Early Signs of Cocaine Use
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that is illegal in the United States. According to Drugs.com, the powder form of cocaine can be snorted up the nose or rubbed on areas of the skin like the gums or genitals 1. The powder can also be mixed with water and injected directly into the veins. Cocaine is a stimulant, which means it causes everything in the body to speed up, including the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Recognizing the early signs of cocaine use may lead to earlier intervention and recovery.
Physical Signs
Cocaine causes the pupils to dilate, or become larger. Normal pupil size ranges from 3 to 4 mm. The pupils of a cocaine user dilate to 6 to 8 mm, and the whites of the eyes become bloodshot, according to the National Institute on Chemical Dependency 2. Use of cocaine causes the mouth and nose to become dry. If the cocaine is snorted up the nose, a user may develop frequent nose bleeds from the drug irritating the nasal passages.
- Cocaine causes the pupils to dilate, or become larger.
- The pupils of a cocaine user dilate to 6 to 8 mm, and the whites of the eyes become bloodshot, according to the National Institute on Chemical Dependency 2.
Possession of Paraphernalia
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The National Institute on Chemical Dependency reports that a cocaine users may be in possession of certain paraphernalia used to prepare or ingest the drug 2. Items like small plastic, glass or metal straws, mirrors and razor blades can be used to snort cocaine. Small containers with white powder residue may be used to store the drug.
- The National Institute on Chemical Dependency reports that a cocaine users may be in possession of certain paraphernalia used to prepare or ingest the drug 2.
- Small containers with white powder residue may be used to store the drug.
Change In Eating Or Sleeping Habits
Drugs.com reports that loss of appetite is one side effect of cocaine use 1. A person using cocaine may begin to lose weight at an alarming rate. He may also develop unusual sleep habits. A cocaine user may experience less fatigue due to the stimulant effect of the drug. He may go for longer periods of time without sleeping or sleep at hours that are out of character for him.
- Drugs.com reports that loss of appetite is one side effect of cocaine use 1.
- A person using cocaine may begin to lose weight at an alarming rate.
Changes in Socialization
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People who use drugs want to socialize with people who also use drugs. Suddenly adopting a new social circle that is different from former social choices may be a sign of cocaine use. Also, abandoning past friendships or relationships in favor of the new social crowd may be indicative of cocaine use. Cocaine users may engage in excessive activity and may demonstrate difficulty sitting still due to the stimulant effect of the drug. They may be talkative but change topics quickly or engage in conversation that lacks coherence.
- People who use drugs want to socialize with people who also use drugs.
- Also, abandoning past friendships or relationships in favor of the new social crowd may be indicative of cocaine use.
Frequent Need for Money
Cocaine is an expensive drug. The National Institute on Chemical Dependency reports that the high cost of cocaine is often what makes users become dealers of the drug 2. A person using cocaine may start to sell or trade his possessions for money or drugs. If a user becomes desperate, he may steal money or possessions to sell.
- Cocaine is an expensive drug.
- If a user becomes desperate, he may steal money or possessions to sell.
Related Articles
References
- Drugs.com: Cocaine Abuse Care Guide
- National Institute On Chemical Dependency: Signs And Symptoms Of Drug Abuse
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. What is cocaine?. Updated July 2018.
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- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Cocaine. Research Report Series. Why are cocaine users at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS and hepatitis? Updated May 2016.
- Middleton RM, Kirkpatrick MB. Clinical Use of Cocaine. Drug-Safety. 1993;9:212-217. doi:10.2165/00002018-199309030-00006
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- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Cocaine. 2020.
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- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2018.
- Wong GTC, Irwin MG. Poisoning with illicit substances: toxicology for the anaesthetist. Anaesthesia. 2013;68:117-124. doi:10.1111/anae.12053
- Hadland SE, Levy S. Objective Testing: Urine and Other Drug Tests. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2016;25(3):549-565. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2016.02.005
- Sinha R. The clinical neurobiology of drug craving. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2013;23(4):649-654. doi:10.1016/j.conb.2013.05.001
- Liu Y, Ball JD, Elliott AL, Jacobs-Elliott M, Nicolette G. Diagnostic sequence of cocaine use disorder in relation to other mental health conditions among college students. J Am Coll Health. 2019:1-4. doi:10.1080/07448481.2019.1583657
- Kampman KM. The treatment of cocaine use disorder. Science Adv. 2019;5(10). doi:10.1126/sciadv.aax1532
- American Society of Addiction Medicine. The Definition of Addiction (Long Version). 15 August 2011.
Writer Bio
Cynthia Bateman is a student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she is pursuing her Master of Arts in English with an emphasis in composition pedagogy. She has most recently been published in the literary journal, "River Bluff Review." She is also a registered professional nurse.