Coke addiction personality change

[RedC83]

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help.

I’m frightened by the gradual (over the past 4- 5 years) personality change of my (mid 30s) sibling. They have a bad coke habit for sure but are also sociable, successful, never have a hangover, city dwelling type. Lately they have turned into an arrogant, unforgiving, very dislikeable person with a lot of anger issues. The quickness of their temper is unreal and they are losing friends regularly. They have become sanctimonious and horrible to be around.
In terms of addiction- are an “all or nothing type”- and I know they can detox and take “a month off” for example, quite regularly so I don’t doubt they could quit the coke scene if they wanted to. I feel when they have a family (speaking to them and their partner this is likely to happen in the next 12-18 mth) they will stop the drugs.
But I want to know- is this personality thing connected and is it permanent? If they do settle and start family and stop this behaviour will the old them return? Any advice?

It can be permanent

www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-are-long-term-effects-cocaine-use

It's a really damaging addiction. This part seems relevant to the personality changes:

Users take cocaine in binges, in which cocaine is used repeatedly and at increasingly higher doses. This can lead to increased irritability, restlessness, panic attacks, paranoia, and even a full-blown psychosis, in which the individual loses touch with reality and experiences auditory hallucinations.2 With increasing doses or higher frequency of use, the risk of adverse psychological or physiological effects increases.

Encourage to go to a rehab for a month . It’s a long time with work commitments but this is their mental health . If they are mixing with people or their partner makes the drug habit seem acceptable they may not want to stop, so will be defensive and you’ll get nowhere . Talk to an addiction agency to get a better understanding of cocaine addiction. With a addict they have to want to stop the drugs or an intervention can work . Have a read on-line from what you’ve written prob not intervention they just tell everyone to ‘ f off’. Some addicts have to lose a lot before they want to stop . Arm yourself with a bit more knowledge , talk to a drug agency and local / closest drug rehab see how they think you may like approach . For me I tell them - “do you realise you are addicted and you horrible to be around at the moment. I love you but not this you that is addicted etc “. Talk to local rehab and national agency get two lots of advice . Can also call narcotics anonymous but make sure to get info from agency and rehab . Then see what you think is best for you to do. Good luck , they are lucky you still care about them. Let us know how you get on if you can .

I'm going through similar with a sibling. Similar time frame too. About 4 to 5 years ago. I don't think coke is his drug. I think his drug of choice is weed and something harder when he's with his friends - speed or mephedrone or both or others. There's definitely drugs involved.

His life and personality changed. He had a job but he kept missing so many days from his work and he hasn't worked in about 2 and half years. The relationship with his girlfriend also didn't work out.

I also witnessed personality change with him too. Not the same type of personality as what you wrote. He's cold, withdrawn and distant. He followed lockdown last year thank goodness and stayed in a lot. Once every few weeks he would get a huge burst of energy and his demeanour changed and he became more happy and involved with the family. Basically he came to life. From my observations it usually meant he had plans to go out and visit his friends. I now firmly think he comes to life when he has plans for a hit of drugs or to get a new supply of drug. During this time that he comes to life, he's very arrogant and obnoxious.

Is alcohol also involved? That's the absolute worst IME

Bryonyshcmyony

Is that question for the OP or me, the last poster. There's definitely alcohol involved with my brother.

Anyone really. Alcohol is a killer and often goes hand in hand with coke.