While there are many distinctive signs that can point to cocaine use, encouraging open and honest communication is the best way to determine whether someone is using cocaine.

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is known for producing effects such as bursts of energy, increased alertness, euphoria, talkativeness, and decreased appetite. The drug is highly addictive, and people can experience a strong craving for cocaine almost as soon as it leaves the bloodstream.

If you believe a loved one is using cocaine and would like to approach them about it, it may be a good idea to focus on support and care, without judgment or pressure.

Substance use disorder, the clinical name for using drugs like cocaine, is often the result of mental health challenges and, in some cases, genetic predisposition. Once dependence develops, it’s difficult for someone to give it up at will and with no professional support.

It’s not always obvious when someone uses cocaine or other drugs, but substance use and addiction usually become more evident as use persists.

A combination of the following signs may indicate cocaine use:

  • sudden changes to eating habits
  • persistently dilated pupils
  • overexcitability for no apparent reason
  • chronic runny nose
  • mild or severe nosebleeds
  • changes to social patterns and preferred activities
  • mood changes or irritability
  • nightmares (common with withdrawal symptoms)
  • insomnia and other changes to sleep patterns
  • behaviors that jeopardize personal safety or other people’s (especially if unusual for the person)
  • increased talkativeness at certain times
  • unexplained weight loss (often tied to changing eating habits)
  • changes in personal hygiene habits and appearance
  • burn marks on the nose, lips, or hands (if crack cocaine or smoked versions are used)
  • white powder residue around the mouth or nose
  • increased indifference or uninterest in personal relationships
  • sudden financial difficulties
  • difficulty at work or school
  • changes in oral health
  • intense emotional highs and lows
  • secretive behavior

Some of these signs are also associated with other mental health conditions or occasional emotional challenges. If someone you know displays these symptoms, they might need help and treatment, even if substance use isn’t the cause.

Let’s define these terms

Substance use disorder is a health condition with a set of diagnostic criteria, including symptoms of addiction and dependence. It refers to someone using a substance or drug even when it causes them health, relationship, and functioning challenges. It’s a formal diagnosis, and it requires and responds to medical treatment. It exists on a spectrum from mild to severe.

Addiction is the need and craving to compulsively and repeatedly use a substance or engage in behaviors despite negative consequences. It has a mental and a physiological component.

Dependence means the body has adapted to a substance, and you may need more of it each time to feel the same effect. It also refers to psychological aspects of craving the drug despite being aware that it may cause health problems. It typically leads to withdrawal symptoms if you reduce the dose or stop. It’s a key factor in addiction.

Not everyone who uses substances with the potential to be addictive develops an addiction. But typically, the more a person uses a drug, the more their brain adapts to it and begins to have difficulty functioning without it. This leads to dependence and addiction.

Cocaine has a direct impact on the chemicals in the brain that affect how you feel and how you think.

As your brain develops a tolerance to cocaine, the chemical changes the drug once produced become less pronounced. This means the drug’s ability to produce intense pleasure or euphoria decreases over time with repeated use.

As a result, people with addiction may find it harder to enjoy everyday activities that once brought them joy. In time, the brain begins to rely on the drug not just for pleasure, but also to regulate emotions and cognitive functions, which in turn, increases dependence and reinforces the cycle of addiction.

It can be difficult to know how to help someone who is using cocaine. Many people worry that intervening will drive their loved one away or will not make a difference. It can feel frustrating, frightening, and overwhelming to talk with someone about something as important as cocaine use.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate offering help to someone using cocaine:

Remember that people will only take steps toward recovery when they’re ready. You can’t force someone to face substance use and stop. Consider seeking additional support, such as additional friends or family members, and the services of a mental health or addiction professional.

If your loved one is ready to start treatment, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a great place to start. You can also offer to go with them to talk with their primary doctor about local rehabilitation services.

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. People who use cocaine can quickly become dependent on it for strong rushes of brain chemicals that strongly influence how they think and feel.

When someone develops an addiction to cocaine, they might demonstrate signs such as changes to previous sleep, dietary, social, and hygiene patterns, along with mood changes, unexplained weight loss, financial difficulties, secretiveness, and trouble at work or school.

It can be stressful and overwhelming to talk with a loved one about cocaine use. Steering clear of accusations and arguments can help the conversation go in a more useful direction. It’s highly advised to consult a health professional who can offer expert advice and guidance for you and your loved one.