There is no definitive way to spot if someone you know
has an addiction to cocaine, but if you suspect that this
may be the case, then there are some signs that you
should be looking out for. Some are easier to spot than
others.
If the individual in question seems to be getting a lot of
nosebleeds, and this was never the case previously, then
this should be a cause for concern. Nosebleeds are one
of the classic signs that a person is using large amounts
of cocaine on a regular basis, as the drug will begin to
damage or even destroy the lining of the nasal passages.
A runny or blocked nose can also occur with regular use
of cocaine, and may actually present as symptoms
before the nosebleeds begin.
The person in question may be undergoing a dramatic
change in personality, losing interest in people that they
would previously have seen on a regular basis, and
giving up on activities that they used to enjoy. Cocaine
has become the most important thing in the life of the
addict, replacing everything else.
A common feature of people addicted to cocaine, and
sometimes other drugs as well, is that they will stop
going to work, school or college, and may end up losing
their job if the situation becomes too bad. Linked to this
may be financial problems, which are bound to become
worse if they do lose their job. An addict will think nothing
of spending all the money they have to obtain more
cocaine, which may not be immediately obvious.
However, if you notice that they are looking to borrow
money or sell their possessions, then this should be a
very big cause for concern.
Changes in mood can also be a sign of cocaine use and
addiction. When cocaine has been taken recently, a
person will tend to be extremely happy and talkative,
chatting regardless of whether anybody is paying
attention or not. This is known as a cocaine high, and
can last anywhere between fifteen and thirty minutes.
Once the feeling of being high has worn off, the cocaine
user will feel short of energy, possibly depressed, and a
lack of mental clarity may set in. The only way to prevent
this from happening is to take some more cocaine, and it
will be apparent that this is the case if the person
disappears to find some privacy. If cocaine has been
used over a long period of time, in large amounts, then it
is likely that the person will sleep excessively for several
days.
If excessive amounts of cocaine have been used over an
extended period of time, then it is possible that paranoia
can begin to set in. Sometimes, panic attacks can occur,
with symptoms of chest pains and heavy sweating. A
normal social setting may also cause feelings of anxiety.
Another sign that may indicate a drug addiction, whether
cocaine or something else, is if the person has largely
replaced all of their friends with new people that you
have not met before. This is because a drug addict will
begin to spend time with other drug addicts, who will not
ask questions or try to prevent drugs from being used.
When a friend begins to take drugs and forms an
addiction, this is always going to be a difficult situation.
If cocaine is used for a long period of time, then you will
start to notice physical differences in the person. One of
the most obvious will be weight loss. Cocaine reduces
the appetite dramatically, so as the drug use increases,
the amount of food being eaten will drop rapidly. Weight
loss is a classic symptom of cocaine use and abuse.