If you’re worried that your spouse, child, or friend is a cocaine addict, it’s important to recognise the signs and get them help immediately. If you do, it could save their life. 

Cocaine is a dangerous drug that can eventually lead to mental health problems, financial ruin, and even death – especially now with increasing amounts of fentanyl being found in cocaine around Australia.

Australian cocaine use is at record levels. According to the study “Increasing cocaine use amongst employed Australians: who is most at-risk?” published in the National Library of Medicine in February 2022, in 2019, cocaine was the second most commonly used illicit drug in Australia (4.2%). And it’s becoming more and more popular among employed Australians.

If you spot any of these signs of cocaine addiction in your partner, child, friend, or even yourself, get help immediately.

What Are Some Obvious Cocaine Addiction Signs?

If you’re in a rush, the following list contains the telltale cocaine addiction signs:

• Unexplained paraphernalia such as plastic bags, razor blades, small mirrors, and hollow pens (known as “tools of the trade”)
• Dilated pupils (“cocaine eyes”)
• Nose bleeds or a runny nose
• Decreased appetite or not eating at all
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Hyperactivity followed by silence, social withdrawal, and irritability
• Unexplained sweating
• Mood swings
• Suddenly neglecting familial, professional, or personal responsibilities
• Paranoia, extreme anxiety, or hallucinations

How Can You Tell if Your Loved One is Suffering From Cocaine Addiction?

We don’t like the term “high-functioning cocaine addict”, but it’s possible to keep up appearances while having a severe cocaine problem.

The truth is that it’s possible to have cocaine use disorder (CUD) and still at least look like you have a normal life. And worse, as their cocaine problem starts to get more severe, they’ll most likely deny they have one and get defensive if you call them out.

Before we get into more warning signs and symptoms of CUD, let’s cover what it is first.

Cocaine addiction is a condition characterised by some or all of the following:

• Their drug use is beginning to cause psychological, behavioral, physical, or social problems
• The addict neglects other important areas of their lives
• They spend a large portion of their time acquiring, using, or recovering from cocaine
• They’re suffering from cocaine withdrawals when not using (we cover this in more detail below)
• They’re unable to control their drug use despite wanting to
• An inability to reduce, quit, or otherwise control their cocaine use

If you’re just beginning to have suspicions about their drug habits, we suggest you look for obvious physical and behavioural warning signs of cocaine addiction such as:

• Asking to borrow money when they don’t normally do so
• Becoming excessively talkative, especially when they’re normally quiet or reserved (people who abuse cocaine often appear hyper)
• Spending a lot of time alone or out with friends (who may also have a drug habit)
• Constantly making excuses, rationalising their drug use, or getting overly defensive when confronted about drugs
• Insomnia or an unexplained changes in sleeping patterns
• Your loved one has become fidgety, restless, or strangely anxious
• Neglecting their appearance or personal hygiene
• Frequent sniffing or nose wiping
• Excessive confidence or grandiose behaviour

What Are The Long-Term Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction to Look For?

If your loved one is addicted to cocaine, they will begin to display some noticeable symptoms of cocaine addiction such as severe mood swings, weight loss, financial problems, and paranoia. 

Many addicts even fall into a deep depression as they grapple with the reality of their drug problem.

It’s important for you to understand that this is not your husband, wife, son, daughter, or friend – it’s their disease. As their addiction worsens, it begins to control their thoughts, behaviours, and priorities. And it will only get worse unless you get them help immediately.

If you’re in Australia, we recommend you contact addiction specialists immediately if you notice any of these cocaine addiction symptoms:

• Intense Mood Swings: Cocaine addicts will be a talking machine one minute and intensely depressed a few minutes later. Cocaine is a stimulant that causes hyperactivity and euphoria followed by a depression that can only be “cured” by more of the drug. If you notice that they’re oddly energetic, full of life, and without a care in the world, then oddly quiet and withdrawn, it’s a sign of cocaine addiction.

• Weight Loss: Chronic cocaine use may cause major weight loss, which is why some call it the “skinny drug”. If you notice your loved one has dropped a few kilos (without hitting the gym), you should be suspicious. Cocaine speeds up the body’s processes, including heart rate and energy expenditure, while reducing hunger signals. Long story short: It causes people to burn more calories and eat less than usual, so they tend to drop a lot of weight quickly. 

