Have you noticed that your loved one has started to behave abnormally? Maybe they are being more distant emotionally and hanging out with new friends that you don’t have a good feeling about. As a result, you may suspect drug use but are unsure what to look for.
While looking for signs of cocaine abuse in a loved one is a difficult emotional reality, it can help with early intervention and recovery. Beyond the obvious runny nose and white powder around the nostrils, there are some tell-tale signs of possible cocaine abuse that you can watch for.
Changes in their sleep patterns
You may notice that your loved one is getting less and less sleep. Their pupils may be dilated, and they may be very restless for the better part of 24 hours.
Without adequate sleep, the brain and body cannot function properly whether there is drug usage or not. In addition, this change in sleep patterns can lead to other behaviors that are out of character for them and physical issues that are hard to correct.
If you are concerned that your teenager may be struggling with cocaine abuse, a change in their sleep patterns and moods might be your first sign to watch for.
Risky behavior
With cocaine abuse, the user’s judgment gets very clouded. This often leads them to lie to their friends and family to cover up their risky behavior. As a result, you may notice there is more secrecy about their lives.
Drug users may engage in other illegal behavior to supply themselves with the drugs. Therefore your loved one may find themself with legal issues as a result, which could result in time spent in prison.
Mood swings and paranoia
Cocaine users can have extreme mood swings, being very confident and highly energetic and suddenly crashing into paranoia, despair, and irritability. These mood swings are something to investigate if this is new behavior for your loved one.
Loss of interest in activities
Prolonged usage of cocaine can have very damaging effects on the brain and the body. In addition, a user can become very sensitive to stress which often leads to more drug use, and the problem perpetuates itself. So, it is best to intervene as soon as possible.
Sometimes these damaging effects can present as a lack of desire to do activities they normally like. If you notice your loved one no longer has an interest in the activities they loved to do, you may want to inquire as to what has changed for them.
Sudden financial problems
Cocaine is an expensive habit, and many abusers have serious financial problems. In addition, their lack of sleep may lead to missed or late work, resulting in job loss or needing to borrow money repeatedly.
Lack of hygiene and care of the body
You may notice their appearance becomes untidy, they lose appetite, which results in unnatural weight loss, and generally, their hygiene has changed. This lack of self-care also results in chronic pain and inflammation.
Wrap up
A single one of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily indicate cocaine abuse. However, suppose you notice multiple symptoms and have suspicions of drug usage. In that case, you should try to get help to determine whether there is an issue.