cocaine use?

[potterone]

I'm not sure id this is the right topic for this question, but never mind all i want to know is if you take cocaine through the nose are the symptoms; red and sore, getting scabby, and always rubbing it, it's just i think a family member is taking it but i'm not sure what to do for the best, any help?

[raysparx1]

Hi potterone,

The symptoms will be a reddening of the nose membranes,rubbing the nose,sniffing,eventually the division between the nostrils will rot away, tell them to get help, don't know about it getting scabby, I can only comment on the couple of people I have seen taking it, good luck, Ray

before you say anything,watch the behaviour pattern,if it changes suddenly they might well be taking something,but it could also be a bad summer cold,so don't go accusing or assuming till you are 100% sure.

[IzzieQ]

Look for changes in behaviour too...

[Mr Tall]

Nosebleeds
Slipping off to the toilet frequently when out
Leaving the room to take, receive calls
Talking *****

[admarlow]

not everyone is going to do a danella westbrooke and have their nose fall off! You would have to do a tonne of coke for that to happen. Maybe take a look at their credit cards for residue or even lick them, if your tounge goes numb then there is coke on it.

[newtron]

If you know this person well, a change in behavior should quite obvious if he/she is high on cocaine around you. Some signs may include: talking much more than usual, muscle twitches, and grinding of teeth. As far as doing something about it, I would mind my own bussiness unless it appears he is having some serious problems that might be due to a drug problem, such as the inability to keep a job, problems with family and friends, etc. As was mentioned above, he/she may just be suffering from a cold or chronic allergies. So be very careful before you make any accusations unless you are just mad that he/she isn't sharing with you.

[crilly2k]

if you cut the inside of your nose it can take a very long time to heal as it will be come really itchy and cause you keep rubbing (or picking )it and this will make the healing time alot longer,i know someone who had a scabbie nose for months

If this person is taking cocaine try looking at their credit cards or bank card is a dead give away,or they spend a lot of time in the toilet on a night out,and talking alot more than usual.if they are always sniffing more so than a red nose is usually a sign.If they stay up all night after drinking because they can't sleep is another sign and having less money too

Be careful accusing them until you are certain as this will make them more cautious of you and they will be more careful doing it around you

[IggyB]

this person would have to be taking loads for their nose to go red, sore and scabby so i'm sure there would be loads of other symptoms as well - mood changes, muscle spasms etc.
the symptoms you mentionare however very very common with solvent abuse.

[potterone]

Thanx to all for the answers, they are very helpful, i will check out all possibilities first.

[chimney]

I am currently recovering from a cocaine habit, the things to look out for are not always to do with the nose, look at that when you think they are on it or have had a particularly heavy session on it the day or night before.

The biggest give away is a lack of money.

Followed by:-

Loss of appetite,
Mood swings
Nervousness
Paranoia
Drowsiness (when not on coke)
Caginess about whereabouts
Change in attitude.

Also keep an eye to see how often they check the time. If someone is going to pick some up then they always want to be on time.

Check phone records if you can, a large amount of calls that last less than a minute to one number (could be the dealer)

Other side effects of cocaine use are dialated pupils and an inability to stay still when they are on it (generally because the coke can be cut with amphetamine.

Problems with the nose can be explained away by saying you have a head cold.

Good Luck - For the sake of your family member I hope they are not involved with it, it's a horrible world and one that is also hard to get out of when you get in to deep

[raysparx1]

Hi chimney, stick with it mate, I have seen it when it really gets a hold,and as you will know it is not just the fantastic amount of money it takes,but the mess it leaves behind,the lies, the deciet and the hurt, I wish you good luck,never weaken, one day at a time eh, Ray

[chimney]

Cheers Ray, every day it gets a little easier, and it really helps when I get messages of support from people such as yourself. Thanks again friend

[raysparx1]

Chimney, you are worth more than that crap,you will never go back onto it,you have got far to much sense than to do that, finding that inner strength to get out of that way of living is a great achievement,be proud of yourself,you have got your self respect back,you will have some that won't let you forget,ignore them,they are idiots,you are the wise one, Ray