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Cocaine Withdrawal: What To Expect & How To Survive

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Cocaine Withdrawal: What To Expect & How To Survive

Cocaine is a very potent stimulant drug and has the potential to cause extreme psychological dependence. Regardless of whether it forms temporary euphoria, its long-term impact is disastrous. If a person ceases consuming cocaine after prolonged or chronic use, he or she will experience a set of withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine withdrawal, how a person feels, and coping with it is a major milestone in recovery.

 

What Is Cocaine Withdrawal?


Cocaine withdrawal is the body and brain's physical and psychological reaction to the absence of the drug after prolonged use. Unlike alcohol or opiates, cocaine itself doesn't usually produce nasty physical withdrawal symptoms like vomiting or seizures. Its withdrawal is nevertheless partly psychological—but real and typically driven mad.

When a person stops using cocaine, the brain can readjust. Cocaine unleashes a flood of dopamine (the "feel-good" neurotransmitter), and eventually, the brain becomes accustomed to the drug to create that feeling. When it just stops, the levels of dopamine plummet and produce a range of uncomfortable emotional and psychological manifestations.

 

Common Symptoms Of Cocaine Withdrawal


Withdrawal symptoms may begin as soon as a few hours after the last use and may last for weeks or days, depending on the usage level.

A few of the typical withdrawal symptoms of cocaine are:

  • Lethargy and fatigue

  • Low mood or depression

  • Restlessness or anxiety

  • Severe cocaine craving

  • Mood changes or irascibility

  • Poor concentration

  • Increased appetite

  • Sleep disruption – including insomnia or hypersomnia

  • Disturbing or vivid dreams


For others, they overwhelm and lead to relapse. Professional help during withdrawal, however, is a lifesaver.

This cocaine withdrawal timeline may differ from individual to individual, but it's an estimated timeline of what to expect:

0–24 hours after last use

  • A crash with extreme exhaustion, irritability, and strong cravings.

  • Anxiety and depression begin creeping in.


1–3 Days

  • Peak in cravings.

  • Sleep disturbances and mood swings are to be expected.

  • Some become paranoid or numb.


4–7 Days

  • Body symptoms begin to fade.

  • Depression and drowsiness may persist.

  • Hunger comes back or is boosted.


1–4 Weeks

  • Emotional symptoms continue to improve.

  • Cravings are still present but diminish in strength.

  • Most sleep soundly and are stable by this time.


In long-term or heavy users, symptoms last for weeks, often referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

 

How To Cope With Cocaine Withdrawal?


The good news? Cocaine withdrawal can be done, and recovery is highly possible. Some safe coping strategies are listed below:

  1. Seek professional assistance


Detoxify with the help of a doctor or counselor to ensure your success rate. They are able to treat your symptoms, prescribe medication (if necessary), and take care of your mental health.

  1. Drink lots of water and healthy foods


Nutrition and hydration help your body recover. Choose whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables to rebuild energy stores and support brain function.

  1. Get support


Speaking with someone who understands can be a real lifesaver. Call in a counselor, go to a support group, or rely on a caring friend or relative.

  1. Rest and reestablish your sleeping habit


Your body must recover. Create a sleep-friendly atmosphere and allow yourself to relax, even if you do not initially.

  1. Exercise


Low-key activity like walking, yoga, or stretching can improve mood, decrease tension, and increase energy levels over the long term.

  1. Stay away from triggers


Stay away from people or places that give you messages to use drugs. Hang around healthy environments and good influences.

 

Treatment For Cocaine Addiction


Getting out of cocaine's grip is more than a matter of weathering withdrawal—it's a matter of building a new life.

Among the typical treatments are:

  • Behavioral therapy (CBT) – to disrupt negative thought cycles and develop coping mechanisms.

  • Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs – offering structured care and counseling.

  • 12-step or peer support groups – i.e., Narcotics Anonymous.

  • Dual diagnosis treatment – for individuals with co-occurring mental illness such as depression or anxiety. 


The best strategy is customized, treating not only the drug behavior, but also the emotional, psychological, and social causes.

 

Conclusion


Detoxing from cocaine is difficult—but only for a little while. The headaches you feel detoxing are proof that your brain and body are healing themselves. So long as you have a good support system and a decent treatment program, you can get better in the end.

With every step—withdrawal, starting anew—you don't have to do it on your own. Whether you, or the person in your life, are a cocaine addict, wait no longer. Call us and let us provide you with the help you require to move into a better, brighter future."