Cocaine Paraphernalia: How To Identify Cocaine Accessories

Knowing exactly what items to look for is the only way to identify cocaine paraphernalia.

If you are concerned that a loved one is engaging in illegal drug use, you may need to know what items are associated with the drugs they might be using.

Depending on state laws and federal law, possession of drug paraphernalia or materials of any kind that are used to take illegal drugs could be a misdemeanor crime or worse.

Cocaine can be snorted or injected in its powder form, and it can be smoked if it is in its freebase or crack cocaine form. There are many different items involved in each method of cocaine use.

Cocaine Straws And Other Items Used For Snorting Cocaine

Snorting cocaine is the simplest method and it requires the fewest number of tools.

These items can be used in the process of snorting cocaine:

• razor blades or credit cards (for separating “lines”)
• small mirrors or other smooth surfaces (for distributing powder cocaine to be snorted)
• miniature spoons (for getting cocaine from a small plastic bag and snorting it directly)
• paper tubes
• cocaine straws

Cocaine Spoons And Other Paraphernalia Used For Injecting Cocaine

Injecting cocaine involves dissolving the powder in water so that it can be injected with a syringe and needle.

These items can be used in the process of injecting cocaine:

• needles
• syringes
• spoons (for dissolving cocaine in water)
• bottle caps (for dissolving cocaine in water)
• stir sticks (for mixing cocaine into water)
• vinegar or another acid (for dissolving crack cocaine to inject)

Crack Pipes And Other Paraphernalia Related To Smoking Cocaine

Crack cocaine and freebase cocaine are often smoked by people who use these forms of the drug.

These items can be used in the process of smoking cocaine:

• water pipes like bongs
• chillums and other small glass pipes found at head shops
• tin foil
• lighters and candles
• rolling papers
• roach clips
• small glass vials
• crack pipes

Sometimes, people smoke crack cocaine by adding it to marijuana and/or tobacco. In these cases, the same paraphernalia might be used as for simple marijuana use.

Although they are not technically paraphernalia, you should also look out for eye drops used to cover up bloodshot eyes, and mouthwash used to erase the odor of cocaine being smoked.

Other Signs And Symptoms Of Cocaine Use

It is also important to know the physical and behavioral signs of cocaine use, so you can tell when family members may be using drugs. Cocaine has intense effects on the human body and on mental health.

Sometimes, other drugs like MDMA or methamphetamine are being used at the same time as cocaine. These drugs can have compounding effects when used with cocaine.

Physical Signs Of Cocaine Use

Cocaine is a stimulant, so most of the immediate physical effects are similar to that of other stimulants, such as increased energy and alertness.

Physical signs of cocaine use include:

• dilated pupils
• damage to nasal passages
• high blood pressure and body temperature
• fast heart rate
• loss of appetite
• trouble breathing

Behavioral Signs Of Cocaine Use

People who are using cocaine may also experience changes in behavior due to the effects of cocaine, cocaine addiction, withdrawal effects, and the ‘cocaine comedown’.

Behavioral signs of cocaine substance abuse include:

• increased energy
• restlessness
• irritability
• paranoia
• erratic behavior
• sleep pattern changes
• secrecy and lying
• financial problems
• mood swings

Treatment Options For Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine drug addiction can be a serious problem. Cocaine overdose can happen at any time. As a person uses cocaine more, the risk of overdose rises.

Fortunately, cocaine addiction treatment at a certified treatment center can safely address the issue and help a person using cocaine to get their life back on track.

The best treatment centers tailor their plans to each individual person. Everyone’s addiction is different and requires a somewhat different approach.

Evidence-based treatment methods should also be implemented. These are methods of addiction treatment that have been proven to have high rates of success, such as behavioral therapy and inpatient programs.

Find Cocaine Addiction Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Bedrock Recovery Center is a top-of-the-line alcohol and drug addiction treatment center located in Canton, MA. We offer medical detox, residential treatment, and evidence-based therapies to our clients.

Our state-of-the-art facility welcomes anyone with substance use issues, from young adults to older people.

Are you ready to start your journey toward recovery? Call our helpline today to learn more about our cocaine treatment options.