Understanding Cocaine Eyes

Searching for signs of cocaine use is easier with more obvious symptoms, but this article looks at one particular physical effect: cocaine’s effect on the eyes. We’re outlining how you can recognise cocaine eyes in others to help give them the support they need.

What is cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug derived from coca plants native to South America. When sold on the street, it can be found in two forms: the more common powdered form and “crack” cocaine, which comes from processing cocaine powder with substances like baking soda or ammonia, which is then smoked.

Cocaine is known for its rapid onset of pleasurable effects, with changes to the brain happening in less than a few minutes. It is often cited as one of the most addictive substances of all, able to rapidly lead someone to addiction and cause a wide variety of dangerous symptoms when abused.

Common cocaine addiction symptoms

Cocaine addiction symptoms can vary from one person to another. We can generally distinguish between psychological and physical symptoms in a person with a cocaine addiction.

The behavioural/psychological symptoms of cocaine addiction include:

• Anxiety and paranoia
• Marked mood swings
• Acting impulsively
• Becoming more secretive
• Engaging in more risky and reckless behaviour
• Increased energy and alertness 

Physical symptoms of cocaine addiction:

• Increased heart rate
• Persistent nosebleeds
• Loss of appetite
• Reduced need for sleep
• Excessive perspiration

What do “cocaine eyes” look like?

In addition to the physical symptoms listed above, there are marked changes to a person’s eyes when taking cocaine. A person’s eyes are often used as an indicator for emergency teams who check people for overdose, as many opioid drugs cause “pinpoint pupils,” especially substances like heroin, morphine and codeine. Cocaine has the opposite effect, in which pupils dilate or become much larger. This is commonly referred to as “cocaine eyes” or “cocaine pupils” and can carry significant risks to a user.

If you’re looking at a person’s eyes who just used cocaine, the pupil, or the black center of the eye, appears unnaturally large. This is because cocaine is a stimulant drug which encourages the brain to release a large amount of endorphins in a matter of minutes. This causes the eyes to react by enlarging pupils.

In addition to dilated cocaine pupils, there are a few other indicators in the eyes that may suggest a person is using the drug. Some of these include:

• Light sensitivity: When pupils dilate, a person becomes more sensitive to light. You may recognise someone wearing sunglasses at surprising times or while indoors to adjust to the light.
• Irritation, redness and swelling: Both powdered cocaine or crack smoke can irritate the eyes, making a person scratch or itch them. If this happens during or shortly after taking the drug, traces of cocaine can make eyes feel highly irritable.
• Blurred near vision: When a person frequently takes large amounts of cocaine, the eye’s focusing muscle (known as the ciliary muscle) is impaired. Research shows how, in some cases, complete paralysis of the ciliary muscle can happen, which would make a person suffer from blurred vision and squint when trying to focus on near objects.

Further effects of cocaine on the eyes

In addition to the symptoms of cocaine eyes, there are other significant eye-related risks stemming from long-term cocaine use. Recognising the symptoms of cocaine eyes as well as the more long-term risks of cocaine addiction can help you get your loved one appropriate help at the right time.

Some of the additional eye-related risks for a person with a cocaine addiction can include:

What are the treatment options for cocaine addiction?

Recognising signs of cocaine addiction in yourself or a loved one can be the most pivotal step towards getting help. Avoiding catastrophic damage to your eyes and other vital organs starts when you cease use of the drug. However, cocaine is notoriously addictive and it is not easy to escape the clutches of addiction once in it.

Treatment and rehab options will support you in working your way out of cocaine addiction, including:

Medical detoxification

Stopping the use of cocaine after developing an addiction can present physical withdrawal symptoms. Without support from professionals, coping with withdrawal symptoms can be more difficult. Medical detox is used to ease discomfort as cocaine leaves the system and helps you manage symptoms with minimal side effects.

Group and behavioural therapy

One of the most common difficulties faced by people going through treatment is the feeling of being alone, leading to isolation. Group therapy is extremely beneficial for creating a safe environment where you can share the stresses you face with others in the same position. Mutual support can lay the foundation for a more sustained recovery journey.

Behavioural therapy focuses more on one-on-one practices, wherein a therapist helps you evaluate and adjust recurring negative thoughts and coping mechanisms. Research highlights how cognitive behavioural therapy is especially effective for treating substance use disorders, giving you the tools needed for lifelong sobriety.giving you the tools needed for lifelong sobriety.

Where can I get help for my addiction?

If you or a loved one is struggling with a cocaine addiction, we know that there are times when it feels like no help is available. We want you to know that the first step in the recovery journey can be the hardest but can lead you to the healthier, brighter future you desire.

Here at UKAT, we specialise in treatment programmes for cocaine, alcohol and many other addictive substances. Our staff are on hand to help you manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Ongoing aftercare and outpatient support keep you on steady footing as you enter your new life, free from addiction.

The help you need is only one phone call away. Contact us today to start your recovery journey.