Addiction is a psychological disorder that involves a person becoming too reliant on a substance. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug, which can lead to addiction after one use. If a friend or family member is addicted to cocaine, helping them get treatment is key.

Here is what to need to do if a loved one is addicted to cocaine.

How to Tell If Someone is Addicted to Cocaine

At first, it might not be easy to identify cocaine addiction. However, someone using cocaine usually exhibits signs that point to an addiction.

In the case of cocaine addiction, the signs may include:

• • Sudden mood swings, like rage, depression and elation.
  • Their speech is slightly impaired, too fast or the person goes from one topic to another.
  • They’ve lost interest in hobbies, and in some cases, eating and sleeping.
  • Their pupils are dilated to the point they are almost black.
  • They are more energetic than usual.
    These are the most common

signs of cocaine addiction

• • . According to AION, “..cocaine has short-term effects, like muscle twitching, dizziness, panic attacks, headaches and fevers.” Cocaine can also cause life-threatening issues such as strokes, heart attacks and seizures. Contact 911 immediately if a loved one starts exhibiting one of these.

Behaviors Associated With Cocaine Addiction

Signs and symptoms aside, there are also behavioral changes to be aware of. For example, a common behavior many addicted individuals share is spending important funds on the substance. This can include rent money, bill money and even loan money. Another noticeable behavior to keep an eye out for is neglecting work, school and even their loved ones.

When someone is struggling with an addiction, they will do and say anything to indulge the impulse. This means they can avoid loved ones and skip out on important tasks. In some cases, an addicted individual may hang around people who condone and participate in this behavior. Getting them away from these people is the first step to helping them recover.

Depending on the person, there are also subtle clues that the addict may leave behind. Try to look for things that they could use to “organize” the cocaine with, like tiny spoons or razor blades. Even rolled-up dollar bills fall into this category.

Treatment Options

In order for a loved one to receive treatment, they must first be willing to admit they have a problem. That’s always the first step of recovery; acceptance. Once they have, you should encourage them to start exploring treatment facilities in the area.

There are three types of treatment facilities:

• • • • Executive – Executive facilities are usually reserved for people who are employed. It allows them to essentially go through rehabilitation while giving them the opportunity to work.
      • Luxury – Luxury facilities are residential and aim to make the rehabilitation as comfortable as possible by offering amenities.
      • Standard – Standard facilities are not as luxurious as executive or luxury facilities. However, they do offer everyone in-patient or out-patient rehab at a lower price, which makes them more economical.

The preferred rehabs depend on many things, medical needs and personal choice. In fact, having the ability to choose their rehab is the first step of regaining control in a time where everything might seem out of control.

Cocaine addiction doesn’t need to ruin your life. You can recover and rebuild relationships with loved ones. The first step is asking for help.