Signs of Cocaine Use

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 1.1 million people tried cocaine in 2001, and use has continued to increase since then. In fact cocaine addiction is so widespread that researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are working on a vaccine to help addicts kick the habit. With drug experimentation and addiction so prevalent, chances are you know of someone who has dealt with the uphill struggle of addiction. If you have suspicions that someone you care for is using cocaine it is important to look closely at the warning signs, which may be financial as well as mental and physical.

Financial Signs

Cocaine is very expensive. The price for one kilogram of cocaine can range from $12,000 to $35,000. Most often cocaine is sold by the gram, which cuts down the price for the average user. Many cocaine addicts spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a week on their habit. For this reason most cocaine users are seen to have constant money problems, frequently asking family and friends for financial help, and often end up stealing. It is also seen that most users start to have problems with job performance, and subsequently suffer from a job loss, putting them further into debt because of their habit.

Mental Signs

Long-term use of cocaine causes many symptoms that affect the user's mental health. Because cocaine alters the way that the brain functions, long-term mental side effects can include paranoia, depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, confusion and hallucinations.

Physical Signs

Cocaine is a very powerful stimulant and will cause many physical side effects. Physical signs of cocaine use include bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, runny nose, decreased appetite, insomnia, increased blood pressure, increased temperature, frequent sniffing, nose bleeds, increased energy, and changes in motor activity such as tremors.