Signs of Cocaine Addiction: What To Look Out For

Often glorified in movies and television, cocaine is a drug that is used by millions of Americans who may not understand its full potential danger. It’s highly addictive, with dependencies forming easier than one might anticipate. Cocaine addiction is a serious condition that requires intervention and commitment to getting better in order to overcome it.

If you or a loved one are struggling with cocaine addiction, finding professional treatment can help you through recovery. It can be difficult to ask for help, so having others recognize the signs of cocaine addiction can kick start the road to recovery.

Reaching out to your loved ones about problems they might be struggling with can be intimidating, but in the end, it is always worth it.

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant that causes a person to feel alert and euphoric feelings. Cocaine is a white powdery substance that is often snorted, but it can be injected and swallowed as well.

There is also crack cocaine, which comes in rock form and is typically smoked. Regardless of how you ingest it, it can leave you feeling high for anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours at a time. This is just one reason why addiction to it is so prevalent – people use it frequently because the high wears off “too fast.”

Side Effects of Cocaine

When someone is using cocaine, many side effects can occur. The most prominent of these include alertness and euphoria. Others include:

  • Overconfidence
  • Paranoia or confusion
  • Runny nose or sniffles
  • Irritability
  • Anger and aggression
  • Dilated pupils
  • Insomnia or long periods of being awake
  • Increased heart rate

Signs of Overdose

Someone might have used too much cocaine if you notice the following symptoms:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Panicking and anxiety
  • Chest pains and trouble breathing
  • Tremors, shaking, confusion

What Are Signs of Cocaine Addiction?

Some people who abuse and misuse cocaine don’t develop into a full-blown addiction. Sometimes, there are immediate adverse consequences as a result.

Not everyone will develop a cocaine addiction. However, it can be very difficult for those who do develop an addiction to stop using cocaine.

Physical Changes

A person experiencing cocaine addiction might suffer from severe headaches and frequent bloody noses. They also might not be sleeping, further contributing to these symptoms. People who develop an addiction to cocaine might stop caring about their hygiene, like showering regularly or brushing their teeth daily.

You might notice rapid weight loss or an overall look of exhaustion, especially in moments of comedowns and periods without using. When a person is using, you might also notice erratic movements, wide eyes, and an overall sense of unpredictability.

Mental and Emotional Decline

When you struggle with cocaine addiction, you become dependent on that drug to keep you afloat. It can feel like you simply won’t be able to exist without it, but in reality, it’s causing you to wither away. Cocaine addictions can cause severe depression and anxiety to occur as well as intense mood swings.

When actively using, you might also suffer from delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia, especially in large amounts. Cocaine has a severe toll on your mental and emotional health because it becomes all-consuming. You rely on cocaine to do what dopamine should be able to do for you. If you already struggle with mental health, using cocaine could be detrimental.

Changes in Behavior

When someone uses cocaine, their behavior is almost the easiest to acknowledge. If you suspect that your loved one is using cocaine, you might notice a few signs first. A person might begin sneaking around behind your back more, not having direct answers to support decisions or actions, and lying more frequently.

If you notice that someone is becoming more secretive and uneasy during basic conversations, they might be trying to hide drug use from you. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but if you suspect that cocaine use might be happening, these are things to look out for.

People may also develop financial issues because they have to keep up with their addiction. It’s a fast-acting drug, so multiple uses throughout the day to keep the high going is not uncommon. While these are all things that someone might try to deal with on the back burner and not directly ask for help with, they are still signs that you could pick up on and assist with.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use?

Someone who uses cocaine once probably isn’t subject to major long-term side effects. You might experience an uncomfortable come down after using, which may increase your anxiety and any depressive thoughts. You might feel run down the next day as well.

