More than eight percent of Americans who were in grade 12 in 2006 are eating, snorting, smoking, or injecting cocaine into their body. This has serious implications for people living in the US and in states such as California. Drug rehab and cocaine treatment centers are going to continue to rise and so too will the need for diligence in the fight against drugs across the country. The worst part is that even the most 'recreational' of cocaine users will harm their body and might even become addicted.

Physical Signs Of Cocaine Use

One of the most common signs that a loved one may need cocaine treatment is a nose that is constantly running. When users snort cocaine, it damages the membranes in the nose. It is common to develop an inability to smell and frequent nosebleeds. Bruxism, the compulsive urge to grind your teeth together, is often the result of the nervousness caused by cocaine. If you ask any California drug rehab center, they will tell you that cocaine is an appetite suppressant that causes extreme weight loss. Needle tracks are also common on the arms of coke addicts.

Internal Changes Indicating Cocaine Addiction

Many of the physical signs of cocaine occur internally, making it difficult to spot the need for cocaine treatment right away. Without help from a California drug rehab or other treatment facility, cocaine users can destroy their body's ability to control their temperature. In some cases, the drug makes the body temperature rise so high that it causes death. Extreme cold is quite common as well.

Besides the hot and cold flashes, users are often short of breath. Smoking the drug destroys their lungs, but regardless of how it is used, it increases the user's heart rate to the point that the lungs have to work harder to supply his body with oxygen. Sleep and sexual habits will either drastically increase or decrease significantly depending on the user.

Mental Changes In Cocaine Users

Cocaine damages the brain and makes it impossible for the user to feel content or happy without having to use the drug. Users will feel exited, giddy, and even restless while they are on their high, but they experience a 'downer' or a slight depression as the drug leaves their system. These effects only increase with further use. Many abusers of cocaine become, anxious, paranoid, and may even hallucinate. These symptoms can become extreme to the point that the user can become a significant danger to themselves or others around them. Their energy and concentration levels decrease more and more as time goes by.

If you notice these symptoms, it is important to seek cocaine treatment for your loved one as soon as possible. The longer you wait, says California drug rehab centers, the more severe and irreversible these effects become. If you are unsure at any time, you can contact a facility in your area for further assistance.