75 percent of drug addicts say their family is the primary reason they entered a treatment program.
So, you have the power to persuade a loved one who’s abusing cocaine to seek professional help.
You may, however, argue you have no idea how to tell if someone is using drugs. You might even say you have no idea “what does cocaine look like” and its effects. To help you out, here’s how to recognize cocaine use in your loved ones.
Euphoria and Overconfidence
Cocaine use often causes a person to experience euphoria, overconfidence, and a false sense of fulfillment. The drug is a powerful stimulant that causes an unnatural high by flooding the brain with dopamine. If a loved one is using cocaine, you might notice they’re more confident than normal. They might even become more talkative and daring, usually after using cocaine.
These feelings tend to dissipate over time, and they resume back to their normal selves. So, it can be a sign that a loved one is abusing cocaine if they experience frequent mood swings. You might notice that they’re overly excited and talkative at one time, only to be quiet and down a couple of hours later.
Drastic and Sudden Weight Loss
The use of cocaine can negatively affect a person’s metabolism and appetite. The drugs can cause appetite loss while increasing energy usage. And that’s why people who use cocaine often claim they rarely experience hunger, yet they’re energetic. Most of them skip meals and ignore their nutritional needs. So, if a loved one is abusing cocaine, you might notice they rarely eat, and this might lead to drastic and sudden weight loss.
Isolation and Secrecy
If a close friend or relative is using cocaine, they’re most likely to try to hide their addiction. You may notice they’re avoiding meeting with you and may be evasive about their whereabouts if you call them. If you live together, you might notice they’re insisting on more privacy as they might start locking themselves in their bedrooms.
On top of physical isolation, you may notice emotional withdrawal, where they become distant and irritable when you try talking to them. After noticing these signs, you may feel compelled to investigate and even search on the internet “What does cocaine look like?” and where most people hide it. However, don’t, as this may cause more rift between you and them when they learn you’re investigating them. The best approach is to talk directly to them and share your concerns. Avoid being accusatory; instead, be compassionate and express your willingness to listen and not judge.
Conclusion
While you might not know “what does cocaine look like,” you can still tell when a loved one is abusing it. The secret is to watch out for various physical, behavioral, and psychological signs. If you notice any of these signs, you need to know the right approach to adopt when talking to a loved one. Avoid being confrontational and judgmental; instead, be understanding and advise them to consider professional help.
