It can be hard to tell if you or your loved one is addicted to cocaine. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions when taking cocaine
• Isolating from friends or family members
• Noticeable personality changes such as paranoia, irritability, anxiety or discomfort
• Financial difficulties caused by the cost of cocaine
• Inability to hold down a job
• Persistent nosebleeds
• Excessive perspiration
• Bursts of energy
• Loss of appetite

If you recognize any of the signs or symptoms in the list above, you or your loved one may have a cocaine dependency. Please reach out to us at Cirque Lodge to speak to one of our professionals. We treat all clients without judgment and with compassion.

Cocaine gives you a short burst of positive feelings and energy, followed quickly by feelings of depression, anxiety, and sadness.

Common short-term effects of cocaine use include:

• Intense euphoria
• Increased heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Increased breathing
• Dilated pupils
• Feelings of sickness
• Violent behavior and irritability
• Panic
• Seizures

As your tolerance for cocaine rises, you need to take larger amounts of cocaine to get the same level of high.

Repeated use of the drug increases dependence and leads to several dangerous side effects.

Common long-term effects of cocaine use include:

• High blood pressure, stroke, and death
• Heart attack
• Destruction of nose tissues
• Damage of heart muscle linings and heart failure
• Tooth decay
• Liver, kidney, and lung problems
• Psychosis, delusions, and hallucinations
• Depression

Cocaine overdoses are not uncommon, especially when you mix cocaine with other substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Common symptoms of  overdose include:

• Frenetic energy levels
• Restlessness
• Talking too much
• Panic attacks
• Abdominal aches
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Coma

The long-term effects of an overdose can cause serious health problems, such as stroke or respiratory failure.

Cocaine withdrawal happens when someone who is addicted to cocaine suddenly stops using it. It often results in physical and psychological consequences that can be uncomfortable and challenging to manage. Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:

Physical symptoms:

• Lack of energy and motivation
• Seizures
• Irritability
• Severe cravings
• Headache
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• High fever

Psychological symptoms:

• Mood swings
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hallucination
• Difficulty sleeping

Without professional medical supervision, withdrawal can be difficult. At Cirque Lodge, we provide 24-hour medical care. There will always be a medical professional by your side to help you through the detox process.

Treatment does not finish with the end of your stay. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recognizes that people who are committed to self-help practices to support their life without addiction and who believe they can succeed are more likely to achieve lifelong recovery.

Our continuing care programs help to reinforce these traits in you. Before you leave, we create an aftercare program adapted especially for you. You will leave the center knowing the steps you need to take to keep living a clean and sober life.

We offer weekly care meetings and activities in our studios for those who stay locally, where you will find continued encouragement and support. You will also have the opportunity to stay connected by working with our team and helping other visitors.