1. Financial Problems
Cocaine addiction is an expensive habit to maintain. As finances are depleted, first the cash, then the savings, retirement accounts, and insurance; it is not uncommon for individuals to begin borrowing money to support their habit. When they can no longer borrow money, the behavior shifts to selling or pawning their personal possessions. When they have nothing left of value desperation sets in and the next step is criminal behavior which may include stealing, trading sexual favors and other illicit activities to continue their drug abuse.
2. Work or School Suffers
Cocaine abuse will become the focus of their life and work and school will no longer be their objective. It is only a matter of time before they lose the job, or drop out of school as well as lose interest in anything other than their drug use.
If there is abuse or addiction with other drugs and alcohol; it may be necessary to enter a medical detox program before going to rehab.
3. Physical Changes
As the individual snorts cocaine, they destroy the nasal membranes which results in nose bleeds. It is also not uncommon for cocaine addicts to have a chronic stuffy or runny nose. Another common physical change is the crash that occurs after a cocaine binge. The crash may cause the individual to have periods of excessive sleep that could last for days, depending on the abuse.
4. Hanging out with a new crowd
Cocaine addicts generally start to hang out with other addicts and over time will forego their former, non drug abusing friends. There is a reason for this, other than the common behavior of cocaine use. The old group of friends may begin to question the odd or new behavior; however the new friends will not question them, they will not judge them because they are addicted as well.
5. Erratic Behavior
They may speak very fast and even experience an ostentatious manner of thinking. At the same time, cocaine may also create a variety of psychological symptoms including panic attacks and paranoia. The individual may have hallucinations such as hearing voices or sounds, as well as feel as if people are out to get them.