Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that many people become addicted to after only a couple of uses. If you have abused cocaine, you know how hard it can be to stop getting high. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 27,788,000 people in the United States have abused cocaine at some point in their lives.
While cocaine might make you feel energized and social in the beginning, it can also lead to anxiety, paranoia, and a host of health issues. The only way to prevent the long-term effects of cocaine is to get sober. If you are considering quitting your cocaine abuse, you might want to think about attending detox.
When you stop using cocaine, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine withdrawal can last anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks. It includes symptoms like anxiety, depression, nightmares, and cravings for cocaine, making detox treatment vital to your success.
Understanding Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
If you become addicted to cocaine, that means your brain and body are relying on it to function properly. As a result, suddenly stopping the use of cocaine will cause withdrawal symptoms. While cocaine withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, it can be incredibly uncomfortable.
Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation and irritability
- Restlessness
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Aches and body painsÂ
- Increased appetite and weight gainÂ
- Vivid nightmaresÂ
- Sluggishness
- Intense cravings for cocaineÂ
The drug cravings associated with cocaine withdrawal might cause you to relapse. However, receiving support from a medical detox center will substantially increase your chances of long-term sobriety. Medical professionals will offer medications and treatments that lessen your physical symptoms and cravings.
The Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
Now that you know what symptoms to expect, it’s time to start looking at how long cocaine withdrawal lasts. The withdrawal period can vary from person to person, but most people follow a general timeline. People with more severe or longer cocaine abuse may experience more severe and longer-lasting symptoms.
The most common timeline for cocaine withdrawal is as follows:
1 to 3 Days
Usually, cocaine withdrawal symptoms will begin within 24 hours of your last dose. These symptoms will remain mild for about 1 to 3 days. You might experience anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, and low mood.
Some people describe the beginning stages of cocaine withdrawal as similar to coming down with the flu. While the initial symptoms are mild, you should still seek treatment for a medical detox program.
4 to 7 Days
Around the 4th day of withdrawal, your symptoms will begin to peak. This means they will be at their most severe, making it vital that you are in a professional treatment program. Peak symptoms of cocaine withdrawal could include intense cravings, physical aches, and severe psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and thoughts of self-harm.
Substance use disorders can be difficult to overcome, but when you attend detox, your chances at long-term recovery increase. During peak withdrawal, you will be monitored closely and given medications that soothe your symptoms.
2 Weeks and More
Usually cocaine withdrawal symptoms subside within two weeks. That being said, you could develop a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Symptoms usually include the psychological side effects of withdrawal and may last for several weeks.
Medical detox programs treat PAWS with a combination of medication, support groups, and medical monitoring. While having an extended withdrawal process is never easy, being in a detox program will ensure you receive the support you need to be successful.
What Happens During Cocaine Detox Programs?
Cocaine withdrawal should always be managed by a medical detox program. These programs will offer 24/7 supervision, psychological support, and medical treatments to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal and prevent cravings. During cocaine withdrawal, having psychological support from a professional is incredibly beneficial, as the mental health symptoms can become severe.
When you are detoxing from other substances like opioids or alcohol, there are FDA-approved medications that allow you to slowly taper off of the substance. While there is not a specific medication intended to treat cocaine withdrawal, there are medications that can be used off-label. For example, if you are dealing with severe depression, you will be given an anti-depressant medication to control your symptoms.
In addition to prescribing medications to treat symptoms, a detox program will offer a variety of substance abuse support groups. These counseling groups can help you develop coping mechanisms that make it easier to deal with cravings for cocaine and any lingering symptoms you are experiencing.
Once you have overcome withdrawal, your therapist and doctors will work with you to create a treatment plan. Usually, this involves transitioning into inpatient treatment, outpatient rehab, or a combination of both. These programs will help you address the root causes of your cocaine addiction and offer important relapse prevention techniques.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Cocaine Detox Center
If you or a loved one suffers from cocaine addiction, it’s time to consider attending detox. At The Living Room, we offer evidence-based and discreet detox services to ensure our clients receive the help they need.
Whether this is your first time in detox or you are coming back from a relapse, we are here to help you succeed. Contact us today for more information on our cocaine detox center.