Cocaine is a powerful, addictive stimulant that can cause significant health problems, including overdose and even death. Since the signs of abuse are similar to the symptoms of other health problems, it can be difficult to tell if anyone is using them. If you are concerned that a family member, friend or colleague may use cocaine, learn to observe the typical physical and behavioral signs this substance causes on people.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Physical Signs
Step 1. Look for white powder on the person's nose and personal belongings
Cocaine is a white powder that is mostly snorted, so the first thing to look for is a white powdery residue on the subject's nose and face. Even if the traces are removed from the body, you may still find residues on clothing or furniture surfaces.
- Check to see if you find any items under the bed or under a chair that may have been used as a flat surface for sniffing.
- The subject may also tell you that it is powdered sugar, flour, or another harmless substance. However, if you notice it more than once, especially in an unlikely place (like in a magazine under the bed), know that it is most likely not icing sugar.
Step 2. Pay attention to whether the person inhales loudly or has a runny nose all the time
Cocaine is aggressive on the sinuses and can cause constant rhinitis. Regular users often continue to inhale sharply and strongly as if they have a cold, even if they show no other signs of illness.
- Frequent touching or wiping of the nose is also another sign of cocaine use.
- After a long period of constant abuse, a cocaine user may experience nosebleeds and damage inside the nose.
Step 3. Check if your eyes are red
Since it is a powerful stimulant, cocaine causes redness of the eyes, which become bloodshot. Check if his eyes are red and wet especially at odd times of the day. Cocaine causes sleep loss, so your eyes may be red especially in the morning.
Step 4. Pay attention to whether the pupils are dilated
A typical feature of cocaine is that it acts as a mydriatic. Watch them to see if they appear strangely dilated, even in a room that is well lit. Since dilated pupils make the eyes more sensitive to light, you may notice that the subject often wears sunglasses to protect sensitive eyes.
- The pupils dilate only during the "high" phase, so this is a physical sign that is easily lost.
- Many other substances also cause the pupils to dilate. Therefore this physical characteristic does not necessarily indicate the use of cocaine.
Step 5. Look for needle marks on the subject's body
Regular users sometimes dissolve the cocaine and inject it with a needle. Pay attention to your hands, forearms, feet, and legs, and look for small pricks that indicate the insertion of a needle. If you notice any small "hallmarks", the subject may be a cocaine addict.
Step 6. Look for drug-related items
Cocaine can be snorted as a powder, smoked as a crack, or directly injected. You may find several elements related to the use of this drug.
- White powder on mirrors, CD cases or other surfaces.
- Rolled banknotes, pipes, spoons, small plastic bags.
- Lemon juice or vinegar can be mixed with cocaine to produce a more intense substance.
- Some users combine heroin with cocaine in what they call "speedball".
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing Behavioral Signs
Step 1. Notice if the person seems hyperactive in an unnatural way
Cocaine causes a feeling of euphoria, exaggerated confidence and dynamism. The subject may appear extremely happy for no apparent reason. You may observe that it runs and moves at a faster pace than normal. Compare this hyperactive behavior with his normal state to see if cocaine use could be the cause of his unusual behavior.
- Also see if he talks even faster or laughs more often.
- Sometimes some users become abnormally aggressive or impulsive when under the influence of cocaine. They may also have hallucinations.
- The hyperactivity lasts only as long as the person is in the most acute phase, which can last from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
Step 2. Notice if the subject continues to leave the room
Since the "high" phase of cocaine only lasts for a short period of time, it is necessary to continue taking it often to maintain the feeling of euphoria. Cocaine users frequently go away to take more. If you see that the person continues to go to the bathroom every 20 to 30 minutes, it may be a sign that they are using cocaine.
- Of course, there are many other reasons why you may need to go to the bathroom often. Look out for any other signs that might lead you to think he is using drugs, such as a feeling that he has something to hide.