Long-term users might experience:

  • Consistent nosebleeds and the loss of smell
  • Respiratory infections
  • Asthma
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Heart-related issues, like heart attacks and arrhythmia
  • Gastrointestinal issues, including perforation of the stomach and intestines
  • Kidney problems
  • Easier time contracting blood-borne diseases, like HIV and Hepatitis C

Impact on Loved Ones

Cocaine addiction can seriously impact the relationships around you, which means it’s not just you that is affected by it. You might begin to pull away from your close friends and family members, lie and hide things from them, and potentially even use them for finances to help continue the addiction.

Many might notice that you are struggling but not be sure how to come to you about getting help. Entering a treatment facility like Soba Recovery Centers can allow for a safe place for you to deal with your addiction, surrounded by people who understand your struggles and want to help you.

Getting Help With Soba Recovery Centers

Treatment for one person may look different than your own treatment plan, but at Soba Recovery Centers, the goal is to craft an individual recovery plan that you can find success in. The three main kinds of treatment you can get are detoxification, inpatient, and outpatient.

Choosing to undergo a detox from the drug can help you begin recovery. While you can attempt to do this independently, you may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms and might relapse. When at a detoxification treatment, you are supervised and cared for to keep you safe. Once you complete your detox, you may be urged to participate in inpatient services.

Inpatient is when you stay in the treatment facility with medically trained staff and participate in therapy sessions, both individual and group, and recreational activities like yoga and meditation. This can last for a few weeks or several months, depending on how severe the addiction is.

Transitioning out of inpatient might seem scary, but with outpatient services, you can continue going to therapy and participating in activities at the facility while gaining your independence back. You might be able to start back up at your job while you continue to work towards your recovery.

Call a Soba representative today if this is something that you believe could help you or your loved one. Addiction is nothing you should be ashamed about, so let’s get you the help you deserve.

Sources:

What is Cocaine? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

What Are The Short-Term Effects Of Cocaine Use? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Adverse health consequences of cocaine abuse. | PMC

Meth Addiction: Long Term Effects and How To Fight It

Meth (methamphetamine) is a drug that you only need to take once before risking an addiction.

It’s a highly addictive stimulant that produces a rush of dopamine that is not easy to obtain otherwise. Your brain cannot produce that much dopamine at once — after you use meth just one time, you can never achieve that rush again without it. This leads to cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and ultimately a methamphetamine addiction.

For this exact reason, millions of people suffer from a crystal meth addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, seek professional assistance immediately. It can be difficult to make that first step of asking for help, but you ensure that your future will look a lot brighter as you enter recovery.

The long-term effects of meth are extremely detrimental and cause both physical, mental, and social issues as you continue to use. Early intervention through inpatient and outpatient services can get you on the right path.

What Is Meth?

Meth, or methamphetamine, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that sends waves of dopamine to your brain. It was once prescribed throughout the United States to help with weight loss and as a decongestant, but in the 1970s, it was labeled a schedule II controlled substance.

Now, only one form of methamphetamine is prescribed in pharmacies today, and it helps treat severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity.

The two most common forms of methamphetamines misused today are crystal meth and meth. Though chemically, they are made up of the same thing, they look different and are ingested slightly differently.

Crystal meth is a clear or light blue color coarse crystal that is typically used by smoking it. Meth is a powder that is usually white (sometimes pink, yellow, or brown) and used by smoking, snorting, or injecting the drug. Sometimes meth is cut with other drugs, which can make it even more dangerous.

What Does Meth Addiction Look Like?

Meth addiction can look like a lot of things to different people. No two people will have the same exact story, but you might find through therapy and meetings that many people share similar struggles. If you suspect that someone you love is struggling with meth abuse, it’s important to talk to them and encourage them to seek help.

If someone is using meth, they might become distant and stand-offish. They might become easily irritated or seem a bit paranoid about their surroundings. Someone who is using might sweat a lot more than usual and have dilated eyes. All of these are potential indicators of meth use.

What Are the Long Term Effects of Meth Addiction?

