Cocaine use in the United States remains all too prevalent, especially among individuals aged 18 to 25. This powerful stimulant carries a variety of risks, including addiction, erratic or aggressive behavior, alterations in brain function and serious health complications like sudden cardiac arrest.
At The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health, we understand the dangers posed by cocaine use. One of the more visible indicators of cocaine’s influence can be found in a person’s eyes. Below, we discuss how cocaine affects eye appearance and offer guidance for recognizing signs of use in yourself or a loved one.
What Do Cocaine Eyes Look Like?
The term “cocaine eyes” refers to the distinct appearance of a person’s eyes after using this drug. For many substances, changes in pupil size can reveal recent use: certain drugs cause pinpoint pupils, while others cause them to become very large.
When someone has taken cocaine, their pupils often dilate significantly because cocaine is a stimulant. This is due to the surge of endorphins and other brain chemicals, which leads to large pupils that can be overly sensitive to light. A person may opt to wear sunglasses or avoid bright environments due to this heightened sensitivity.
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In addition to pupil dilation, cocaine can cause the eyes to become red or bloodshot as the blood vessels in the eye expand. Observing changes in eye movement or redness, alongside unusually large pupils, can be a telling sign of cocaine intoxication.
Other Symptoms of Cocaine Use
Because cocaine is a powerful stimulant, those under its influence can appear unusually talkative, energetic, or overly excited. They may also exhibit reduced inhibitions, leading to increased sociability or heightened sexual interest. However, not everyone displays the same symptoms, and some people may show signs of aggression, delusional thinking, or hallucinations.
Short-term physical effects of cocaine use often include:
- Constricted blood vessels
- Elevated blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased body temperature
- Nausea
- Tremors or muscle spasms
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
- Reduced appetite
- Risk of heart attacks or cardiac arrest
Additional outward signs of cocaine use can depend on the method of consumption. For those who snort cocaine, a runny or bloody nose is common. Individuals who inject the drug may have visible track marks on their skin, while people who smoke cocaine might experience burns on their lips or fingers.
Long-term or binge use of cocaine can lead to depression, anxiety, intense cravings, and extreme exhaustion that may result in long periods of sleep. Chronic users may also face increased nervousness, problems sleeping despite fatigue, and declines in their professional or personal relationships.
Get Help for Cocaine Addiction
If you are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, it might be time for professional treatment. The experts at The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health are able to identify and treat substance use disorders as well as other co-occurring mental health conditions. Contact us today to learn more about treatment programs that can work well for you.
