Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms & Detox Options in Ohio
Like many states in America, Ohio is at the center of the opioid epidemic. However, there are many other substances to address other than opioids. Cocaine is one such example of one of these substances. It is very challenging to stop using cocaine once you have become addicted to the substance. One of the main reasons it can be so challenging is because of the cocaine withdrawal symptoms that can occur.
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can occur as soon as someone stops using the drug, even when cocaine is still in a person’s system. This is unlike many other substances. On this page, we will explore the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal and information about how to safely go through the detox process.
What to Expect During Withdrawal
When someone uses cocaine, they will experience a sense of euphoria or a high feeling. This feeling of euphoria happens when the drug produces an unnatural amount of feel-good chemicals in the brain. While this may be pleasant in the moment, it is also what causes people to experience feelings of withdrawal after using cocaine.
While cocaine withdrawal isn’t as severe or dangerous as alcohol withdrawal or benzodiazepine withdrawal, it can still be very challenging. It can include psychological as well as physical symptoms.
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Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone uses cocaine, immediately after, they may begin to experience a crash. This is especially the case if they have just binged or used a lot of cocaine within a short amount of time. A cocaine crash may include feelings of depression, paranoia and irritability. The person may also experience fatigue or a lack of pleasure.
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms and signs may include:
- Depression
- Restlessness and agitation
- General discomfort
- Fatigue
- Hunger
- Vivid dreams
- A sense of slowness
The signs of cocaine withdrawal can vary depending on the person. Some of the well-known side effects of nausea, vomiting and tremors that are present with withdrawal from alcohol or opiates are not typically present with cocaine withdrawal.
The biggest sign of cocaine withdrawal to be aware of, though, is the emotional effects of cocaine withdrawal and the cravings for more cocaine.
Other cocaine withdrawal side effects that may happen are things like suicidal thoughts, slow cognition and thinking and physical symptoms such as nerve pain although these effects are less common.
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
If you don’t know what to expect, it can be overwhelming to think about going through cocaine withdrawal. This general timeline will inform you on what you can expect.
- The first stage of the cocaine withdrawal is the crash. This is the time period immediately following cocaine use where the person will experience the most severe side effects. This can last for a few days and include symptoms like depression, irritability, fatigue, anxiety and cravings.
- After this phase has subsided, the next stage can involve even more intense cravings. The symptoms felt during the crash may dissipate, but there may still be feelings of depression and lethargy. For those who were heavy cocaine users, this period can last up to 12 weeks after cocaine use.
- The final phase of cocaine withdrawal typically happens around 10 weeks after the last use of cocaine. During this stage, there may still be some cravings, but they will be less intense, typically.
The cocaine withdrawal timeline can also involve post-acute withdrawal syndrome. This involves emotional and psychological withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, mood swings, depression and problems with energy levels.
Medical Detox & Treatment Options
Many people wonder whether or not it’s necessary to go to a professional cocaine detox facility. Because withdrawal from cocaine is not as serious or intense as withdrawal from alcohol, opiates or benzodiazepines, a lot of people don’t feel the need to go to a professional facility for medical supervision. However, a medically supervised detox can be helpful for those who are going through cocaine withdrawal.
If you are interested in detox from cocaine, The Recovery Village Columbus provides an intensive program specializing in this area. Whether you are from Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, anywhere else in Ohio or anywhere else in the nation, you might be eligible to begin cocaine detox with us. We also have facilities in Florida, Colorado and Washington.
SOURCES:
- NIDA. “How does cocaine produce its effects?” National Institute on Drug Abuse. June 11, 2020 Accessed April 14, 2021.
- Morton W. A. “Cocaine and Psychiatric Symptoms.” Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry, August 1999. Accessed April 14, 2021.
- Medlineplus.gov. “Cocaine withdrawal.” National Institutes of Health, January 12, 2019. Accessed April 14, 2021.
- The Department of Health. “The cocaine withdrawal syndrome.” April 2004. Accessed April 14, 2021.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.