warning signs and symptoms of teen cocaine addiction

Teen Cocaine Addiction Warning Signs

Cocaine is a powerful drug that affects the body in indescribable ways. It causes a multitude of effects that can impact one’s life in many different aspects. Teen Cocaine addiction is quite dangerous as cocaine addiction can make the teen impatient and constantly wanting more because Cocaine causes a slow breakdown of the nervous system. Cocaine sends high levels of dopamine to the brain, which brings a high level of euphoria to its user. Intense feelings of energy and alertness are the main effects of dopamine buildup.

That being said, cocaine addiction is very alarming, and teen drug addiction is especially alarming, no matter what kind of drug they are taking as any drug addiction can be hazardous for you child. However, we cannot always monitor and control what teenagers do while they’re growing up. So its best to take professional help like addiction treatment program for troubled teens, or adolescent mental health treatment to cure additions of your child.

When adolescents enter their teenage years, they’re in the stage of exploring things, and if they decide to explore cocaine, it’s most likely due to their friend group peer pressure. Cocaine increases the level of dopamine in the brain, making the brain more “happy” but less functional. Once a teenager becomes addicted to Cocaine, it can be hard to stop.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 1 million American teens aged 12 and above suffer from cocaine abuse. Teen cocaine addiction may seem impossible to end, especially in Los Angeles, where it has become an ongoing issue. But, there are some adolescent cocaine addiction treatment programs that can help. Our Los Angeles teen cocaine addiction treatment can help adolescents break free of cocaine addiction. The program focuses on recovery in a safe and supportive environment, with individual, group, and family therapy sessions for 3-8 weeks.

Teen Cocaine Addiction Warning Signs

Cocaine is a powerful drug that has many effects on the body. Depending on the usage, it causes short and long term effects like the following:
Short Term Physical changes
Headaches
Consuming Cocaine among teens is very alarming. It can cause numbness in the nerve cells of the brain. This results in headaches or even nerve rupturing on the brain.
Mood problems
Mood swings are one of the short-term changes upon using Cocaine. The person may disappear from their home for long hours or even days, including nights.
Foul smell
Teens addicted to Cocaine become unhygienic. They disregard their hygiene and focus only on their “dopamine-induced” euphoria.
Bowel decay
Ingesting Cocaine is hazardous. It has many harmful substances that attack the gastrointestinal tract.
Nasal problems
If a teen inhales Cocaine, it will cause death to nasal tissue. Many people get nasal perforation, nosebleeds, and other nasal problems where the wall between the nostrils dies off.

Long Term Warning Signs of Teen Cocaine Addiction Problems

Convulsions and Seizures
Cocaine overdose can cause convulsions and seizures. It can cause or trigger epileptic seizures. Some people, especially teens, have epilepsy independently of using Cocaine.
Heart Problems and Stroke
Excessive use of Cocaine raises blood pressure. There is more demand for oxygen to the heart and brain because of the activities consumed by Cocaine. Abnormal heartbeat can result in cardiovascular diseases and even stroke.
HIV or Hepatitis
Teens engaging in hardcore intravenous cocaine abuse are more likely to be HIV positive or can gain Hepatitis. HIV and Hepatitis are far more infectious through the blood-to-blood exchanges from the syringes used in injecting Cocaine.
Sexual Trouble
Cocaine can cause a lack of sexual drive among men and women. It hinders the ability to stay erect or reach orgasm. When coming down, teens may as well miss an essential element of relationship satisfaction.
Lung Damage
Inhaling Cocaine is very dangerous, especially among teens. It has many harmful chemicals that disrupt the pulmonary tract and attack the lungs.

Long Term Behavioral Changes as Warning Signs

Mood Swings
Another typical behavior of cocaine-addicted teens is mood swings. Less internal coping skills can lead teens to find external ways to handle stress and anxiety. People who are addicted to Cocaine often start out seeking refuge from tension by leading to substance abuse.
Withdrawal From Everyone
Teens who are Cocaine dependent stay as loners who frequently describe themselves as socially awkward. They feel as though they don’t fit in with society or their family.
Euphoria
Cocaine gives a lot of dopamine. That’s why teens experience euphoria upon taking it up. Things that feel good will cloud their judgment and make them lose their mind. When addicted to stuff like this, teens will put their family, safety, health, and all things they consider dear to them on the back burner while all their focus is on the next hit.
Social Changes
Most teens new to Cocaine have a hard time masking their excessive energy. With Cocaine, they would become very self-confident, sometimes to the point of arrogance. They would also be unusually talkative and occasionally willing to take unnecessary risks
Financial Problems
Money loss is probably another sign of cocaine addiction since Cocaine is quite expensive. Thus, excessive cash spending or frequent requests to borrow money are also signs to watch out for.

Short Term Behavioral Changes can be Alarming

Poor academic performance

Teens under the influence of cocaine show poor academic performance as it affects their mood and brain functioning, often necessitating intervention through programs like our adolescent outpatient treatment. They may find it hard to concentrate and leave their school responsibilities. So, it is essential to monitor them, especially if their academic performance goes down all of a sudden.

Losing interest in hobbies
Hobbies are one of the things that make teens excited. But, if they suddenly lose interest in things they used to like, they may be experiencing something like cocaine addiction.
More violence, anger, and Lack of Self-Control
A person who has cocaine dependence tends to be more easily irritated than others. Hence, anything can annoy them, and they respond to a situation through violence. Since Cocaine intoxicates them, they lack self-control, and their anger rises, which results in a bigger problem.
Depression
Though Cocaine provides a euphoric feeling, it can also give a person sad and depressing emotions. This is evident in teens who often feel down and get problematic with things they experience every day. Whether it’s short or long-term, the effects of cocaine dependence can negatively affect a teen’s life. Therefore, it is a must to watch out for the signs and talk to them to ensure that the situation will not worsen.

Manage Cocaine Addiction with Withdrawal and Treatment programs

It is tough to manage cocaine addiction, but there are people who are always willing to help and can provide treatments to help teens get better like the following:
  • FDA-approved medication – some medications may help teens overcome cocaine addiction. However, there is no FDA-approved medication that can specifically treat it. But, there are still ongoing studies that may lead to approved treatments in the future.
  • Cocaine Relapse Prevention – parents can also try to engage their teens on cocaine relapse prevention, this is a more challenging treatment, but it can help teens overcome their cocaine addiction.
  • Disulfiram, Therapies – another treatment is Disulfiram which is also called Antabuse. It is originally an alcoholism treatment, but it can also be helpful for cocaine addiction treatment.
  • Seek Professional Help – perhaps this is one of the top things parents should do for teenage cocaine dependence. This will help them understand things better and give them a better idea of how to approach their teens. Professionals can also provide substance abuse treatment based on their diagnosis, which is more convenient for parents.
  • Residential Treatment – another term for this Treatment is rehab. It is another ideal method for teens as it provides medical expertise and counseling. There are a lot of treatment centers that parents can check out to help their teens get better. 
  • Support Groups – most teens who are experiencing cocaine addiction are having difficulties with their lives. Therefore, the thing that they need the most is understanding. Thus, support groups will hugely help as they can meet other people who may experience the same things as they do. 

It’s essential as a parent to notice warning signs of teen cocaine abuse as early as possible. Doing this will help them create a future that they will not regret. So, parents/guardians should help teens take steps for Treatment as early as possible.

It is never too late to take the first step to get better. Contact us today.