Men from all backgrounds struggle with cocaine addiction. This potent stimulant imparts energy, confidence, and elevated mood, making it appealing to men looking for a social lubricant or help staying up late for work or school. Although cocaine can be effective in these circumstances, the benefits aren’t worth the cost. This highly addictive drug can cause severe health problems.
If you believe a man close to you is abusing cocaine, talk to them about enrolling in the Right Step Hill Country cocaine addiction treatment program. We offer residential and outpatient programs so individuals can access the care they need to recover. Call us at 1.844.675.1628 to learn more.
What Are the Dangers of Cocaine Abuse?
As a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, cocaine is considered to have a high potential for abuse. But unlike Schedule I drugs like heroin, it has an accepted medical purpose. The main medical use of cocaine is in the form of a cocaine hydrochloride solution, which is used in anesthesia for the upper respiratory tract. Uses outside of this are considered recreational and defined as cocaine abuse.
Misuse of cocaine can lead to the following detriments to your physical and mental health:
- Anxiety, depression, and psychosis
- Cardiovascular concerns like elevated heart rates, high blood pressure, and risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung damage
- Dependence and addiction
The longer a person uses cocaine, the more severe the dangers can be. You can help a man you love overcome cocaine addiction by getting to know the signs and encouraging them to enroll in addiction treatment.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction in Men
While women often experience increased sensitivity to cocaine due to hormonal influences, men who use cocaine recreationally can also become addicted to this powerful stimulant. Albeit more gradual, the progression to addiction is probable. Men are typically more prone to the reinforcing effects of cocaine related to energy and euphoria.
The following are some additional signs that a man you know may have developed a cocaine addiction:
Changes in Appearance
Men who have a cocaine addiction may drop weight rapidly. The drug can also contribute to tooth decay and skin infections like eczema and dermatitis.
Engaging in Risky Behavior
Cocaine addiction can make a person feel overly confident, so men with this condition are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like driving under the influence, stealing money to obtain more cocaine, or having unprotected sex.
Neglecting Personal Responsibilities
Men with cocaine addiction may struggle to keep up with their responsibilities at home, work, or school. Cocaine becomes their top priority, and everything else tends to fall by the wayside.
Increased Tolerance
Over time, men using cocaine may develop an increased tolerance, needing more cocaine than usual to achieve the desired high.
Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
When a man stops using cocaine after developing an addiction, he may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, fatigue, and depression.
Treatment for Cocaine Addiction in Men
If a man in your life is struggling with cocaine addiction, the next step is to encourage them to get help. Cocaine addiction treatment programs can help them recover through various components:
- Detoxification – Treatment may begin with medically assisted detox to help men safely withdraw from the drug
- Medication – The treatment provider may prescribe medications to ease cocaine withdrawal symptoms
- Behavioral therapy – Men learn healthier coping strategies and develop a relapse prevention plan while attending therapy sessions
- Support groups – Meetings like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide men with a supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences and finding motivation to stay on their recovery path
You can encourage a man struggling with cocaine addiction by offering to assist him with finding the right addiction treatment program for his needs.
Find Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Right Step Hill Country Today
Being aware of the signs of cocaine addiction in men is critical for helping someone you care about make the hard decision to get help. If someone you love is engaging in cocaine abuse, contact Right Step Hill Country by calling 1.844.675.1628 or filling out our online form.