The euphoria associated with the short-term effects of cocaine comes with long-term costs for habitual users. This powerful stimulant has anesthetic effects and addictive properties that hold addicts in thrall even after the devastating effects of cocaine abuse have caused grave problems in their lives. Crack cocaine is a cheaper, smokable form of the drug. It has caused devastation in low-income communities where addiction has run rampant. Knowing the signs of cocaine or crack use can help those who are concerned about a loved one's possible addiction.
Changes in Behavior
Cocaine can make users more talkative, nervous and agitated and reduce their need for sleep, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Canada. Prolonged use of high doses can cause symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and paranoia. Panic attacks and erratic behavior can occur. The rapid delivery of the drug experienced by crack smokers can intensify these effects. Changes in academic or career performance, loss of interest in social activities or hobbies and overall personality changes can all accompany cocaine addiction.
The need to support an expensive drug habit may cause some users to resort to criminal activity, and cocaine use has been linked to poor judgment and risk-taking behaviors.
Physical Deterioration
Cocaine intoxication can result in bloodshot eyes and a persistently runny nose, according to the University of California-Santa Cruz Student Health Center. Crack cocaine smoking is often associated with burns on the fingertips and other body parts and singed eyelashes and brows.
Intravenous cocaine users can have injection wounds that increase the risk of serious systemic infections. Over a longer term, the strong stimulant properties of cocaine and crack cocaine can result in lost appetite, weight loss and malnutrition.
A physical condition known as "crack lung" has been reported in some cocaine smokers. This potentially fatal disorder manifests as chest pains, difficulty breathing and elevated body temperature.
Environmental Clues
Careful observation may reveal telltale remnants of crack or cocaine addiction in a person's living environment. Cocaine itself is a crystalline white powder, while crack cocaine resembles larger crystalline rocks. Paraphernalia associated with the use of these drugs includes rolled up dollar bills and white residue on flat surfaces such as mirrors and razor blades. Crack smokers typically use a pipe. Intravenous use may be revealed by the presence of metal spoons with black lighter residue on the bottom, bits of wet cotton or, more obviously, needles.
