What is a common indicator of low-dose cocaine use?

Low-dose cocaine use is often associated with an agitated appearance. Cocaine is a stimulant that increases energy and alertness, which can lead to heightened levels of agitation or restlessness in users. When individuals consume cocaine, even at lower doses, they may display behaviors such as fidgeting, rapid movements, or nervous energy, all of which contribute to an overall agitated demeanor.

This agitation can arise from the drug's effects on the central nervous system, which causes a temporary surge in adrenaline and other stimulatory neurotransmitters. As such, the agitated appearance serves as a behavioral marker for identifying the use of cocaine, even when the doses are lower.

The other options, while associated with cocaine use in different contexts, do not necessarily indicate low-dose usage. For instance, slowed speech may be more indicative of the effects of depressants rather than a stimulant like cocaine. Similarly, reduced appetite is a broader effect variable that can differ greatly among individuals and across different drug contexts. Lastly, a flushed complexion might occur in response to various substances and is not tightly linked to low-dose cocaine specifically.