Meth addiction is not easy to overcome. Once you use the drug once, you could become trapped in the neverending cycle of finding your next dopamine rush through drug use. Short-term side effects of meth addiction include nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, dizziness, abnormal heart rate, high blood pressure, and tremors.

These short-term effects usually last for days at a time because a person might use meth for many days before giving it a break. It can be difficult to stop using once you start because you don’t want the high to disappear. Unfortunately, this leads to long-term effects that can be detrimental to your life.

On Your Brain

As soon as you begin using meth or crystal meth, your brain starts to change and morph to fit the feelings of the high. Continuous use further damages the brain and can trigger health-related issues. It negatively impacts the microglia, which supports brain health and protects the brain against infectious agents.

People who use meth for a long time might experience issues with concentrating and memory, daily functioning, and impulse control. Some people even experience paranoia and detachment that can put them into psychosis.

There are lasting effects on the brain, and these will stick around as long as you continue to use. Your brain can better repair itself when you aren’t using meth.

On Your Body

Not only does meth mess with your brain, but it also has negative impacts on your physical health long into the future. Many people who use meth experience a loss of appetite, which can lead to extreme weight loss. Skin sores and scabs can form on a person’s skin, easily attracting infections and bacteria when not treated properly.

People who use meth, especially those who smoke it, also experience severe dental issues. You might experience your teeth decaying, falling out, or developing gum disease. Over time, with meth use, you also risk organ failure.

On Your Relationships

When you use meth, you put intense stress on your personal and interpersonal relationships. You might struggle with yourself and your mental health — experiencing severe depression, anxiety, and mood swings. You might take less care of yourself, not participate in proper hygiene, or sleep poorly.

You might also withdraw from the people you love because the addiction is becoming shameful and out of control. If you find that you or a loved one are prioritizing a drug over the people that care, it’s time to seek out professional help.

Get Help With Soba Recovery

Meth addiction is a tough illness to suffer from. It takes a lot to seek out help, but getting treatment can help ensure that you are once again able to truly enjoy your life. There is so much more out there than a drug, and while it’s up to you to choose to seek those things out, we at Soba Recovery Centers are here to support you through your recovery.

Everyone deserves a chance at happiness, and you are no different! Meth addiction recovery requires a specific treatment plan catered to your needs. There are three treatment options that Soba Recovery Centers can help you with.

Detoxification

The first step to meth addiction recovery is undergoing a detoxification program. At Soba, we can help you undergo the detox stage to complete it safely. Detoxification means withdrawal, and your body will reject the idea of not using more meth. Our 24/7, around-the-clock staff is there to make sure the transition goes as smoothly as possible. At Soba, you are in good hands.

Inpatient

Once you complete the detoxification process, you will be feeling all sorts of things, both mentally and physically. By staying in a residential inpatient program, you have access to trained therapists that can help you unpack your addiction and other issues.

Being surrounded by people who are there to watch you succeed can be instrumental in your recovery process. You’ll attend individual therapy and group therapy — where you’ll meet others who share many of the same struggles. You’ll find the kind of community you never thought possible!

Outpatient

Once you’ve stayed inpatient, you aren’t just left alone to navigate the world outside. With outpatient services, you still attend group meetings and therapy sessions to work on your sobriety and recovery.

Holding yourself accountable and having a place to go where you can be safe will help you throughout your recovery. Your recovery is all about your individual treatment plan, and we can help you with that.

So what are you waiting for? Call a representative today and learn more about how Soba can help you or your loved one choose a life of happiness, health, and recovery from meth addiction.

Sources:

Methamphetamine DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse | NIDA

Know the Risks of Meth | SAMHSA

What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine misuse? | National Institute on Drug Abuse | NIDA

Klonopin Addiction: Treatment Steps

Knowing when you have reached a problem with Klonopin drug use can be difficult. Some of the reasons that Klonopin is prescribed, like anxiety and panic attacks, can also surface in the withdrawal stage. Getting treatment for a Klonopin addiction is not always easy. It does require multiple steps and trying different methods to guide you through. Not everyone needs the same kind of treatment, so it’s about what works best for you or your loved one.

