Signs, Symptoms, and Rehab in Fort Lauderdale

Cocaine is highly addictive because of how it affects the reward center of the brain.[3] Repeated use creates a physical and psychological dependence on cocaine to create dopamine levels normally created by a person’s brain.
As a result, some of the symptoms associated with cocaine addiction are:[4]

• Frequent nasal bleeding due to snorting.
• Enlarged pupils
• Inordinate amounts of energy followed by lethargic
• crashes that can last up to several hours.
• Unstable emotional states (mood swings, erratic behavior).
• Loss of weight due to suppression of appetite.
• Spending large amounts of money on drugs resulting in financial hardships.
• Increased risk-taking behaviors
• Develop paranoia and anxiety or irritability.
• Needle marks on extremities

In addition to the above-mentioned symptoms, people who abuse cocaine tend to exhibit changes to their social behavior, such as no longer taking care of their responsibilities, being secretive about where they are or who they’re with, abandoning activities that they used to enjoy, relationships becoming strained, and continuing to use cocaine regardless of the negative impact.

The withdrawal or comedown phase from cocaine has been proven time and again as a critical factor for continued use.[5] As the effects of cocaine wear off, severe feelings of anxiety, depression, intense cravings, irritability, exhaustion, inability to concentrate, and increased appetite begin to present.
Withdrawal symptoms can range from:

• Depression lasting from weeks to months after stopping use
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
• Vivid dreams or nightmares
• Increased appetite and decreased processing ability
• Intense cravings

While cocaine withdrawal does not pose as much of an immediate physical risk as alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, the severity of the psychological effects associated with cocaine withdrawal can lead to relapse if proper support is not provided.[6]

Cocaine can cause serious health issues.[7] Some examples include:
Cardiovascular Risks: Rapid heart rate or blood pressure, heart attack or stroke (even within a young population), irregular heartbeat, damage to blood vessels, and possibility of clots.
Neurological Issues: Seizures, headaches, loss of smell (from snorting), decrease in memory and cognition, and increased probability of developing Parkinson’s Disease.
Mental Health Issues: Severe levels of anxiety and panic attacks, paranoia, risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, depression, and aggressive or violent behavior.
Other Health Issues: Respiratory issues, damage to nasal passages, reduced blood flow to the intestines, which can cause bowel ischemia and tissue death, increased risk of infectious disease (from injecting and sharing needles), and malnutrition and weight decrease.
Overdose: Cocaine overdose, especially when combined with opioids (often referred to as a “speedball”) or alcohol, can cause dangerously high body temperature, seizures, heart attack or stroke, and respiratory failure.

Trying to quit cocaine on your own is extremely difficult due to the intense psychological cravings and severe depression during withdrawal. Professional treatment at a specialized cocaine rehab center provides structured support, evidence-based therapies proven effective for stimulant addiction, dual diagnosis treatment for underlying mental health conditions, peer support from others in recovery, and skills to maintain sobriety long-term.
At Agape Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we understand the unique challenges of cocaine and crack addiction. Our experienced team provides compassionate, judgment-free care tailored to your individual needs. We work with most insurance providers, and our admissions team can verify your insurance coverage before you begin treatment.