Cocaine Withdrawal: Timeline & Symptoms
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can cause a significant sense of physical and psychological dependence.
When someone stops using cocaine after prolonged or heavy use, they often experience a range of cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Understanding the cocaine withdrawal timeline and the perceived challenges of withdrawal can help individuals better prepare for getting free from the drug.
What is cocaine withdrawal?
Cocaine withdrawal occurs when a person who has used the drug stops taking it for a period. Addicts don’t just experience it when they attempt to quit – they experience it between doses of the drug.
Cocaine affects the brain’s reward system by disrupting dopamine levels, which produces a sense of euphoria. Over time, the brain mistakenly assumes a dependence on cocaine to manipulate dopamine levels.
When the drug is no longer present, the brain struggles to function normally, leading to withdrawal symptoms of cocaine. A vast majority of the withdrawal symptoms are caused by psychological factors rather than physical ones.
The process of cocaine withdrawal involves the body and brain adjusting to the absence of the drug. The severity and duration of cocaine withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on several factors, including the length of time the individual used cocaine, the amount they used, and their general health but the most important aspect of avoiding unpleasant withdrawals is for the addict to restructure or reconfigure the flawed belief system that cocaine addiction has established in their mind.
What are the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal?
The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can be both physical and psychological. While everyone’s experience may differ, common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and excessive tiredness
- Depression, anxiety, and mood swings
- Intense cravings for cocaine
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Increased appetite
- Yawning which can be linked to fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Insomnia or vivid, disturbing dreams
- Irritability and restlessness
Aspects relating to fatigue and poor sleep are inevitable when long-term use of stimulants is avoided but are short-lived as long as the former addicts deals with the psychological aspects of cocaine addiction. All the other symptoms can be resolved simply by the addict preparing themselves for cessation by changing the thought process that surrounds their consumption of cocaine.
It is important to use a method of quitting cocaine that helps to change the addict’s thought processes.
On the rare occasion that anyone experiences more severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts they should seek immediate medical attention.
Cocaine withdrawal in adults
In adults, cocaine withdrawal typically begins within a few hours of the last dose and follows a recognisable timeline. The severity of the cocaine withdrawal symptoms peaks in the first few days but can continue for weeks or even months. It is essential to understand that the really unpleasant symptoms, those not linked to poor sleep, are easily avoided if the addict uses a method that successfully addresses the psychological aspects of the addiction.
The cocaine withdrawal timeline in adults often includes three distinct phases:
- Crash Phase (24-72 hours): This phase is characterised by exhaustion and perhaps excessive sleep – all as a result of long-term use of a stimulant. Irritability, and intense cravings for cocaine can occur in the event that the addict has not changed their perception of the drug.
- Withdrawal Phase (1-10 weeks): During this phase, the most intense physical and emotional symptoms manifest. Fatigue, depression, and cravings are particularly strong, making it difficult for individuals to enjoy pleasure. At this stage these symptoms are entirely caused by the addict retaining the belief that they have sacrificed something that they needed and that gave them pleasure or relief. If that belief is tackled – there is no need for any unpleasantness.
- Extinction Phase (6 months and beyond): Someone who has corrected their flawed belief system in cocaine will not experience this phase. Only those who mope after the drug, thinking that they are missing it suffer cravings, mood swings and feelings of depression.
Cocaine Withdrawal in Newborns
Newborns exposed to cocaine in utero may also experience withdrawal after birth, a condition known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Cocaine crosses the placenta during pregnancy, and infants born to mothers who used cocaine may exhibit withdrawal symptoms.
The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal in newborns may include:
- Excessive trembling and shaking
- Difficulty feeding or gaining weight
- Sleep disturbances
- High-pitched crying and irritability
- Seizures in severe cases
Newborns with cocaine withdrawal symptoms often require specialised medical care to monitor their condition and manage any health complications.
How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?
The cocaine withdrawal timeline varies based on factors such as the duration of use, the quantity of cocaine consumed, and the individual’s overall health. In general, cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be divided into acute and long-term phases.
- Acute Withdrawal: This phase begins within hours of the last use and can last for one to two weeks. During this time, physical withdrawal symptoms of cocaine such as fatigue and intense cravings are most prominent. Intense cravings are easily avoidable if the addict changes the way they think about the drug.
- Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): Following the acute phase, individuals who fail to change their thinking about cocaine continue to experience long-term psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and cravings.
Finding an easy way to quit cocaine is essential in avoiding the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal.
Treatment for Cocaine Withdrawal
Because most addicts fail to use a method that addresses the psychological aspects of their addiction they believe that cocaine withdrawal symptoms require a combination of medical treatment, therapy, and ongoing support.
The primary goals of treatment are to manage symptoms, reduce cravings, and address the emotional and psychological effects of cocaine use.
It is ironic that this can all be avoided by using a simple, drug-free method of quitting the drug that removes the perceived dependence on cocaine.
- Detoxification: The first step in treating cocaine withdrawal is detox, which allows the body to eliminate the drug naturally. It isn’t anything special – it’s just a case of not taking the drug anymore and therefore allowing it to leave the body. Aside from the sleep issues caused by prolonged use of a stimulant, this needn’t be an uncomfortable process. In the event that more severe symptoms occur – such as paranoia, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts immediate medical attention should be sought.
- Medications: It is not necessary to use any medication to get free from cocaine addiction.
- Therapy and Counseling: Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be used although with them being based on addressing the root causes of addiction and helping individuals develop strategies to cope with cravings and triggers they are not necessary in the event that the former addict uses a method of quitting cocaine that addresses the psychological aspects of cocaine addiction.
- Support Groups: Some people believe that joining support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide individuals with emotional support and encouragement during their recovery – but as long as the former addict changes their flawed belief system about cocaine – they are not necessary.
Treatment for Newborns
Newborns experiencing cocaine withdrawal symptoms require specialised care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Treatment may include medication to control symptoms, intravenous fluids, and careful monitoring of feeding and growth. In some cases, newborns may need an extended hospital stay to ensure they are stable before going home.
Finding Help for Cocaine Addiction or Withdrawal Symptoms
If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine withdrawal or addiction, it is essential to seek professional help.
There are many resources available, including inpatient rehabilitation centres, outpatient programs, and peer support groups.
Allen Carr’s Easyway to Quit Cocaine is a well-established method to quit cocaine without enduring unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Understanding the cocaine withdrawal timeline and recognizing the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are key steps in overcoming addiction.
Learn more about our quit cocaine programmes
