Author: James Anderson

Cocaine withdrawal: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Stopping cocaine can cause withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances and agitation. Cocaine withdrawal is one of the primary reasons people have trouble quitting the drug. People often report that cravings to use cocaine are strong during the detox process. Cravings can quickly hijack the recovery process, resulting in a relapse. People who have cocaine withdrawal will often use alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, or anti-anxiety medicines to treat their symptoms. Long-term use of these drugs is not recommended because it simply shifts addiction from one substance to another.

Where to get help for cocaine addiction or withdrawal symptoms

  1. A cocaine comedown and cocaine withdrawal are two similar but different concepts.
  2. However, the withdrawal from any chronic substance use can be very serious.
  3. “Withdrawal” is the term for the physical and mental symptoms a person with a drug dependence or addiction experiences when they suddenly stop or reduce substance use.
  4. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms usually last a few days but may extend for multiple weeks for heavy users.
  5. If a child with NAS is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, they may receive intravenous fluids.

Seeking cocaine treatment can help a person safely manage withdrawal and be beneficial to the overall recovery process. 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. Cocaine withdrawal can cause intense physical and mental symptoms — some of which can be life threatening. However, there are support and resources to help get you through this time.

Health Challenges

However, a detox is just the first step to coping with withdrawal. A rehab facility can help you understand why you started using cocaine and teach you healthy ways to cope with cravings. Typically, detox happens in a hospital or inpatient rehab center.

You can find informative resources on their website, including videos and podcasts. If a newborn has developed NAS, their symptoms can last 1 week to 6 months after birth, according to the March of Dimes. Cocaine is one of the few drugs someone can quit “cold turkey,” but doing it alone may not be the safest option. Contact your health care provider if you use cocaine and need help to stop using it.

When a person takes a stimulant like cocaine after heavy or binge use, they reach a point where they can no longer experience a high. This is because a high comes from excess levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. When someone binges on cocaine, the brain eventually becomes depleted of dopamine. During a comedown, a person becomes extremely fatigued and may sleep for days. The recovery process from cocaine addition involves medical detox, treatment and aftercare.

Cocaine withdrawal

Different factors affect the timeline and severity of withdrawal symptoms. Most importantly, treatment offers you the chance to learn how to manage your thoughts, feelings, and emotions without feeling like you need to use substances. You can learn not only your triggers but also the coping skills necessary to navigate difficult life situations. If you or someone you love has chosen to stop using cocaine or any other substance, consider reaching out for professional help. With the right treatment ― whether inpatient, outpatient, or otherwise ― you or a loved one can get the help needed to overcome substance use disorder.

If a person uses cocaine often, such as daily or in increasingly larger amounts, they may develop dependence or addiction. Your symptoms may vary, but you’ll still need proper support and treatment. During this time, you may feel anxiety, mood changes, erratic sleep patterns, and cravings. Cocaine withdrawal happens when someone heavily using cocaine stops or significantly reduces their use. It can be a rough experience with both emotional and physical effects.

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. 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.