Author: James Anderson

Cocaine Addiction: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

For a person to be diagnosed with stimulant use disorder, they must be more than just a user. For this diagnosis, a person must meet at least two of 11 criteria outlined in the DSM-5 within the previous 12 months. Seek emergency care if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Babies who are experiencing seizures or pain might be given medication to help relieve those symptoms.

These approaches help to maintain abstinence from cocaine after detox. Often, behavioral therapy is initiated right when you begin detox, or even before you stop using the drug. And you might need to continue your behavioral treatment for months or even years after you stop using cocaine. If you seek an inpatient program, you would be in a supervised setting where you are not able to obtain or use the drug. When you stop taking cocaine, you can experience severe withdrawal symptoms that need to be managed. The euphoric effects of cocaine use are accompanied by physical effects, including a rapid heart rate, sweating, and pupil dilation (widening of the pupils).

How to Withdrawal from Cocaine (Detoxification)

Propranolol is a beta-blocker that relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression. Beta-blockers might also be able to reduce some of the rewarding properties of cocaine. By Heidi Moawad, MDHeidi Moawad is a neurologist and expert in the field of brain health and neurological disorders.

When a person cuts back on their cocaine use or stops cocaine use completely, symptoms of withdrawal occur. A person will feel a strong craving for more cocaine, and physical and mental symptoms can be difficult to manage. Symptoms can begin even when there’s still cocaine left in your bloodstream. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

If you are going through cocaine withdrawal symptoms, or know someone who is, never hesitate to reach out for support. Acute kidney failure (rather than slowly deteriorating kidney function) is a life-threatening emergency that’s also common with cocaine overdose. By recognizing the signs of addiction, those who are addicted can identify the problem, seek professional treatment, and experience lasting recovery. Cocaine addiction accounts for roughly 6% of all drug rehab admissions in the United States.

1. A person will feel a strong craving for more cocaine, and physical and mental symptoms can be difficult to manage.
2. There are a number of complications of cocaine addiction, and they can differ depending on your method of using the drug.
3. When cocaine excessively increases the concentration of “feel good” neurotransmitters in the brain, the drug prolongs and amplifies the effects of these chemicals.
4. Unfortunately, despite being tired, many people withdrawing from cocaine struggle to sleep.
5. When a person cuts back on their cocaine use or stops cocaine use completely, symptoms of withdrawal occur.

This addiction can be difficult to treat, and the majority of those seeking treatment for cocaine addiction are polydrug users (use more than one drug recreationally). Most people experience anxiety, irritability, lethargy, and depression during this phase. They lack concentration and tend to have an erratic sleep schedule. Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, and medically-supervised detox ensures you receive the care and support you need during this difficult transition.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms in newborns

Dr. Moawad regularly writes and edits health and career content for medical books and publications. Thereafter, many rely on 12-step programs to maintain sobriety. The impairment of these cognitive centers can lead to the compulsive use of cocaine—with little to no regard for the consequences. You may develop thinning or deterioration of the septum nasi (the septal cartilage in your nose) if you snort the drug.

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. For example, you may need medication for the treatment of abrupt or severe changes in your blood pressure. You might need counseling, supervision, and medication if you develop depression and suicidal ideation.

Substance Use Disorder

The immediate time after stopping cocaine use is called acute withdrawal. 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. This can be life threatening, and people can benefit from medical supervision. Medical professionals can supervise, help manage symptoms, and monitor for any complications. The withdrawal symptoms of cocaine use can vary depending on the person and on the length and severity of their cocaine use.

Counseling can also be an option depending on symptoms and individual needs. Often, cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for addictive behaviors and cravings. Click here to learn more about finding the right therapist for you.