Cocaine addiction is all too prevalent across the nation today. Some people view it as a harmless party drug and do not realize the true dangers cocaine use can lead to. People seek out this illegal drug for recreational purposes, and those who use cocaine may experience a rush or sense of euphoria, while others may feel nervous or paranoid. After taking cocaine, there is usually a crash, in which a person may feel sad or even depressed for several days or longer.

This drug can not only cause serious health consequences, but it can also lead to complications like overdose and death. It can also be very addictive. That is why it is crucial, especially for parents and teachers, to be able to understand the dangers of cocaine and recognize the signs of cocaine use so that any individual who may be taking it can get the help that they need.

Understanding How Cocaine Is Used

Cocaine is usually sold in a small plastic bag as a white powder or what looks like small white rocks. There are multiple ways that it can be injected, but the primary method is intravenously or through inhalation. People often choose to snort cocaine because the nasal tissues absorb it, leading to more rapid effects. Other people rub cocaine into their gums.

Cocaine is a stimulant drug, meaning when someone uses cocaine, a neurotransmitter inside of their brain called dopamine is activated. Dopamine helps regulate things like pleasure and mood. This is why many people feel a surge of excitement when they use it.

When cocaine is used repeatedly over time, it can damage how the brain’s dopamine system works, making it hard for an individual to experience pleasure when they are not using the drug. This effect could be long-lasting.

The Dangers of Cocaine Use

There is no safe amount of cocaine, and it is possible to overdose after just one use. Some additional possible dangers associated with cocaine use include:

• Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
• Irregular heart rate
• Heart attacks
• Constricted blood vessels
• Bizarre, erratic, or dangerous behavior
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Stoke
• Neurological changes

Signs That Someone May Be Using Cocaine

Understanding the signs of individuals using cocaine can potentially help save lives. Individuals should look out for the following signs:

• Appearing restless, paranoid, or irritable
• Seeming to have more energy than usual
• Appearing sensitive to light or sound
• Exhibiting erratic behavior
• Eating less
• Changes in weight
• Dilated pupils
• Higher body temperature
• Mood swings
• Sneaking around
• Asking to borrow money
• Secrecy
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Failing to keep up with their hygiene

Signs of Cocaine Overdose

It is vital to be able to recognize the signs of cocaine overdose so that help can arrive promptly. Someone who has overdosed on cocaine may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Unresponsiveness
• Extreme agitation
• Hallucinations
• Heavy sweating
• High blood pressure
• Trouble breathing

If someone appears to be overdosing on cocaine, it is important to not wait for their symptoms to worsen before getting help. Instead, call 911 right away and do not leave the individual alone until paramedics arrive.

Individuals should do their best to keep the person breathing and awake. Placing them on their side so they do not choke in the event that they vomit is vital as well. Individuals must do their best to provide the 911 dispatcher or the paramedics with as much information as possible and be ready to answer the following questions:

• Did the individual take any other drugs besides cocaine?
• Approximately when was their last dosage?
• How did they ingest the drug?
• How many doses did they take?
• Was the individual drinking alcohol?
• Does the individual have any known allergies or health complications?

One’s ability to answer these questions may help the paramedics decide how they treat the individual and could even be the difference between life and death.

Confronting Someone About Their Cocaine Use

If an individual suspect’s someone they care about of using cocaine, it is critical that they approach them about it in an effective way. It is vital to have the conversation in a private area where they will be safe. Individuals should make it clear that they are coming from a place of love and concern and not out of judgment.

Loved ones should emphasize how dangerous their actions are and how concerned it is making them feel and encourage them to get the treatment that they need. Individuals may even consider providing them with the contact information for a local treatment facility to make it as easy as possible for them to follow through with it.

Cocaine is a dangerous, addictive stimulant that comes either as a white powder or as small white rocks. Cocaine affects something in the brain called dopamine which helps regulate pleasure. Thus, when someone uses cocaine, they often experience a sense of euphoria. Some of the most common signs that someone is using cocaine include withdrawing from loved ones, changes in weight, mood swings, dilated pupils, and erratic behavior. Someone who has overdosed on cocaine may be experiencing restlessness, hallucinations, or be unresponsive. If you suspect that someone you know is engaging in cocaine use, it is critical to confront them about it and encourage them to seek treatment as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder of any kind, our team at The Kimberly Center is here to help. Call (855) 452-3683 today to learn more.