition to physical symptoms, watch for behavioral ones, like overly-energetic behavior and uncharacteristic risk-taking.

If that becomes too stressful, you can seek outside help, such as additional friends or family members, or the services of professional addiction services. Cocaine use disorders are measured on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe. The criteria are based on the negative impact that cocaine has on the user’s life, from consequences at work to strained interpersonal relationships. Cocaine abuse often causes immediate negative consequences, but some people who abuse cocaine are capable of quitting on their own.

If you or a loved one are struggling, there is always hope, and it’s never too late to start the path to recovery. Please call us at to learn more about your treatment options or to ask any questions you may have about rehab. When you’re wondering how to tell if someone is on cocaine, you’ll more than likely first consider their behavior. Then, consider the physical signs.There aretreatment optionsfor those who are addicted to cocaine, most of which involve dual diagnosis programs. If you believe someone close to you is using cocaine or is addicted to cocaine, consider talking to a medical or addiction specialists, because it can be dangerous or deadly. Certain items and equipment are also red flags for cocaine use or cocaine addiction.