Author: James Anderson

Cocaine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, And Treatment

While cold turkey detoxing at home is an option, it is not the safest way to proceed. Intense cravings combined with depression can lead individuals to relapse or engage in dangerous behavior. While the physical effects of cocaine withdrawal are tolerable, having medical support on hand can help ease the uncomfortable symptoms and prevent someone from relapsing.

Unlike opioid addiction, which is treated using medications like Suboxone, there are currently no federally-approved medications specifically for cocaine. However, research has shown that the medications below may reduce withdrawal symptoms. Unlike alcohol or opioid drug use, there are no medication-assisted treatments (MATs) for cocaine withdrawal, although cocaine detox can happen in an inpatient setting. For those withdrawing from cocaine addiction, depression often accompanies fatigue.

1. Propranolol, which is approved to treat hypertension and angina, can provide relief for those experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
2. Some of the physical symptoms can be severe, but the person withdrawing from cocaine does not experience them in the same way that the person withdrawing from alcohol or heroin does.
3. Below are some of the more effective therapy options for cocaine addiction.
4. During rehab, centers and clinics will provide a range of treatments such as medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies.
5. Finding exactly how cocaine interacts with the brain is a subject of ongoing research.
6. Furthermore, a sudden stop can increase the risk of intense mood swings and severe depression, which can lead to thoughts of suicide.

Because of this, supervised medical detoxification can reduce potentially fatal risks by providing a safe environment during withdrawal. While there isn’t an FDA-approved medication to treat cocaine withdrawal, some medications show promising results, including buprenorphine and naltrexone. Propranolol, which is approved to treat hypertension and angina, can provide relief for those experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Cocaine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, And Treatment

These centers also vary in terms of their provision of amenities, which range from basic to luxury options. The advantage of going to a detox center is that medical assistance is readily available. Detoxing from cocaine isn’t easy, even though the process carries fewer risks to physical health than withdrawal from opioids or alcohol. A detox center will place you in comfortable surroundings where you can be assured of receiving help in case of emergencies. As physical withdrawal from cocaine is milder in comparison to opioids or alcohol, the primary concern when it comes to detoxing are relapses, overdoses, and depression. The Matrix Model is another form of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating addiction to stimulants, like cocaine and methamphetamines.

Eliminating an addiction to cocaine consists of multiple stages of rehab that target the physical, psychological, and emotional causes of addiction. This requires an individual to stop taking cocaine, and this is best done through medically supervised detox. There are treatment options available to help users safely manage withdrawal symptoms. The binge and crash pattern describes a physical and mental crash due to heavy use of the drug. Two stages follow if you are in the withdrawal process to quit cocaine use.

The person may experience a slowing down of activity that goes along with the depression, as well as growing, generalized anxiety and a lack of pleasure. Some of the physical symptoms can be severe, but the person withdrawing from cocaine does not experience them in the same way that the person withdrawing from alcohol or heroin does. In some cases, a live-in treatment program can help monitor safety and provide the tools needed to overcome addiction.

But when they withdraw, the person feels extremely tired and will want nothing more than to sleep. Babies who are experiencing seizures or pain might be given medication to help relieve those symptoms. Cocaine withdrawal can cause intensive depressive symptoms, along with negative thoughts and suicidal ideation.

First Stage: The Crash

Clients receiving intensive outpatient treatment will usually visit the center 2 to 5 days per week for 2 to 4 hours per day. IOP is well suited to clients who have just completed inpatient rehab and who wish to receive intense treatment while living off-site. The good news is that treatment for cocaine addiction is readily available. While every individual is unique and will have different needs, many centers provide tailored recovery plans.

People with a cocaine addiction may begin withdrawal syndrome after they have run out of the drug. The effects of cocaine withdrawal can lead to behavioral symptoms as well. The signs and symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can be physical, mental, or behavioral. While studies are still ongoing, these drugs show potential for preventing relapses by inhibiting the euphoric effects of cocaine. Beta-blockers such as Propranolol can reduce anxiety and restless symptoms that follow withdrawal from cocaine.

There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The good news is that when you get to the third stage, the symptoms listed above will decrease in their intensity. The absence of cocaine for the person who is addicted means the absence of confidence and vitality. They also experience general feelings of discomfort along with an increased appetite, which may feel unusual because cocaine is an appetite suppressant.

Individuals typically report to a treatment center or clinic 1 or 2 days per week. These programs can include counseling, group therapy, 12-Step groups, skills development, goal setting, and relapse prevention training. In-patient treatment programs can help people go through cocaine withdrawal in a safe and medically monitored setting. Medical and mental health professionals can provide guidance and can treat any symptoms as needed. Depending on the severity of the addiction, long-term treatment may be a good option, especially as many programs address the underlying emotional causes of one’s drug abuse. Long-term treatment also provides ample time for the individual to physically withdraw from the drug while they focus on their mental and emotional rehabilitation.

Second Stage: Withdrawal Symptoms

Exercise also stimulates endorphins which can help with depression and low mood. Good forms of exercise include a mix of low- and high-intensity exercises, such as walking, running, swimming, cycling, or yoga. Participants who continue to abstain receive rewards, such as prize draws for money or in-demand objects. This tangible rewards system has been shown to be effective for individuals with stimulant addictions like cocaine. The third phase occurs on days 3 to 14 and consists of more extreme symptoms, such as paranoia, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), and decreased sexual interest and ability.

The early stages typically start with cravings and increased appetite, followed by anxiety, psychosis, and depression. But if they stop the binge and crash cycle, they can expect to experience the three stages of the cocaine withdrawal timeline. Cocaine withdrawal creates mental, physical, and behavioral symptoms that you experience when you stop using cocaine.

First Phase (24 Hours)

Cocaine is one of the most widely abused recreational stimulants in the U.S. 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. Work with a medical professional to diagnose your level of dependency to cocaine and create a safe treatment plan that works for you.

Below is a list of the most common forms of treatment programs, and what they entail. Whether you have only recently begun using this stimulant, or you’ve used cocaine over many years, recovery is possible. 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. Phase two is considered the onset of the serious withdrawal period, and takes place 1 to 3 days after the last dose. Luckily, options are abundant when it comes to recovering from cocaine addiction.