Most people struggling with a Klonopin addiction need to undergo supervised detoxification, followed by inpatient or outpatient therapy services.

If you can get through these steps with plenty of support behind you and a dedication to getting better, you can create a happier and healthier life.

What Is Klonopin (Clonazepam)?

Klonopin is the name brand for the drug Clonazepam. Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine that stays in your system for a long time and eases your issues by working as a central nervous system depressant and slowing the brain.

Benzodiazepines help release the GABA neurotransmitter, which is supposed to be created during times of stress. When you struggle with anxiety, seizures, and mood disorders, your body doesn’t release enough GABA, so Klonopin can help increase this production and calm you down.

So, while it can be helpful to those who are in serious need of assistance due to their health issues, Klonopin is a drug that can easily become addictive and difficult to wean yourself off of. The sedation and relaxation that it puts a body through can become appealing and comforting to someone once they’ve become dependent on it.

What Are the Uses for Klonopin?

Klonopin is prescribed to treat patients who suffer from anxiety disorders, panic attacks, epilepsy, seizure disorders, and mood disorders.

With an increase in understanding how to treat different mood disorders, depression, and anxiety, the use of drugs like Klonopin are more prevalent. Though they are prescribed more frequently, it doesn’t mean that it can’t become a dangerous drug to use.

What Are the Side Effects of Klonopin?

If you begin to misuse your Klonopin, there are a variety of side effects that might arise. People that develop a Klonopin addiction may start by upping their dosage and taking more than is prescribed.

Soon it’s hard to achieve the same feelings on the regular dose, so more is needed. Side effects that come from this kind of misuse and overuse are:

  • Trouble breathing
  • A loss of appetite
  • Paranoia
  • Tremors
  • Loss of memory
  • Blurry vision
  • Extreme anxiety
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Extreme sleepiness and fatigue
  • Slowed reaction times
  • Overdose

Who Is at Risk for Klonopin Addiction?

People who receive a prescription for Klonopin are the ones that have the highest risk of developing an addiction.

People with a Klonopin prescription who begin adding to their doses without consulting a doctor can experience extreme feelings of euphoria while taking it, which they then begin to crave.

What Are the Signs of Addiction to Klonopin?

If you begin to misuse Klonopin, you will end up with permanent changes in your brain structure that leads to addiction. Your body will be able to handle the small dosages that you are prescribed, and may eventually require higher doses to feel the drug’s effects.

While withdrawal and overdose symptoms are signs of addiction to Klonopin, which we will get into, some others to look out for are:

  • Inability to maintain the responsibilities in one’s life
  • Running out of Klonopin before the refill is due
  • Being unable to lower the dosage
  • Buying clonazepam on the streets
  • Stealing other people’s Klonopin
  • Seeking other benzodiazepines to use when there is no access to Klonopin
  • Avoiding situations where Klonopin won’t be able to be used

If you notice that you or a loved one is beginning to struggle more with their drug use, is avoiding spending time with their friends and family, and has been acting out, contact a medical professional immediately to learn about treatment options.

Overdose Symptoms

Klonopin is a long-acting drug, and though you can overdose from any benzodiazepine, there are other complications to consider with Klonopin. If you’re taking too high of doses or are taking Klonopin frequently, you could create a build up of the drug in your system that could lead to an accidental overdose.

People who use Klonopin also risk overdosing if they mix Klonopin with other substances, like alcohol or opioids. Some signs that someone is undergoing an overdose related to Klonopin are:

  • Bluish lips or fingertips
  • Unbalanced
  • Unconsciousness
  • Sedation
  • Lack of coordination
  • Clammy and sweaty skin

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, they need medical help immediately. Medical professionals might be able to administer romazicon, which reverses the effects of clonazepam overdose.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Someone who is experiencing withdrawal from Klonopin will be undergoing a world of pain. It can be very uncomfortable and painful to go through a withdrawal from clonazepam.

