Cocaine Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
Abusing stimulants like cocaine puts you at risk for physical discomfort and psychological withdrawal symptoms when you quit. When cocaine consumption stops abruptly, a body that has adapted to cocaine use will react. The result is withdrawal, which has the potential to be dangerous–or highly uncomfortable, at the very least.
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant substance with high rates of use: in 2018, over 5.5 million adults from the U.S. reported using cocaine in the past year, with rates of misuse climbing over the past decade.
With appropriate medical care and therapeutic support, breaking up with cocaine is possible. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant under the best of circumstances, but with medical support and therapeutic guidance, you can be on your way to recovery.
What Is Cocaine Withdrawal Like?
Symptoms of withdrawal from cocaine are usually more psychological than physical. You may have some mild physical symptoms, but most of the more severe effects of cocaine withdrawal are emotional and behavioral.
Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
Quitting cocaine after abusing it for long periods can lead to withdrawal symptoms:
- Intense cocaine cravings
- Restlessness
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Agitation and irritability
- Apathy or a significant lack of motivation
- Poor concentration and memory
- Ruminating thoughts
- Inability to feel pleasure
What Causes Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms?
Cocaine use creates a buildup of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that activates the pleasure center. Long-term cocaine abuse can alter the natural dopamine activity in the brain, leading to complications.
When you quit cocaine suddenly or “cold turkey,” the processes behind dopamine and other brain chemicals are forced into sudden states of dysfunction. At this stage, the brain thinks having cocaine in the body is its “new normal.” When feel-good chemical levels fall below this new normal, cocaine withdrawal symptoms result.
How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?
The time it takes to eliminate cocaine from the body and endure withdrawal is unique for each person. Factors that influence withdrawal timelines include:
- How long you’ve been abusing cocaine
- The amount of cocaine you abuse regularly
- If you’re abusing other drugs and alcohol
- Your physical and mental health
- If you have any co-occurring medical conditions
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
For most people, three phases of withdrawal occur after the last cocaine use:
- Crash phase (1-3 hours after last use) – Crashing, or “coming down” from cocaine use, involves a sudden drop in mood and energy as the effects wear off.
- Acute withdrawal (up to one week) – The body attempts to readjust to the absence of cocaine, causing emotional instability and intense cravings.
- Protracted withdrawal (up to 10 weeks or more) – Psychological withdrawal symptoms dominate with fluctuating intensity, increasing the risk of relapse without support.
Do You Need Medical Detox for Cocaine Addiction?
Cocaine abusers typically don’t experience severe withdrawal symptoms, but that doesn’t mean you should attempt to stop using cocaine on your own. Every individual’s withdrawal and detox experiences will be different. The safest way to stop using cocaine is through medically assisted detox. Whether that’s through a residential inpatient program or outpatient detox depends on your clinical needs, physical health, and living environment.
Cocaine Detox
Detoxing from cocaine is the first step in addiction recovery. This step is crucial if you’re also abusing alcohol or other drugs along with cocaine. The combination of alcohol and cocaine abuse puts you at risk for painful and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
During medical detox, cocaine withdrawal symptoms are managed by medications and medical support that can alleviate the intensity of the process. Medical staff is on hand 24/7 to monitor vital signs and attend to any physical or psychological discomforts you may experience.
What Happens After Cocaine Detox?
Your risk of cocaine relapse is high without the proper behavioral health treatment and aftercare program. After detox is completed, cocaine rehab programs can help you get to the root of your cocaine misuse.
Many people with addictions benefit from inpatient rehab, ensuring 24/7 support and space away from triggers in early recovery. Others may choose outpatient rehab. The highest outpatient treatment levels are partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. In these types of treatment, you attend programming during the day but live at home or in a sober living home.
Treatment involves various evidence-based treatment modalities that include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Behavioral therapies like CBT and DBT
- Medication management
- Dual-diagnosis treatment to address co-occurring mental health issues
- Aftercare programming for relapse prevention
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Cocaine Addiction
Psychosocial interventions remain the gold standard for cocaine addiction treatment, as there is currently no FDA-approved medication for the treatment of cocaine addiction. However, other medications can be used to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms while better habits are addressed in treatment. For example, antidepressants (SSRIs) can help manage co-occurring depression and anxiety, which are common in individuals with cocaine addiction.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
Cocaine Addiction Treatment at VRC
It’s time to take back your life from cocaine addiction. Vogue Recovery Center provides safe and comfortable drug detox and evidence-based substance abuse treatment. With locations in Las Vegas and Phoenix, you will be able to safely detox and get the therapeutic support you need in one of our treatment programs. Our treatment teams are made up of experienced addiction professionals passionate about their work and your recovery.
Call Vogue Recovery centers today for a free consultation if you or a loved one is struggling. Overcoming cocaine addiction is difficult but not impossible, and with the proper support and resources, you can be on your way to a life worth living.
References
- https://drugabusestatistics.org/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12633913/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851032/
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000947.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65581/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1673778
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31008728/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722074/
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