Author: John Carter
Cocaine withdrawal: Symptoms, timeline, and recovery
“Withdrawal” is the term for the physical and mental symptoms a person with a drug dependence or addiction experiences when they suddenly stop or reduce substance use. If a person develops cocaine dependence or addiction and suddenly stops using cocaine, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, a live-in treatment program can help monitor safety and provide the tools needed to overcome addiction. There’s no one standard medication prescribed to help detox from cocaine, but medications can help treat symptoms such as depression or fatigue. Cocaine withdrawal can cause intense physical and mental symptoms — some of which can be life threatening.
This article discusses cocaine withdrawal and outlines its symptoms. It also discusses how long it lasts and what treatment options are available. Quitting cocaine is a positive step that can decrease your risk of death and improve your overall health. Withdrawal can cause people to backslide and use again when they try to quit. Cravings can be strong, and symptoms can be difficult to manage. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medications for treating cocaine withdrawal or addiction — but several medications under investigation show promise.
- You can begin to build healthy habits during detox and continue as you recover.
- This is used to treat narcolepsy by enhancing glutamate-neurotransmission.
- Cocaine causes your brain to release elevated levels of certain brain chemicals.
- Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include depression, excessive sleep, increased hunger, and a general sense of unease.
“NAS” is the term for the symptoms a newborn may develop due to withdrawal when they stop receiving the substance after birth. For example, a medical professional can prescribe medications to relieve muscle aches, mental health symptoms, or severe distress and agitation. Once acute withdrawal has ended, a person may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are often mild and not life threatening. Cocaine is a central nervous stimulant that some people use recreationally.
Because cocaine stays in the the system for a short amount of time, withdrawal symptoms can appear soon after someone stops using the drug. Some medications ease specific symptoms, as well as things you can do to reduce the unpleasantness of withdrawal. Overall, the best strategy is to establish a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious food, exercise, and a healthy sleeping schedule. You can begin to build healthy habits during detox and continue as you recover.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Since the change is so sudden, the reaction can be very intense. With continued use, people can quickly build a tolerance to cocaine. Over time, it will take larger amounts of the drug for them to experience the same sort of high. It is important to have a plan in place to avoid relapse after cocaine withdrawal. Cocaine changes your brain chemistry, making it one of the most difficult drug addictions to overcome.
Medical professionals can supervise, help manage symptoms, and monitor for any complications. Participating in long-term care, including individual and group counseling is one of the most effective ways to stay sober after cocaine detox. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), when combined with other treatments, is very effective for long-term abstinence.
The euphoric effects of powder cocaine wear off within a couple hours, and the typical crack high only lasts 10 to 20 minutes. Once the high subsides, many cocaine users are eager recapture that feeling, which can lead to a cycle of abuse and addiction. The body needs time to adjust to functioning without cocaine.
Inpatient treatment (rehab) is common for those with severe cocaine addiction. It provides round-the-clock medical support and removes someone from their usual triggers and alleviates the real-world temptations to use cocaine. Cocaine dependence can also cause withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop or detox from the drug. Other ways healthcare professionals may manage symptoms of withdrawal include, encouraging a person can drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids from diarrhea and sweat.
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms in adults
The medical professional can help monitor the person’s withdrawal symptoms and mental state. As cocaine leaves your body, symptoms such as strong cravings, depression, anxiety, and severe fatigue can begin. Symptoms after are often more intense for people who’ve used cocaine for an extended period. Cocaine is a highly addictive substance that can cause withdrawal symptoms during detox, including agitation, fatigue, depression, and more. Cocaine detox can start as soon as 24 hours after the last dose, and it can take more than 1 to 2 weeks for acute withdrawal symptoms to stop.
Individuals can also consider taking multivitamin supplements that contain B-group vitamins and vitamin C. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is the term for the withdrawal symptoms a newborn experiences after birth when they are no longer receiving the substance in utero. A person experiencing cocaine withdrawal may have an increased heart rate and high blood pressure. A doctor can prescribe medications to help manage these symptoms. While cocaine withdrawal is not life-threatening and usually doesn’t require medical treatment, medically supervised detox is a necessity in some cases. For someone with a mild to moderate pattern of cocaine use, withdrawal symptoms will typically resolve in less than 18 hours.
The treatment for babies also depends on the severity of the symptoms. They might need intravenous (IV) fluids to help address dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. Once you stop using cocaine, you will feel a desire to take more and crave the drug.
Mental symptoms of a cocaine withdrawal
Generally, withdrawal symptoms from cocaine during the detox period start within 24 hours after last using the drug. When you use substances like alcohol or drugs over a long period of time, your body can develop a dependence on these substances. Cocaine Anonymous hosts meetings in person and online where people can share their experiences with cocaine addiction, connect with others, and get support. A doctor can also prescribe medications to help manage more severe NAS symptoms. The goal of pharmacological treatment is to improve these symptoms in the short term.
Treatment for cocaine withdrawal
This can make withdrawal easier and might make success more likely. Up to one in six people who use cocaine will develop a dependence on the drug or a moderate to severe cocaine addiction. People who are dependent on cocaine experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. A person experiencing cocaine withdrawal can consider reaching out to a qualified medical professional for support.
This desire is fueled by the desire to ward off the unpleasant feelings of not having the drug in your system and not experiencing the pleasurable high. Once you’re in recovery, you can think about your future with a clear head and set some goals for yourself, whether personal, occupational, or otherwise. You can improve your relationships with others and yourself and take some time to allow your body and mind to recover.