How to Know When Someone Uses Cocaine

Although there are multiple telltale indicators that could suggest cocaine use, the most effective way to find out if someone is using is to foster open, compassionate communication.

Cocaine is a stimulant known for producing surges of energy, heightened alertness, intense euphoria, increased sociability, and reduced appetite. The drug carries a high risk of addiction, and users can develop strong cravings for it soon after its effects wear off.

If you suspect a family member or friend is using cocaine and want to address it, try centering the conversation on care and support rather than blame or pressure.

Substance use disorder — the clinical term for problematic drug use like cocaine — often stems from mental health issues and, in some cases, hereditary factors. Once dependence forms, quitting without professional assistance is very challenging.

Common signs of cocaine use

It isn’t always easy to tell if someone is using cocaine, but patterns of behavior and health changes tend to become clearer the more the substance is used.

A mix of the following signs may point to cocaine use:

• sudden alterations in eating routines
• frequently dilated pupils
• unusually high excitability without a clear cause
• persistent nasal discharge
• occasional or recurring nosebleeds
• shifts in social circles and favored activities
• mood swings or increased irritability
• nightmares (often seen during withdrawal)
• insomnia or other disruptions to sleep
• risky behaviors that endanger themselves or others (particularly if atypical)
• spells of excessive talkativeness
• unexplained weight reduction (commonly linked to altered eating)
• noticeable changes in grooming and appearance
• burns on the nose, lips, or hands (if using crack or smoked forms)
• white powder traces around the nose or mouth
• growing indifference toward close relationships
• sudden money troubles
• declining performance at work or school
• changes in oral health
• intense emotional peaks and troughs
• secretive or evasive conduct

Many of these indicators can also be linked to other mental health conditions or temporary emotional struggles. If someone you care about shows these signs, they may need help even if drugs are not the root cause.

Defining key terms

Substance use disorder is a medical condition defined by specific diagnostic criteria, including signs of addiction and dependence. It describes continued substance use despite negative impacts on health, relationships, and daily functioning. It’s a formal diagnosis that responds to medical and therapeutic treatment and ranges from mild to severe.

Addiction refers to a compulsive need and craving to repeatedly use a substance or engage in behaviors despite adverse consequences. It involves both psychological and physical elements.

Dependence means the body has adapted to the presence of a substance, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effect. It also covers psychological cravings and typically produces withdrawal symptoms when the substance is reduced or stopped. Dependence is a central component of addiction.

Understanding substance and cocaine use

Not everyone who uses potentially addictive substances will become addicted. However, with repeated use, the brain often adjusts and finds it harder to function without the drug. This process can lead to dependence and addiction.

Cocaine directly alters brain chemistry involved in mood and cognition.

As tolerance to cocaine builds, the drug’s chemical effects diminish, so the intense pleasure or euphoria it once produced becomes less pronounced with continued use.

Consequently, people with addictions may lose interest in everyday pleasures that previously brought them enjoyment. Over time, the brain starts depending on the substance not only for pleasure but also to manage emotions and cognitive processes, which deepens dependence and perpetuates the addiction cycle.

How to help someone who’s using cocaine

Knowing how to support someone using cocaine can be hard. Many fear that raising the issue will push the person away or won’t have any effect. Discussing cocaine use can feel upsetting, frightening, and overwhelming.

Use the following resources and approaches as a guide when offering help:

• Approaching and helping someone with an addiction
• Managing when a household member lives with addiction
• Types of addiction and their treatments
• How to arrange a psychiatric evaluation for a relative

Keep in mind that change happens when the person is ready; you cannot make someone stop using. Consider reaching out for support from other friends, relatives, or mental health and addiction professionals.

If your loved one is prepared to seek treatment, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a helpful starting point. You might also offer to accompany them to speak with their primary care physician about local treatment options.

Takeaway

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant with a high potential for addiction. Users can rapidly become dependent on the intense neurochemical effects that alter mood and thinking.

When cocaine addiction develops, individuals may show changes in sleep, diet, social life, and personal care, along with mood shifts, unexplained weight loss, financial strain, secretive actions, and problems at work or school.

Talking to a loved one about suspected cocaine use is often stressful. Avoiding accusations and heated disputes can make the discussion more constructive. Seeking professional guidance is strongly recommended to get expert support for both you and the person affected.