Cocaine Addiction Withdrawal
Cocaine Addiction Causes
Table of Contents
What are the Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?
In the United States, approximately 1.5 million people ages 12 and older have used cocaine within the last month. Sadly, this statistic is higher among adults ages 18 to 25. Once individuals begin using cocaine, they may start struggling with addiction and subsequently cocaine addiction withdrawal.1 This article will discuss signs of cocaine addiction, cocaine withdrawal symptoms, and cocaine withdrawal treatment options.
A Further Look at Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Cravings
There are three main stages of cravings regarding substance abuse, set-up behaviors, trigger events, and the craving cycle. Set-up behaviors include a poor diet, euphoric recall or romanticizing the high, excessive stress, and lack of self-care.
Unpleasant Dreams
Depression
Suicidal Thoughts
Agitation
How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?
Cocaine addiction withdrawal comprises three stages: crash, withdrawal, and extinction.4 In the following few sections, we’ll dive into time frames and signs of cocaine addiction withdrawal to be aware of.
- Phase I: Phase one or crash phase typically begins immediately and lasts a few hours or days, dependent on the person.4
- Phase II: Phase two, or the craving phase, usually ranges from approximately one to ten weeks.4
- Phase III: Phase three, or the extinction phase, is the final stage of cocaine withdrawal and lasts up to twenty-eight weeks.4
What is Cocaine Detox?
- Crash Phase: Phase one of crack cocaine addiction withdrawal is the crash. This phase in the model usually begins within hours or days of last powder or liquid cocaine use. In phase one, the symptoms of cocaine addiction withdrawal are exhaustion, hypersomnia, increased appetite, and irritability. People typically don’t have cravings to use while in phase one.4
- Craving Phase: Part two of this phased model is called the withdrawal or craving phase. During crack cocaine addiction withdrawal, symptoms include lethargy, erratic sleep, intense cravings, poor concentration, and emotional liability.4
- Extinction Phase: The third and final stage of cocaine addiction symptoms during the withdrawal process is called extinction. Phase three includes episodic cravings along with some dysphoria.4
Factors That Can Make Withdrawal Longer
Type of Drug
Cocaine is a stimulant street drug from coca leaves found in South America. Three different types of cocaine exist, including cocaine hydrochloride, freebase, and crack. Depending on the type a person uses, cocaine addiction symptoms and withdrawals can vary.5Dosage
How much cocaine a person uses regularly can determine how long their cocaine addiction symptoms from withdrawal last. Also, the strength of cocaine varies by batch and can affect the length of withdrawal.5How Long
Suppose a person has developed tolerance and begins using more to achieve the same high. In that case, they’ll most likely experience residual withdrawal symptoms of cocaine use for a more extended period.5Physiological
A person’s size, weight, and health can impact how long the withdrawal process takes. Health conditions, including blood pressure, heart rate, and stress, can influence the intensity of cocaine addiction symptoms and withdrawal.5Emotional
As with any health condition, substance use disorder and withdrawals are impacted by a person’s emotional state and mental health. The possibility of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety are monitored closely during cocaine withdrawal treatment 5Are There Any Medications for Cocaine Withdrawal?
In cocaine withdrawal treatment, professionals can use medication for cocaine addiction to alleviate a person’s symptoms and discomfort. Let’s look at the six most common drugs used during cocaine addiction treatment.
- Neurontin: Substance use professionals use Neurontin or Gabapentin to treat cocaine dependence and cravings.6
- Sabril: Sabril or vigabatrin is currently used to help individuals remain cocaine-free and reduce cravings.7
- Topamax: Topamax or Topiramate is an antiepileptic drug that some professionals prescribe to manage cocaine addiction symptoms.8
- Gablofen: Gablofen, an injection of baclofen, is a muscle relaxant that has been shown to help with cocaine cravings.8
- Antabuse: Antabuse or disulfiram is a promising relapse prevention tool for individuals addicted to cocaine. This drug is currently used widely in alcohol treatment programs. Four clinical trials have shown positive results for reductions in cocaine use.8
- Provigil: Provigil or modafinil is a medication commonly prescribed for narcolepsy. This drug has been shown to block euphoric effects and improve relapse prevention among cocaine users.8
Find Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Inpatient
After a person completes detox and is rid of cocaine abuse symptoms, inpatient or residential care is usually the next step in treatment. Cocaine abuse symptoms to look for when considering whether inpatient is necessary can include paranoia, anxiety, insomnia, and aggressive behavior. Inpatient is the ideal place for combating cocaine addiction effects. If inpatient isn’t possible, it’s critical to be aware of signs of a cocaine overdose in case of emergency. Signs of cocaine overdose can include hallucinations, irregular breathing, seizures, and stroke. If you or a person you love need inpatient or emergency assistance for overdose, call emergency services or a local treatment center for care.
Outpatient
Support Groups
Ongoing Recovery
Therapies
Many people in recovery choose to engage in mental health and substance use therapy on a long-term basis to resolve past trauma, create a relapse prevention plan, and learn coping strategies. Chatting with people in the recovery community is an excellent place to start when choosing a therapist. 9
Resources
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-scope-cocaine-use-in-united-states
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000947.htm
- http://www.prars.ca/sites/default/files/Managing%20Cocaine%20Cravings.pdf
- https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-toc~drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-3~drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-3-7~drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-3-7-cws
- https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/cocaine/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11235923/
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00611130
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2994240/
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/step-by-step-guides-to-finding-treatment-drug-use-disorders/if-you-have-problem-drugs-adults/support-groups
