Youth and cocaine addiction: The warning signs + prevention

Cocaine addiction among young people is a huge concern in the UK, with recent data showing that 3.8% of people aged 16 to 24 used cocaine in the past year. Cocaine abuse and addiction can hit you hard and fast, so recognising the warning signs early is crucial for effective prevention. This responsibility falls on everyone, from parents and teachers to governments and the rehab treatment industry.

In this blog, we will discuss how to support young people in making informed decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of cocaine addiction. We will also explain telltale cocaine addiction symptoms and how to discourage cocaine abuse at both a personal and societal level.

What is cocaine addiction?

The simplest definition of cocaine addiction is when someone feels like they can’t stop using cocaine even if they want to. Cocaine addiction is particularly dangerous for young people because their brains are still developing. Cocaine abuse can significantly interfere with this process, especially as young people are more likely to experiment with drugs.

However, the consequences of cocaine addiction can be severe for young people. It can harm their health, affect their education and job opportunities and put them in legal trouble at an early age. That is why early intervention and understanding the nature of cocaine addiction are so important.

The warning signs of cocaine addiction in young people

Spotting cocaine addiction in young people isn’t always easy, especially since this is a time in our lives when we often go through lots of changes. However, at least knowing what to look out for can make a huge difference. Here are some key cocaine addiction symptoms:

1. Sudden mood swings: If they are usually pretty predictable but start having extreme ups and downs, it may be a sign of cocaine abuse and addiction. They may seem really excited or hyper for one minute and then suddenly sad, tired, or angry the next for no real reason.
2. Changes in social groups: Pay attention if they suddenly switch their friend group, especially if their new friends are less keen to hang out at home or avoid meeting you. This may be because they are out taking cocaine, and nobody knows what they are doing.
3. A lack of interest in usual activities: If they lose interest in sports, hobbies or schoolwork they used to love, it could be a warning that cocaine has become their only focus in life.
4. Unusual sleep patterns: Cocaine can make people stay up very late or disrupt their sleep so if they are always tired or never seem to sleep at normal times, it could be a clue.
5. Physical signs: These can include red, bloodshot eyes, a runny nose not caused by a cold, a bloody nose from snorting or sudden weight loss due to cocaine suppressing their appetite.
6. Secretive behaviour: If they start being very secretive, like hiding their phone, being vague about where they have been or getting defensive when asked simple questions, it’s worth taking note.
7. Money issues: Cocaine is expensive, with a gram costing upwards of one hundred pounds on the street. If money or valuable items start disappearing from the house, it might be funding a drug habit.

These signs of cocaine addiction can be tough to spot because teenagers often value privacy and will likely try to hide their cocaine abuse. However, staying informed and involved in their lives without being too pushy can put you in a position to spot these signs and intervene.

How to prevent youth cocaine abuse and addiction

It is important for everyone in the community to be mindful and proactive in the battle against youth cocaine addiction. Here are some of the most important stakeholders in this battle and what they can do to help:

Parents and families

• Talk openly: Start and encourage open conversations about the effects of drugs like cocaine. You can show them UKAT’s pages on cocaine addiction and explain the legal and health consequences of cocaine abuse. This will help your son or daughter make better choices.
• Set clear rules: Be firm about expectations and consequences related to drug use. Explain these rules in a family meeting or quiet conversation to ensure clarity and understanding.
• Monitor activities: You don’t have to go through your child’s diary or texts, but stay involved by knowing where your kids are and who they’re with. You can use agreed-upon check-ins or even location-sharing apps if that works for your family.
• Offer emotional support: Be there to listen and provide support when kids face pressure or stress, making sure they feel safe to express their fears or concerns. This will encourage them to come to you rather than turning to drugs like cocaine to cope.

Schools and educators

• Offer educational programmes: These can be very important for explaining the risks and impacts of cocaine addiction for students. UKAT provides our own addiction awareness education programmes to schools and educators across the country so get in contact with us if you are interested.
• Provide school counselling services: This is very important because it can help students deal with personal and peer pressure issues which often fuel youth cocaine abuse.
• Put on extracurricular activities: Encourage participation in sports, clubs and arts to keep students engaged and focused on positive activities. This can help them build self-esteem, provide a healthy outlet for stress and creativity and keep them out of trouble.
• Set up peer mentoring: These are programmes where older students help younger ones understand the dangers of drug use through mentor-led discussions and shared experiences. This fosters a sense of community and responsibility among students and puts prevention back into the hands of young people themselves.

Friends and peers

• Be positive role models: Try to be a good influence on friends, particularly those who may be starting down the wrong path. Encourage a drug-free lifestyle, check in with anyone who you are worried about and involve them in hobbies and hangouts where cocaine isn’t being used.
• Express your concern: If your friend starts showing signs of cocaine abuse or any other substance use, express your concerns and suggest they seek help. You can show them this page, help them get treatment or support them by talking to their parents.
• Don’t get pulled into cocaine abuse yourself: Most importantly, remain vigilant about your own choices. Lead by example and steer clear of situations where drugs like cocaine are present. This will not only support your own wellbeing but will also set a standard for your friends to follow.

Governments and policymakers

• Enforce laws: Strictly regulate the sale and distribution of cocaine and enforce penalties for distribution, especially near schools. This strong enforcement can deter potential sellers and users and create a safer environment for students.
• Fund prevention: The UK prison and court systems are overrun with 17% of prisoners serving sentences for drug-related crimes. Allocating funds specifically for drug education and prevention programmes can stop these crimes from taking place, protecting young people and taking a huge amount of pressure off the system.
• Create public awareness campaigns: Governments can also create public service announcements and campaigns highlighting the dangers of cocaine addiction. It is important to use media channels popular among young people to maximise the reach and impact and change youth behaviours over time.

A true community effort

When everyone pitches in, it strengthens the safety net that keeps our communities drug-free. By joining forces, parents, schools, and the government can build a country where making healthy choices is easier and no young person is overlooked.

This united approach will also free up resources for those who have slipped through the safety net and need professional cocaine addiction help. If you are in this situation or you have noticed the signs of cocaine addiction in a young person in your life, UKAT can help.

Get in touch with us today and we can explain how our comprehensive cocaine rehab programmes can set you or your loved one on a path to recovery. Don’t hesitate to make that call – it could be the most important one you ever make.