• Financial Problems: Cocaine is not cheap Down Under. In fact, we have some of the highest prices for it in the world. Even just a mild weekend on coke can cost a few hundred dollars, and that’s being generous. If they’re neglecting bills, constantly asking for money, spending large sums without explanation, or selling personal items for cash, it’s a very clear sign of a nasty drug habit.

• Depression and Anxiety: Cocaine is a stimulant that sends the nervous system into overdrive, and this often causes chronic anxiety in addicts. Keep on the lookout for heightened anxiety, constant worry, and panic attacks. Cocaine use also comes with a crash afterward, which can cause feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

• Isolation: Addicts may start pulling away from friends or family, avoid social gatherings, or become more secretive about their whereabouts. This is because cocaine use can cause intense paranoia and anxiety, which makes them isolate themselves from others to hide their behavior. If they’re skipping events, becoming emotionally distant, or avoiding people they once enjoyed spending time with, it could be a sign of deeper issues.

• Paranoia: Cocaine over-stimulates the brain, and long-term use only makes it worse. This chronic overstimulation can lead the brain to a state of hypervigilance where it perceives everything as a threat. If your loved one begins to claim that someone is watching them or plotting against them, this could be the cocaine talking.

The Long-Term Risks of Cocaine Abuse: Why Addicts Need Treatment

Cocaine is a harmful drug with a mix of extremely dangerous outcomes. For one, it causes an extreme sense of self-confidence and grandiosity. 

Addicts tend to think and act like they are invincible. This not only makes them think they don’t need help, it drives them to perform increasingly risky behaviours like consuming more cocaine, doing dangerous things to get drugs, and acting in increasingly risky ways while using.

As we said before, it can spiral out of control at any time. There’s a good chance that the addict ends up sick, in jail, or worse. And on the flip side, it makes the user more anxious, depressed, paranoid, and socially isolated. And it only gets worse. It never gets better. This negative cycle can spiral out of control at any time.

Cocaine also comes with long-term physical risks like:

• Increased risk of a heart attack or stroke
• Brain damage
• Respiratory issues
• Mental health problems such as chronic anxiety or depression
• Gastrointestinal issues

Not to mention the legal risks as well! In Australia, you can be sentenced to several years in prison and be slapped with fines for possession of less than two grams of cocaine.

Cocaine is highly addictive, and it’s incredibly difficult to stop on your own. The only way for the person to take back control of their life is to stop using cocaine for good. And that requires recovery under the supervision of addiction treatment professionals.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment: Insights From Our Treatment Center in Australia

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps your loved one break free from cocaine addiction by changing harmful thoughts and behaviours. It’s one of the most powerful and effective treatments for addiction in existence. In CBT, they learn to identify triggers that lead to drug use and replace negative habits with healthier ones. This approach teaches practical skills they can apply daily to manage cravings and stay in control rather than giving in and relapsing.

• Medical Detox: Medical detox helps your loved one safely manage withdrawal symptoms as they stop using cocaine. In a supervised setting, healthcare professionals monitor their physical and emotional health. They provide medications (such as psychiatric drugs) to ease discomfort and ensure safety during the process such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or sleep aids. Medical detox reduces the risks of complications and keeps your loved one stable as their body adjusts to being drug-free. With medical support, your loved one can get through withdrawal more comfortably and begin the recovery journey from drug dependence with a stronger foundation.

• Support Groups: Support groups provide a safe, understanding space where your loved one can connect with others who are also recovering from cocaine addiction. In these meetings, they share experiences, gain encouragement, and learn from people who’ve faced similar struggles. We see it almost every day here: Individuals who join support groups and regularly speak to, learn from, and help other addicts remain drug-free far more often than those who don’t.

• Help you choose the right type of treatment based on your specific needs 
• Find a treatment that fits your budget
• Find a time that’s right for you (you can even get online help if you’re not in the area)
• Provide 24/7 supervised medical detox if necessary to make sure your loved one is 100% safe
• Provide completely discreet treatment