Signs of cocaine addiction

Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the brain’s reward system.

Addiction develops when someone becomes physically and psychologically dependent on this substance, increasing the risk of serious health problems and potential overdose. What may begin as occasional use can quickly escalate into addiction, as tolerance builds and cravings intensify.

This article outlines the symptoms and stages of cocaine addiction.

Early warning signs of cocaine addiction

As a Class A drug, cocaine is illegal and unsafe in any amount. If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of the following early warning signs, it could be a sign of developing addiction:

• Thinking about cocaine often and planning when and how to get it
• Feeling anxious when you’re running low or don’t have cocaine
• Unable to enjoy social situations without taking cocaine
• Taking cocaine when you’re alone
• Using cocaine more often or in larger amounts than planned
• Lying about or hiding your cocaine use
• Losing interest in activities that don’t involve cocaine
• Sudden mood changes and increased irritability
• Unexplained absences from home, work or social or family commitments
• Denial of the impact that cocaine is having on your life

If you’re concerned about a loved one, find out more about how to spot and help a cocaine addict.

Examples of some behavioural changes that could indicate a cocaine addiction

• You feel less motivated at work or studies and have become preoccupied with any social circle or occasion that enables you to take cocaine.
• You feel increasingly disconnected from your friends, family and life. There’s a constant haziness in your mind that only seems to go away when you take cocaine.
• Your loved one seems aloof or secretive and goes out a lot more, regularly staying out very late or not coming home until the next day.
• They often seem short on money without a clear reason why, frequently giving vague explanations or making excuses that don’t add up.

Understanding cocaine addiction severity and stages

If you're worried about your cocaine use, you might be wondering at what point it becomes an addiction. Cocaine addiction often develops in four key stages, and understanding where you are in that journey can help you decide on the right next steps and when to seek support.

Experimentation

People usually start taking cocaine recreationally in social situations because they’re curious or encouraged by peers. Even if it seems harmless at first, occasional use can still be damaging – and it can quickly develop into a regular and risky habit.

Regular use

Cocaine use becomes more frequent and often follows a pattern, such as taking it at weekends, with particular people or in certain situations. You may feel in control, but cocaine begins to play a more consistent role in your life. This stage is also marked by:

• Tolerance: you may need larger amounts of cocaine to achieve the same effect
• Subtle changes: cocaine use may start to affect your mood, behaviour, relationships and responsibilities
• Minimisation: you minimise or overlook the impact cocaine is having on your life
• Turning point: this is a critical stage where cocaine use becomes about coping or maintaining a certain state, potentially leading to addiction

Risky use

Cocaine is no longer just a social or occasional drug and is becoming a regular part of your life. Although the risks are starting to outweigh the perceived rewards, you feel unable to stop. Other signs of this stage include:

• Negative effects: your use has more noticeable effects on your daily life, relationships and responsibilities
• Tolerance: the quantity you need increases steadily over time
• Withdrawal: when you stop taking cocaine, you experience withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression and intense cravings
• Risky behaviours: you may start taking cocaine in dangerous situations such as before driving
• Physical and mental health issues: you may start to experience anxiety, sleep problems, paranoia and other problems
• Denial: you may be in denial about the severity of your cocaine use

Dependence/addiction

Cocaine use becomes compulsive and feels impossible to control. You experience intense cravings and strong psychological urges to use, even if you want to stop. Other signs include:

• Cocaine has become the central focus of your life
• You can’t stop despite the negative consequences it’s having on your health, relationships, work and finances
• Tolerance is high – you need frequent and large amounts of cocaine to feel the same effects
• You experience intense withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking cocaine or are unable to get hold of it
• You’re in a cycle of use, regret and relapse
• You might experience feelings of isolation, distress and shame

Although it may feel hopeless, recovery is possible, and you can regain control of your life when you reach out for support with an addiction specialist.

Why medically supervised detox is important

Trying to stop taking cocaine without professional support can be dangerous and increase the risk of relapse. Cravings can be intense, and the psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms can feel overwhelming.

Getting professional help and undergoing a medically assisted detox makes withdrawal safer and increases the chances of lasting recovery.

At Priory, medically supervised detox offers:

• A safe and supportive environment to manage symptoms
• Specialist 24/7 care from a team of highly experienced addiction specialists
• Medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, if needed
• A clear pathway into ongoing treatment, therapy and recovery
• An individualised support plan to ensure long-term recovery

If you’re worried about your cocaine use, you can contact us to arrange a free addiction assessment and discuss possible treatment options for drug addiction.