- Observe if the subject leaves the room with someone from time to time. See if he exchanges sneaky glances with other people who might be just as involved with cocaine.
Step 3. Check if you need to eat and sleep less
Cocaine causes the body to function at an accelerated rate, which makes sleep difficult. It also decreases appetite, so the subject does not feel hungry during the "up" phase. If the person in question usually sleeps well and has a moderate appetite, changes in these behaviors may indicate the use of cocaine.
Step 4. Check the next steps
In particular, the day following an abundant consumption of cocaine, the subject faces what is called the "down" phase of euphoria, may feel lethargic and depressed. Be careful if you have trouble getting out of bed or show extreme bad temper the day after you suspect using this drug. If you notice a repetitive pattern of hyperactivity followed by lethargy, the person may be consuming it regularly.
- In many cases, the user tends to isolate himself from others after taking the drug. If you see him closing the door to his room and not going out, this could be a sign.
- Some people take sedatives or alcohol to combat the effects of cocaine and to try to fall asleep.
Step 5. Watch for long-term changes
In the long run, regular consumers risk becoming more and more dependent. Always wanting to reach the "up" phase of euphoria and excitability becomes a priority, and other life commitments are overshadowed. Look for the following signs to tell if the person is a heavy, long-time consumer:
- Regular users may develop tolerance to the substance and require ever-increasing doses to achieve the desired effect. They can also take it every ten minutes and spend weeks "bingeing" on drugs.
- They can become secretive, unreliable and dishonest. They easily manifest extreme mood swings, depression or psychotic behavior, due to the neurological effects of the drug.
- They may neglect family or work responsibilities, as well as personal hygiene. Probably a new group of friends and social contacts are created who use cocaine.
- They may also develop infections or get sick more often due to compromised immune systems.
Step 6. Find out if the person has financial problems
Cocaine is a very expensive drug. Habitual consumers must have ample money available to be able to maintain this "vice". Since earnings from work are usually never that abundant, the financial situation can quickly become a problem.
- The subject is probably induced to borrow money, without giving explanations on the use he will make of it.
- The person may also get sick at work frequently, be late, or be unable to meet deadlines.
- In extreme cases, he may resort to stealing or selling personal items to finance the addiction.
Part 3 of 3: Know What Steps to Take
Step 1. Talk to him about your concerns
It is much better to express your fears than to remain silent. Tell the person that you have noticed that they are using cocaine and that you are concerned about their health and well-being. Tell him you want to help him overcome his habit or addiction.
- Don't wait for the subject to hit rock bottom. Cocaine is too dangerous and you can't wait to go to the extreme. Don't allow them to become "addicted" or overwhelmed by abuse.
- Make a specific list of concrete examples to help "prove" that you know he is on drugs. Be prepared for the fact that he will most likely deny everything.
Step 2. Get outside help if the person is a member of your family
If you are concerned about your child or another family member, make an appointment with a SERT counselor or psychologist to get help right away. You are hardly able to handle a potential cocaine addict on your own.
- Find a counselor experienced in dealing with drug addiction behaviors.
- A psychologist or school counselor could also be of help.
Step 3. Avoid resorting to threats and intimidation
Ultimately, it is the person himself who will have to decide to stop. Trying to control the situation with threats, bribing him or punishing him in an extreme way is unlikely to get results. Invading his privacy by taking responsibility away and arguing with him while he's in a high state of euphoria will probably only make things worse.
- You can make binding decisions (such as depriving him of his pocket money or permission to drive the car), but don't make empty threats that you can't put into practice.
- Try to understand what his underlying problem is. Work with a counselor or psychologist to figure out what causes him to take drugs.
Step 4. Avoid blaming yourself
Whether the person you are concerned about is your child or someone else, the guilt is useless. The subject who uses cocaine is him, not you. You can't control other people's decisions; all you can do is be supportive and encourage him to ask for help. It is vital to let him take responsibility for his own behavior if you want to help him recover.
