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Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms And Treatment

Cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug. The leaves of the South American coca plant are the source of cocaine, which is an illicit street drug. Drug dealers frequently mix other white powdery substances into cocaine to increase their profits. At one time cocaine was considered relatively harmless, and in 1886 it was an ingredient in Coca-Cola.

3 Minute Read | Published Aug 21 2023 | Updated Mar 02 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Dameisha Gibson
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Dameisha Gibson
Reviewed by

Are Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms Dangerous?

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are different than those of other addictive drugs, and people often underestimate the harshness of a cocaine addiction. The withdrawal symptoms include the following:

  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • Uneasiness and discomfort without cause
  • Vivid nightmares
  • Increased appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of energy

Cocaine does not provide the user with a pleasant euphoria, and it is quite the opposite. Paranoia, fear, panic, and depression are the rewards cocaine offers. In spite of how unpleasant cocaine is, the craving is so intense that an addict will continue to use it. Suicidal thoughts is one of the most dangerous risks to individuals trying to quit cocaine on their own. The intense craving and agitation are difficult withdrawal symptoms and will often result in a relapse.

Better Addiction Care’s (BAC) free referral service will help you find the right addiction treatment facility for someone suffering with cocaine abuse. It’s also important to choose a treatment center that has a lot of experience treating cocaine addiction. Call BAC at (800) 429-7690 and speak to a trained rehab specialist to locate the perfect facility and program to meet your needs or those of a loved one.

Cocaine Detox Timeline

How long does it take to detox from cocaine, and how long does withdrawal last? People suffering from cocaine addiction want the answers to these questions. There are some common factors associated with cocaine abuse, addiction, and withdrawal that provide a view of the dangers associated with this drug. Withdrawal times and intensity can vary from person to person, depending on the length of time the drug has been in use. Researchers have determined there are three phases of the cocaine detox timeline.

  1. First Phase: The crash takes place the first week as soon as the cocaine intake ceases. The amount of cocaine used determines how severe and long the crash will last. It can last for as little as a couple of hours or as many as 40 hours. During this time, the individual may not get any sleep. Fatigue and tiredness can last as long as 50 hours after the last use, and the need for sleep continues to build. During the crash, the cravings for cocaine will decrease, but they will return during the second phase.
  2. Second Phase: Following the crash phase, a user may experience up to five days feeling somewhat normal. He or she will return to regular sleep patterns and experience only minimal cravings. This is short-lived as the withdrawal symptoms begin. Anxiety, cravings, and lethargy kick in. Memories of cocaine can trigger the desire to get more of the drug. Without detoxing in a drug treatment facility, people in this phase frequently relapse.
  3. Third Phase: From the fifth week forward, the cravings are less severe. Other side effects may continue for several months, and cravings can be triggered. It’s extremely important to develop the psychological skills to resist cravings during this phase in order to achieve a full recovery.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

It’s essential to enter a cocaine addiction treatment center when someone wants to be free of this devastating drug. Better Addiction Care helps people who are struggling with cocaine addiction. They will connect you to a facility that provides medical detox to help you through the withdrawal symptoms more comfortably. Detox is followed by rehab and therapy that will help build the skills and tools necessary for a stable recovery.

Cocaine addiction can destroy your future. Call BAC today at (800) 429-7690 and get your life or the life of a loved one back on track.

Resources

bullet MedlinePlus
"Cocaine withdrawal"
Retrieved on July 12, 2018
bullet National Institute on Drug Abuse
"Cocaine DrugFacts"
Retrieved on July 12, 2018
bullet WebMD
"What is Cocaine?"
Retrieved on July 12, 2018
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