Cocaine is a highly addictive narcotic stimulant. Continued use of cocaine can have both short and long-term effects on a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Not only does cocaine abuse have a severe impact on the individual, but it also affects a person’s family and friends. In addition to personal relationships, an individual’s professional relationships also suffer. Cocaine and relationships do not go hand in hand. A person’s physical dependence on cocaine makes it challenging to stop using and will present many problems for others in their lives. If you or a loved one need support, our cocaine addiction treatment program can help you on the road to recovery.
What Are the Signs of Cocaine Abuse?
If you suspect that someone in your family or friendship circle is using cocaine, never be afraid to pay close attention to their behaviors, like:
- Excitability
- Dilated pupils
- Runny nose
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
- Social isolation
- Risky behavior
- Paranoia
- Inconsistent sleeping patterns
- Inconsistent eating habits
- White powder residue on the mouth and nose
- Lack of hygiene
- Financial difficulties
How Does Cocaine Impact Family Dynamics?
Cocaine abuse devastates every aspect of an individual’s life. The person will experience deterioration of physical and mental health. A person addicted to cocaine cares more about the next time they use cocaine than bathing themselves. The harsh realities of addiction and substance abuse put stress on a household. Necessities are often ignored when a person is addicted to cocaine. A person who neglects themself is unable to maintain healthy relationships with friends and family. There’s a domino effect that substance abuse causes:
- Constant financial dependence on family and friends – Cocaine is an expensive habit, and the need to get high is frequent, making it easy for a person with cocaine addiction to run out of money quickly.
- Drug addicts usually are secretive about their addiction – In trying to keep it from loved ones, the individual will isolate themself. Due to self-induced shame, they will be unwilling to be present for family get-togethers.
- Loss of custody of children – Neglecting parenting responsibilities is common for people addicted to cocaine because their primary concern is cocaine. Children may not be fed, bathed, or looked after, causing authorities to remove them from home.
- Divorce – Results from the emotional strain prove that cocaine and relationships just do not mix.
- Domestic violence – Is another byproduct of cocaine addiction, as cocaine makes users aggressive.
- Communication suffers – A person’s addiction to cocaine also challenges meaningful communication because their focus is not on being truthful and honest.
- Emotional distance – Friends may also distance themselves from the individual addicted to cocaine, especially if the abuser has lied or stolen from them in the pursuit of getting high.
- Behavior changes – Violence due to withdrawal or between highs is also prevalent and can damage relationships. A person addicted to cocaine is affected mentally and emotionally, resulting in emotionally and physically abusive behavior. They are becoming more violent when more cocaine is needed.
- Inability to establish and maintain employment – As a cocaine abuser, you are focused on getting and remaining high, not showing up to work. Increased employment lateness and absences from work can cause termination.
Cocaine’s impact on family dynamics is understood by many. As a result of cocaine users being unable to maintain their responsibilities, there is the potential that this will sever familial ties. Children can lose trust in their parents. Spouses may no longer see a future with their partners. Overall, cocaine hurts families.
Fight Cocaine Abuse at Rise Above Treatment
If you or a loved one is using cocaine frequently, it is time to seek help. While cocaine can make us feel uninhibited and excited, the high is outweighed by the power of addiction. When someone abuses cocaine, they are placing their family dynamics in jeopardy.
Cocaine users often do not care about responsibilities; they care about getting high. If you are ready to support your loved one get clean, Rise Above Treatment can help. Call us at (877) 641-0717 today to get started.
