What is the Typical Behavior of Someone on Cocaine?

It is not difficult to identify the behavior of someone on cocaine once you become familiar with the effects it has on the brain and body.

According to the American Heart Association, cocaine is the "perfect heart attack drug". While most illegal drugs pose a threat to the cardiovascular system that range anywhere from an abnormal heart rate to cardiac arrest, drugs like cocaine, certain amphetamine drugs, and heroin also affect the central nervous system and can alter an individual's consciousness. Someone on cocaine not only risks addiction, but other dangerous side effects that are associated with these drugs as well:

* Irregular or increased heart rate, changes in blood pressure and body temperature

* Heart attack

* Seizures

* Impaired judgment

* Stroke

* Potential toxic reaction when mixing with other substances

The AHA also reports that someone with a cocaine addiction can end up with stiffer arteries, thicker heart wall muscles, and high blood pressure, all of which make the perfect recipe for a heart attack. Someone on cocaine should be aware of the number of medical problems that cocaine use can cause and consider seeking help before irreversible damage takes place.

The New York Times has reported about the increased risk for stroke that is associated with cocaine use. The article in the Times states, "Stroke related to cocaine use is a blockage in the blood supply to the brain and loss of brain function in someone who has used the drug". Someone on cocaine may not realize the extreme dangers the drug may pose which can cause permanent damage to the brain. This is why it is important to act if you suspect that a loved one may be someone with a cocaine addiction. Here is how to tell if someone is high on coke:

* Someone on cocaine will likely have bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils.

* Someone with a cocaine addiction may get nosebleeds or have sinus problems.

* Users may appear to be very talkative, fidgety, or nervous.

* Paranoia is also common for someone with a cocaine addiction.

Spotting some of the signs

Learn how to tell if someone is high on coke by recognizing other telltale signs beyond the physical ones. Someone on cocaine who uses it regularly may exhibit personality changes, such as irritability or mood swings. They may begin suffering from anxiety attacks, or they may seem like they are quick to get angry now as opposed to how mild mannered they were in the past.

In addition to knowing how to tell if someone is high on coke by observing their physical appearance, it is important to recognize that these signs may also be related to a cocaine addiction:

* The person is depressed.

* They experience a loss of memory frequently.

* They are having problems at work or suddenly lose their job. Poor job performance is a sign of cocaine abuse.

* They have excessive yet unexplainable debt.

* They are experiencing relationship problems with family members and/or friends.

* They have been accused of stealing from family or friends.

If you suspect something is off with someone you love and think it may be due to cocaine addiction, you should speak up right away in an effort to persuade them to get help before it's too late.