Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that’s highly addictive. Though teens use it less commonly than some other drugs, cocaine abuse can occur even in small doses over a short time. For that reason, parents need to recognize the signs and know how to get their son or daughter the help they need. Bayview Recovery can offer treatment and support during this process. Call our team today at 855.478.3650 to learn more about the treatment options available.

Could Your Teen Be Engaging in Cocaine Abuse?

Teen drug use can be shocking to learn about as a parent. Yet, teens do engage in the use of cocaine. A study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 4.1 percent of 12 graders in 2020 responding to the survey used cocaine. That’s a significant number of teens who are engaging in the use of cocaine. This use may happen at a friend’s home, party, or in college dorms. This drug appears as a white powder or, in crack form, as a rock crystal that users can smoke. Additionally, it requires only a small amount to create a significant high.

What Are Signs of Cocaine Abuse in Teens?

As with most other types of teen drug abuse, remember that teens can hide their drug use and access well. They are unlikely to conceal it for long because cocaine is a highly addictive substance that rapidly leads to health complications. Some of the most common signs of use include:

• Overconfidence and more risk-taking behavior
• Dilated pupils and not needing to sleep for an extended period
• Mood swings, irritability, and sometimes depression
• Paranoia
• Over-excitement and significant, unexplained energy
• Lack of completing responsibilities, missing work or school, and needing money often

Cocaine is an expensive drug. To get it, many teens engage in illicit behavior as a way to earn money to use. For instance, sometimes parents may notice money missing from their wallets. Many have legal problems, financial difficulties, and relationship problems as a result of this.

What Are the Risks of Cocaine Abuse in Teens?

A teen engaging in cocaine abuse may see several health complications over time. Initially, they may have high blood pressure, headaches, and chills. As they stop using the drug, they may feel intense anxiety and depression. Many will experience more extreme symptoms, including insomnia, confusion, seizures, and coma. These problems are secondary to overdose, a medical emergency in which a person’s heart rate becomes irregular and rapid or suddenly stops.

There are long-term side effects to cocaine abuse, including damage to the brain, kidneys, and lungs. It can also lead to harmful behavioral and psychological problems, including mental health disorders.

Seek Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Bayview Recovery

It’s imperative to take action with all substance abuse as soon as you notice the signs of it occurring. Cocaine abuse treatment is available at Bayview Recovery. It can provide a wide range of opportunities to help your teen stop using cocaine and start healing. Teens using these drugs are at a higher risk of other addictions in their 20s and beyond. Treatment now may help to minimize this risk and enhance long-term wellbeing. The key is helping your teen to get help immediately. We offer programs that can help, including:

• Intensive outpatient program
• Partial hospitalization program
• Men’s drug rehab
• Women’s drug rehab
• Medication-assisted therapy
• Extended care program

Cocaine abuse is devastating for anyone, especially a teen with a full life ahead of them. That is why it is critical to get help immediately. Our team at Bayview Recovery can offer assistance with teen drug use, providing treatment options and support for the whole family. Explore our care options when you connect with us online or call us at 855.478.3650 to set up a consultation for treatment.