Cocaine Withdrawal & Detox: What to Expect
Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that is used medicinally as an anesthetic.[1] While it can be helpful in medical situations, the presence of safer drugs means it is used infrequently. Unfortunately, cocaine is habit-forming and addictive.
If you abuse cocaine, you are likely buying it off of the street. There is no way to tell whether the cocaine you are buying is pure or contains dangerous additives. In other words, it is risky to misuse cocaine.
The first step in recovering from cocaine addiction is detox. A medical detox program will help you overcome withdrawal symptoms caused by quitting cocaine. You might experience side effects like intense cravings for cocaine, increased appetite, mood swings, and even suicidal thoughts.
Cocaine withdrawal can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. The psychological symptoms are more likely to persist for longer. By attending a medically supervised detox facility, you are ensuring that you will get the support and medication you need to overcome cocaine withdrawal.
In this article, you will learn:
- What are the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal
- What is the cocaine withdrawal timeline
- What to expect during cocaine detox
What are the Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms?
When you abuse cocaine frequently, you are likely to develop a physical dependence. This means that your brain and body rely on cocaine to function properly. If you stop using it, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Some factors like the amount of cocaine you use and how frequently you abuse it can play a role in the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. That said, most people experience similar side effects.
The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:[2]
- Agitation and restlessness
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Urges and cravings to abuse cocaine
- General feelings of discomfort
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Fatigue or sleepiness
- Vivid dreams and nightmares
- Slowing of activity
Because cocaine withdrawal causes intense cravings, you might relapse without support from a substance abuse treatment center. Inpatient treatment programs offer medical detox services to help you recover from substance use disorders like cocaine addiction. During the withdrawal process, you will be given medications to treat your symptoms and professional mental health support.
How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?
Knowing what symptoms cocaine withdrawal causes is only part of the equation. It’s important to understand how long these symptoms can affect you as well. While everyone experiences cocaine withdrawal in their own way, most people follow a general timeline.
The cocaine withdrawal timeline is as follows:
1 to 3 Days
The initial symptoms of cocaine withdrawal will begin within 24 hours of your last dose. For the first 3 days, usually, these symptoms remain mild. The most intense part of this stage of cocaine withdrawal will be the cravings you experience to abuse it.
4 to 7 Days
Sometime between 4 to 7 days of sobriety, your withdrawal symptoms will begin to peak. This means they will be at their most intense. You could experience vivid nightmares, extreme cravings for cocaine, an agitated mood, and depression that is so severe you are thinking about suicide.
Because the psychological symptoms of cocaine can be dangerous, you must be under the care of a detox treatment facility. Medical professionals and mental health experts will be there to offer you the support and tools you need to lessen the severity of your symptoms.
2+ Weeks
Most of your symptoms will subside within two weeks. It is possible for the mental health effects of cocaine withdrawal to linger for a longer time. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).[3]
Thankfully, detox programs can help you manage PAWS using medications, therapy, and support groups.
How Does Cocaine Detox Work?
Now that you understand exactly what cocaine withdrawal is like, it’s time to talk about detox. The goal of detox is to rid your body of mind-altering substances while keeping you stable and treating your withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine detox centers do this using a combination of medical treatment, medications, and mental health support.
First, you will go through an in-depth assessment to determine your needs. Once a detox plan is created, you will be given IV fluids and a nurse will check your vital signs.
Next, you will be given medications to lessen your withdrawal symptoms. There is no specific medication intended to treat cocaine withdrawal. However, you might be given anti-depressants to control symptoms like suicidal thoughts and sleeping pills to lessen nightmares.
In addition to medication, you will have access to evidence-based mental health treatment. You might participate in individual therapy, group counseling, and support groups. You will also have access to a mental health professional 24/7 in case you experience a psychological crisis after hours.
Once you overcome cocaine withdrawal, you will transfer to an inpatient or outpatient treatment center. The level of care you participate in will be based on your specific needs and the severity of your cocaine use disorder.
Get Connected to a Cocaine Detox Center
If you or a loved one suffers from cocaine addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. New You Sober Living can connect you to a cocaine detox center that suits your needs. Once you complete detox, you can transition into our sober living home to receive the support you need to become an independent and sober individual.
Contact us today for more information on our sober living housing program.
References:
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): A review of the history, actions, and legitimate uses of cocaine
- University of Florida Health: Cocaine withdrawal
- Science Direct: Identification and Evidence-Based Treatment of Post–Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
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