How can you recognise when a loved one is caught in the thrall of cocaine addiction? The highest rate of cocaine addiction worldwide is in young adults aged between eighteen and twenty five.
It is notoriously difficult to get an accurate count of course, but most estimates place more than half a million cocaine addicts in the USA alone.
How can you tell if someone you care about is in the grip of this highly dangerous drug? The symptoms of cocaine addiction usually fall into two broad categories - the physical signs, and the social and emotional side effects.
If you know someone who is exhibiting a range of these symptoms they may be throwing their life away on a cocaine addiction - give us a call today for free help and advice in confronting the addict and encouraging them to seek professional help.
Cocaine is a stimulant, which means that the immediate physical effects after intake can include fast breathing, bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, increased body temperature, sudden chills, physical tremours or shakes and generally hyperactive behaviour.
Blood pressure often rises as the drug causes the coronary arteries to constrict which affects normal blood flow.
This diminished oxygenated blood supply to the heart can cause convulsions and even heart attacks.
Longer term there are additional physical symptoms to watch out for.
A constantly running nose and/or nosebleeds are a well-known side effect of the "snorting" method of taking cocaine.
Appetite often deceases which causes weight loss, and the body's immune system also starts to shut down which leads to an increased vulnerability to colds, flu and other such illnesses.
The behavioural symptoms of cocaine addiction can be just as, if not more, visible to a caring friend or partner.
The most commonly witnessed behaviour - and often the one which triggers initial suspicion of a problem - is periods of incredibly high energy followed by prolonged and excessive sleeping.
Addicts tend to lose interest in normal activities, even those which once might have been their favourite hobbies and pastimes, and become withdrawn and depressed.
More erratic actions such as bouts of overly speedy talkativeness and irritability are also common.
This can give rise to additional psychological issues leading to paranoia, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
Isolation is also very common amongst addicts of all types, including those addicted to cocaine.
The addict will be inclined to distance themselves from interaction with their family, friends and normal social circles.
Holding down employment becomes difficult thanks to the combination of increased physical strain, causing absences, and the breakdown of relationships.
Even gainfully employed addicts can fall into habits of stealing money or pilfering items of value in order to feed their expensive habit.
This behaviour is normally first exhibited against family and close friends but can rapidly degenerate into more extreme criminal behaviour if not addressed with dispatch.
If you recognise any of these symptoms in the behaviour of someone you care about, it may be time to contact an intervention specialist or start looking into ways to help the addict into cocaine rehab to address their problem.
It is notoriously difficult to get an accurate count of course, but most estimates place more than half a million cocaine addicts in the USA alone.
How can you tell if someone you care about is in the grip of this highly dangerous drug? The symptoms of cocaine addiction usually fall into two broad categories - the physical signs, and the social and emotional side effects.
If you know someone who is exhibiting a range of these symptoms they may be throwing their life away on a cocaine addiction - give us a call today for free help and advice in confronting the addict and encouraging them to seek professional help.
Cocaine is a stimulant, which means that the immediate physical effects after intake can include fast breathing, bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, increased body temperature, sudden chills, physical tremours or shakes and generally hyperactive behaviour.
Blood pressure often rises as the drug causes the coronary arteries to constrict which affects normal blood flow.
This diminished oxygenated blood supply to the heart can cause convulsions and even heart attacks.
Longer term there are additional physical symptoms to watch out for.
A constantly running nose and/or nosebleeds are a well-known side effect of the "snorting" method of taking cocaine.
Appetite often deceases which causes weight loss, and the body's immune system also starts to shut down which leads to an increased vulnerability to colds, flu and other such illnesses.
The behavioural symptoms of cocaine addiction can be just as, if not more, visible to a caring friend or partner.
The most commonly witnessed behaviour - and often the one which triggers initial suspicion of a problem - is periods of incredibly high energy followed by prolonged and excessive sleeping.
Addicts tend to lose interest in normal activities, even those which once might have been their favourite hobbies and pastimes, and become withdrawn and depressed.
More erratic actions such as bouts of overly speedy talkativeness and irritability are also common.
This can give rise to additional psychological issues leading to paranoia, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
Isolation is also very common amongst addicts of all types, including those addicted to cocaine.
The addict will be inclined to distance themselves from interaction with their family, friends and normal social circles.
Holding down employment becomes difficult thanks to the combination of increased physical strain, causing absences, and the breakdown of relationships.
Even gainfully employed addicts can fall into habits of stealing money or pilfering items of value in order to feed their expensive habit.
This behaviour is normally first exhibited against family and close friends but can rapidly degenerate into more extreme criminal behaviour if not addressed with dispatch.
If you recognise any of these symptoms in the behaviour of someone you care about, it may be time to contact an intervention specialist or start looking into ways to help the addict into cocaine rehab to address their problem.