About Cocaine

Derived from the coca plant of South America, cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that continues to ravage the lives of countless people all around the world. As the term “stimulant” would suggest, it is known for its ability to heighten feelings of attention, energy, and alertness in the user. Although occasionally used in medical settings as a form of anesthesia, illicit forms of the drug continue to highlight the very real dangers that a dependency can result in. Read on to learn more about the risks, as well as cocaine addiction treatment options available at Legacy Healing Center Fort Lauderdale.

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Effects of Cocaine

Cocaine Abuse Symptoms

There are a number of ways to indicate that someone is abusing cocaine, some of which can affect the person’s physical well-being, while others may be more behavioral or emotional in nature.

Physical cues include:

• – A chronically runny nose
• – Bloodshot eyes with dilated pupils
• – Severe weight loss 
• – Nausea and vomiting

One of the symptoms listed above, severe weight loss, can be attributed to the common habit of skipping meals that many people addicted to cocaine exhibit. The drug has been known to produce appetite-suppressing qualities, while the phenomenon of weight gain upon ceasing use often resorts in those people relapsing out of fear.

Cocaine can also cause people to behave drastically differently from how they usually do. Examples of this include:

• – Noticeable mood swings
• – Aggressive or violent behavior
• – Relationship changes
• – Sped-up, excited speech patterns
• – Neglect of one’s physical appearance
• – Memory loss

It is also worth keeping an eye out for paraphernalia that is used to take cocaine. An obvious example would be any residual powder that may be left on the nose of a user. Additionally, items like razor blades, straws, pipes, and small mirrors could be evidence that a person is struggling with an addiction. If you find yourself in a situation where a loved one may be abusing this drug, Legacy offers cocaine addiction treatment that can help them turn their life around.