“Is cocaine really addictive?”

Yes, cocaine is very addictive. This could end up being a long road for you if you stay with him. Recovery from narcotics is often interspersed with relapse and heartache. Good Luck to you both.

Don Johnson, CADC III: AOD Counselor
Preferred Pronoun: He, Him, His (What is This)<http://www2.humboldt.edu/qweerss/pronouns.html>
Open Door Community Health Centers
Fortuna Community Health Center
3750 Rohnerville rd, Fortuna, Ca. 95540<x-apple-data-detectors://1/1>
djohnson@opendoorhealth.com<mailto:djohnson@opendoorhealth.com>
707-502-7372<tel:707-502-7372>

Yes. Given that using it can lead to serious consequences, that people can use more than initially intended, that people can spend more time obtaining and using the drug than they intended to, that it can worsen underlying illnesses, it is an addictive drug. Sometimes there is some confusion regarding whether something has to have a physical addiction for it to be considered addictive - this is NOT necessarily the case. Drugs that may not produce a physical withdrawal syndrome, such as cocaine, can still lead to the above noted symptoms of addiction, and thus, are addictive.

Cocaine can be pretty addictive. However, it depends on the person and the circumstance. Things to look for would be behavior problems, legal problems, and financial/work problems.

There are people who can use cocaine occasionally, but commonly it's quite addictive. You might try to learn more. I'd recommend AGAINST blasting him with questions like, "ARE YOU AN ***ADDICT***?" Instead, approach quietly and gently, remembering that those with substance use problems are often much more truthful about past use than the present. Examples: "Was there ever a time when you thought cocaine might become a problem for you?" Or get down and dirty with, "What's the MOST cocaine you've ever used?" (Phrased like he really enjoyed using it) or, "Have you ever tried to cut down on your cocaine use?" or "Did anyone ever get on your nerves by bugging you about this?" If you're mature enough to handle it, you might ask if he thinks YOU should try it. You're listening not just to his words, but his manner. For a real addict, cocaine is their best friend. But don't you dare start using it with him, because then your relationship becomes all about using together. That's a very dark path.

Red flags suggesting addiction: ever a period of daily use or more than twice a week. Injecting it intravenously. Needing other drugs (alcohol, Xanax) to come down. Getting paranoid and seeing things that aren't there.

Extremely addictive. It can also induce Paranoia, emotional swings, insomnia, followed by prolonged periods of sleep, anxiety, short attention span, increased impulsivity and financial trouble.