How to Know if You Are Addicted to Cocaine

Nobody understands better than Capo Canyon, the difficulty and intimidation behind facing the question “How do you know if you’re addicted to cocaine?” As a multidisciplinary team of mental health and addiction recovery professionals, we are here to help guide individuals through the complex and sometimes overwhelming process of identifying the addiction and what the next steps are. 

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is very powerful, as well as highly addictive. If you think that you or someone you love may be addicted, it’s important to be able to recognize the various signs of cocaine addiction as early as possible. Here are some of the most common signs of cocaine addiction:

• Frequent Cravings – Experiencing powerful urges to use cocaine when you aren’t using it is a clear sign of addiction.

• Loss Of Control – Having difficulty controlling the amount of cocaine used, trying to cut back or quit, and being unsuccessful are signs of potential addiction.

• Tolerance – Growing accustomed to the effects of cocaine, and needing larger and larger amounts to feel the same is a common symptom of addiction.

• Withdrawal Symptoms – Experiencing the development of any withdrawal symptoms, including physical or psychological discomfort when stopping the use of cocaine, is another indication of addiction.

• Neglected Responsibilities – Many people with cocaine addictions begin having difficulty meeting obligations at school, work, or at home, due to the ongoing cocaine use.

The CAGE Questionnaire

If you find yourself asking “Am I addicted to cocaine”, one of the easiest ways to assess the severity of the addiction is by asking yourself a few questions using the CAGE format. This means:

Cut down – Have you ever felt you should cut down your use?

Annoyed –  Have others annoyed you by criticizing your drug use?

Guity –  Have you ever felt guilty about your drug use?

Eye-opener – Have you ever needed cocaine to steady your nerves or help you get through the day?

Seeking Professional Help

If you or someone you know are displaying some of the signs of cocaine addiction we discussed above, or if they meet the general criteria for a substance use disorder, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Detox

The very first step in the recovery process is the initial detoxification stage. This is where the body metabolizes and removes any remaining quantities of cocaine from the body. This is when the symptoms of withdrawal will begin to grow and eventually peak, before fading. Many withdrawals can be uncomfortable, even painful, and possibly dangerous, and medication can sometimes help minimize that.

Rehab

Rehabilitation is the general term for the combination of treatments, therapies, counseling, and educational programming the individual participates in that helps address the underlying issues central to the formation of the addiction and its perpetuation. 

Aftercare

Aftercare is a critical part of any recovery process, and it helps to provide the individual in recovery with the resources and support they need to keep their recovery going long-term. Aftercare will frequently include attending an outpatient treatment program after detox and residential inpatient. Aftercare could also mean continuing to see a therapist and psychiatrist weekly. Aftercare can also include attending ongoing support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous which also have alumni groups or other 12-step or non-12-step programs.

Partner With The Leader In Cocaine Addiction Recovery

Being able to answer the question “How do you know if you’re addicted to cocaine” is important. Also important are being able to recognize the signs of addiction, and knowing what you should do about it next. If you or someone you care about are struggling with cocaine addiction, you may find that your efforts to cut back are unsuccessful. By reaching out to Capo Canyon Recovery, you can work with a team of addiction and mental health professionals that have a deep commitment to helping individuals overcome their addictions to lead-fulfilling lives in recovery.