Cocaine works by giving you a high that makes you feel on top of the world. But that euphoria comes at a cost—the destruction of cells in the brain’s pleasure center.
We mention that because determining if you are addicted to coke is, in some ways, more difficult than with other drugs like alcohol, painkillers or heroin. That’s because you won’t have physical withdrawal symptoms if you stop doing coke. No shaky hands, nausea or abdominal cramping.
But what you will feel is payback for the way cocaine has changed your brain. Habitual users of the drug also increase the risk of overdoses, heart attacks and mental health problems such as paranoia and panic attacks.
Occasional use of cocaine is risky, illegal and potentially life-threatening, but it’s not the same thing as being addicted—although it can easily creep into that territory. To know the difference, ask yourself the following questions.
7 Coke Addiction Symptoms
- Am I anxious or depressed more often than before using cocaine.
- Do I plan my day around my cocaine use?
- Have I lost interest in my old hobbies and friends who don’t use
- Do I ever lie or steal to get cocaine? Do I consistently ask for money for cocaine, knowing that I don’t have the ability to repay it?
- Do I make bad decisions while under the influence of coke?
- Do I experience fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety or depression when I stop using cocaine?
- Have I tried to stop using and failed?
Being honest with yourself is the only way to stop the train you’re on. The longer you use cocaine, the more you’re damaging your physical and mental health. If these cocaine abuse symptoms describe you, then it’s time to make a change.
Hope at The Raleigh House
At the Raleigh House, we don’t treat someone recovering from cocaine the same way we treat someone recovering from heroin. What’s more, we don’t treat two people recovering from cocaine the same way. Instead, your treatment program is personalized for you.
Everyone is unique and the right solution for someone else isn’t necessarily the best way for you. But there is one thing we offer every single person who walks through our doors—hope for a new and better life. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about the cocaine addiction treatment program at The Raleigh House.