If you are experiencing a withdrawal from this drug, you might be very tempted to use more so that you can alleviate your symptoms. Finding a detoxification center can help you through this very difficult and painful time.

When you are going through a Klonopin withdrawal, you might experience:

  • Increased heart rates
  • Higher blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Muscle spasms
  • Lack of appetite
  • Sweating

Stopping the Use of Klonopin

Quitting Klonopin cold turkey is not recommended and weaning yourself off is best. Doing this under medical supervision in a detox center can ensure your own safety and success.

You’re going to feel a lot of pain and discomfort during the withdrawal, and if you try to quit “cold turkey” you might find yourself even more sick and uncomfortable. By controlling your intake and being under supervision, it’s a lot easier to go through the process and end up stronger on the other side.

Finding the Right Treatment

Everyone is different. No two people require the same kind of care and attention, and that goes for drug addiction as well. Everyone has their own background and story, which means they require unique care. Finding a treatment plan that works for you is key in your addiction recovery journey. If you want to see results, you need to do what is best for you.

When you are struggling with an addiction to Klonopin, it might be that you already are struggling with your mental or physical health, hence why you were prescribed it. In order to get the full recovery effect from your addiction, you need to treat all parts of your body that are connected to it. You need to undergo detoxification, therapy sessions, group therapy, and other methods that can lead you to success.

There is no shame in getting help for your addiction. One of the strongest and toughest things you can do is get help for yourself and change your life.

Detoxification

People with a Klonopin addiction are encouraged to go through medical detoxification. This means that you are under supervision 24 hours a day while you go through withdrawal. The detoxification process can be very difficult, and especially with a long-acting drug like Klonopin.

Most professionals will not let you quit cold turkey, but will encourage you to go through a Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT), which involves low doses of the drug to help wean yourself off. This is the safest way to go through the detoxification process, but if not done while supervised can lead to continued use.

Inpatient

After undergoing a detox, you won’t just be let back out into society to fend for yourself. Now that you are no longer using, you will be agitated and confused, and this is when the next treatment step begins.

With inpatient services, you stay monitored by staff at your addiction recovery center and are guided through recovery. You will go through both individual and group therapy sessions where you learn more about your own mental health and work to build a community with people struggling with the same issues.

Inpatient care is great for someone who has a heavy dependency on a drug, because these facilities work to improve both your physical and mental health. They understand that therapy can help with your psychological state, so it’s always encouraged.

If you are in for Klonopin addiction, it’s likely that you struggle with your mental health already. Inpatient works to encompass all your struggles and find the best way to treat you for them.

Outpatient

After undergoing inpatient services, you might still want the additional support of group therapies or individual sessions, but with more freedom. Outpatient services allow you to leave the center and go on with your everyday life, but with set times and days that you have to come for sessions or treatment.

For people who are feeling confident with their Klonopin addiction but still need the structure that therapy gives, outpatient is a perfect opportunity to receive continuous care.

Getting Help With Soba Recovery

With Soba Recovery Centers, you can access detoxification, inpatient, and outpatient services with ease. With two locations in Mesa, Arizona, and San Antonio, Texas, you can find what you need to treat your addiction.

Getting help should not feel taboo. If you are choosing to get help so that you can live a happy and healthy life, then do it! And we want to help.

At Soba, you receive top-of-the-line care however will best support your needs. We work to create an individual treatment plan that has your best interest in mind, so you can walk out a better version than you came in as. Get help today by reaching out to a Soba representative to learn about how we can help you overcome your Klonopin addiction.

Sources:

Klonopin (Clonazepam): Uses, Withdrawal & Addiction Treatment | American Addiction Centers

Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines-Side Effects, Abuse Risk And Alternatives | American Family Physician

Management Of Benzodiazepine Misuse And Dependence | NCBI