Cocaine is an extremely alluring and addictive substance. It can completely take over the body and mind, and change the way the abuser acts in their day to day life. If you believe someone close to you may be abusing Cocaine, there are signs to watch out for that could possibly be a side effect of the drug.

Cocaine is an extremely powerful stimulant. It boosts feelings of happiness, energy, excitement, and confidence. If used often, it can make the user feel invincible – like anything is possible. However, soon after the drug wears off, the user will experience an incredible mood swing. The user will “crash” and experience immense feelings of sadness, tiredness, and mood swings. Becoming easily agitated and moody during these crashes is a common side effect of the comedown from the drug.

The following side effects are commonly associated with cocaine abuse, and should be noted if you believe someone you love may be suffering with an addiction to cocaine.

Bloodshot Eyes

Snorting cocaine can wreak havoc on the sinus cavities and the eyes. Often, abusing cocaine causes a person to stay up extremely late into the night and even through the night to the morning. Due to this, users of cocaine often have bloodshot eyes.

Erratic Sleep Patterns

Binging on cocaine can create off-schedule sleep patterns. If you have noticed that someone is staying up extremely late or sleeping in, they may be abusing the drug.

Pulling the Disappearing Act Often

In order to use the substance while out in public, it is common for a person to continuously seek privacy. Pulling the “disappearing act” while out, normally by excusing themselves to the restroom more often than normal, is a common sign that a person is using cocaine.

Extreme Anxiety and Nervousness

Cocaine is an extremely strong stimulant. Even after using the drug in excess one single time, users can experience extreme anxiety, nervousness, and restlessness days after coming down off of the drug.

Mood Swings

One of the biggest side effects of cocaine use includes incredible swings in mood during and after use. Cocaine stimulates the brain, causing feelings of elation, and soon after crashing into hopelessness and depression. They are rarely in a healthy or “normal” state of mind. Often, these swings in mood are described as a “manic” type of behavior.

Additional Signs

Other physical signs of cocaine may include the following:

• Dilated pupils

• Runny nose

• Nosebleeds

• Lack of looking after health and appearance

• Extreme fatigue

Other mental signs of cocaine may include the following:

• Overconfidence

• Euphoria

• Unusual excitement

• Paranoia

• Aggressiveness

• Poor judgment

• Hallucinations

• Delusions

Cocaine is a dangerous substance that quickly becomes addictive. It can affect a person’s mood, motivation, and energy. Cocaine abuse can increase the risk of psychiatric disorders, disease, and death. Some of the most serious effects of cocaine abuse are inflammation of the heart muscle, cardiac arrhythmias, and an increased risk of heart attack.

If you believe someone close to you may be suffering with an addiction to cocaine, the counselors with Destination Hope can walk you through treatment options. Learn more by calling us at 866-756-HOPE (4673) today.

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