Author: Gary Jackson
Cocaine withdrawal: Symptoms, timeline, and recovery
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. Individuals can also consider taking multivitamin supplements that contain B-group vitamins and vitamin C. The immediate time after stopping cocaine use is called acute withdrawal.
- These programs can include counseling, group therapy, 12-Step groups, skills development, goal setting, and relapse prevention training.
- Cocaine withdrawal often has no visible physical symptoms, such as the vomiting and shaking that accompany withdrawal from heroin or alcohol.
- Many friends and family members of people who use substances want to help but are hesitant for various reasons or do not know where to start.
In contrast, cocaine withdrawal occurs when a person is physically dependent on cocaine, whether or not they use the drug heavily. When you are physically dependent on a drug, your body begins to rely on it to feel normal. If you suddenly stop using the drug, withdrawal symptoms can occur as your body struggles to adjust. Stopping cocaine can cause withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances and agitation.
Remedies for Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug made from morphine, a mind-altering substance taken from the opium poppy plant. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain and changing these sensations. A medical condition that involves overuse or misuse of a substance such as prescription or recreational drug, alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine.
It is extremely addictive, and accounts for a large number of drug overdoses in the country every year. Cocaine primarily affects the central nervous system, triggering dopamine production in the brain that can cause extensive damage to the body over time. Some people at risk for complications may detox in a hospital, while those who are medically stable will do so in a rehab facility. During this time, a person experiences mood symptoms, cravings, irritability, trouble sleeping and intense cravings. Relapse is common during this phase because of the intensity of symptoms.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
Cocaine Anonymous hosts meetings in person and online where people can share their experiences with cocaine addiction, connect with others, and get support. SMART Recovery is an organization that provides resources for people with substance use disorders. 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. The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are often mild and not life threatening.
Sometimes, people experience symptoms for longer than the initial 1- to 2-week period. This is called chronic withdrawal, long-term withdrawal, postacute withdrawal, or subacute withdrawal, and it can last for up to 2 months. Support groups are available for addiction and even for addiction to specific substances such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Additionally, there are things that can be done at home to help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal, such as eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Someone who’s dependent on cocaine, for example, will experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit using the drug. Detoxification, or detox, refers to these withdrawal symptoms, as well as the medical interventions that can help assist someone who’s in withdrawal.
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline & Factors
During rehab, centers and clinics will provide a range of treatments such as medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies. Below are some of the more effective therapy options for cocaine addiction. Keep reading to learn more about the signs and symptoms of cocaine withdrawal, treatment options for cocaine addiction, and how to find treatment for cocaine use disorder. This page will discuss the causes and symptoms of cocaine withdrawal, the benefits of seeking medical cocaine detox, and treatment options for stimulant addiction.
- Substance withdrawal—a syndrome with physical, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms that happens when a person stops using a substance after regular use—is one reason people struggle with this.
- LifeRing is a secular recovery organization that aims to help people share practical experiences and access sobriety support.
- This tangible rewards system has been shown to be effective for individuals with stimulant addictions like cocaine.
- Detoxification, or detox, refers to these withdrawal symptoms, as well as the medical interventions that can help assist someone who’s in withdrawal.
- While some people are able to successfully detox from cocaine in an outpatient setting, others find that an inpatient program is helpful for managing acute withdrawal symptoms.
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. Jenn is a Canadian writer and poet with a background in psychology, sociology, and natural health. She is the founder of The Master in You, a mental wellness site that provides information about the role that thoughts and emotions play in our physical and emotional health.
What Are the Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?
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. Substance addiction and withdrawal are challenging for those who use substances, as well as for those around them, including friends and family members.
