How to Tell if Someone is Addicted to Cocaine
Becoming addicted to a drug is not something on anyone's "to do" list. In fact, no addict starts out even thinking they may become addicted to their drug of choice. However, there are distinct phases a person goes through leading up to and resulting in addiction. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health cocaine dependence and abuse ranks number 3 for people aged 12 and older behind marijuana and prescription drugs respectively. Given the high instance of drug addiction with cocaine use, it is important one be able to identify if someone is abusing the drug.
Although marijuana and pain relievers are the most popular drugs of first time initiates, cocaine is often introduced later as a party drug either in powder form or as crack and rapidly leads to addiction.
Signs of Cocaine Abuse
Each drug has it's own particular effect on the body and mind and cocaine is no different. The key signs of cocaine or crack use are:
- Glassy eyes
- Very, very large pupils (often hidden with sunglasses)
- Sores under the nose or nostrils appearing red and raw (if cocaine is snorted)
- Needle marks in the arms, behind the knees or ankles (if injected)
- The wearing of long sleeves even in hot weather to cover their arms
- Scabs on arms face or legs from picking (crack often gives one the feeling of insects crawling on or under skin)
- Dental problems and teeth that are in poor shape, weak or broken
- Sudden weight loss
Physical Mannerisms or Behavior of Cocaine Addicts
- Intense anxiety, erratic and restless behavior and often irritable
- Difficulty sitting still or relaxing, nervous or aggressive
- Scratching or picking at their arms, legs or face
- Long periods without sleep, late night binges or partying
- "Crashing" or sleeping for extended periods after being up for long periods of time
- Tends to have fast repeated motions (doing the same thing over and over for hours such as cleaning or fixing something)
- Lack of appetite, disinterest in food
- Rambling conversation, going on and on without regard for the subject
- Constantly sniffing despite lack of a cold or allergies
- Constantly licking lips and extremely thirsty
- Profuse sweating
- Sudden change in appetite or weight
Suspected Cocaine Use
If you suspect your teenager, friend or relative is abusing cocaine or some other drug or drugs, the first thing to realize is you are not alone. It is an unfortunate part of our modern fast-paced world that drug abuse, including prescription drug abuse, has grown to epidemic proportions according to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and that over 23 million Americans are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
It is also important to realize that our modern culture is tailor-made for someone to fall into the trap of addiction. As pressures in the modern world have increased, including economic, social and otherwise, so has drug addiction. Drugs and alcohol use are heavily promoted in the media, TV, radio and print advertising and even through doctors offices. There has never been an easier time in our society to obtain and use drugs or alcohol. Falling into the trap of addiction is not entirely an individual shortcoming but also a greater societal issue.
Despite the ready-made trap of drug addiction in this 21st century world, there are some well-grounded answers to addiction. Calling a Narconon Drug Rehabilitation Specialist is a correct first step. Narconon is a non-profit drug rehabilitation organization that is State certified and licensed. The Narconon program has 45 year history of successfully rehabilitating drug addicts of all types. The successful application of the Narconon program results in a success rate four times that of the international average.
What Narconon Does
If you suspect that a loved one or friend has a drug or alcohol problem the first proactive thing you can do is contact Narconon East U.S. at 877-237-3307. A specialist will answer your call and be able to answer any questions you have. The call is completely confidential and the information is free. Making the call is the first step toward recovery. Oftentimes the individual who is struggling with addiction does not have the confront, or desire to make the call. Drug addicts are notorious for the complete straight-faced admission they don't have a problem despite telling you this just after getting high or with drugs in hand. So it is not expected the addict will call, but instead a concerned family member or friend will have to reach out. That call may just save that person's life.
Once you talk to someone, you'll notice the weight you are carrying will lessen. This is because you now have someone who cares and who is an expert in drug abuse on your team. The Narconon Counselor will answer any questions that you have and ask you questions which will help you to get the person helped. There are 6 Narconon facilities in the eastern United States, and over 100 worldwide, so by calling Narconon East U.S. we can help refer you to the correct Narconon for you. In some cases it is best the Narconon drug rehabilitation center may not be in the person's own town but a distant location separate from the person's drug an alcohol connections.
No matter the seriousness of the issue, or even if you have general questions, it is better to have them answered, than not. Narconon staff are experienced with all forms of drug addiction, having rehabilitated thousands of addicts from the grips of drug abuse. Our phone lines are open as a public service to help you get the answers and assistance you need.
Call Narconon East U.S. today at 877-237-3307.