Cocaine is a unique drug. It produces a high almost instantaneously, creates positive feelings for only a short time, and can produce withdrawal signs before the drug is even entirely out of your system. It also is a hard habit to kick. Most end up needing medical intervention to beat the addiction, like a cocaine addiction rehab in McLean, VA.
While the signs of withdrawal aren’t as physical or as evident as some other drugs, they exist and can be just as hard to handle. There are currently no FDA approved medications to treat cocaine dependence, although it is in the process. Knowing all of this, it can seem a bit overwhelming when you decide to quit and get help finally.
A Difficult Habit to Break
To understand why it’s so hard to overcome the addiction, it’s crucial to understand cocaine withdrawal signs. That’s because the severity and uncomfortableness of the signs often lead to the person using cocaine again. A person’s signs and ability to overcome addiction also depend on other factors in their life, such as their physical and mental health, environment, any other substance abuse, peer pressure, and traumatic events. Legal problems can also develop when a person gets involved in illegal activities to obtain money to buy cocaine.
Signs of Cocaine Withdrawal
There is almost always a crash period after cocaine use, with additional withdrawal signs afterward. It can happen as soon as 60-90 minutes after you use cocaine. Signs of withdrawal include:
- Strong cravings for cocaine
- Restlessness
- Increased appetite
- Poor concentration
- Vivid or upsetting dreams
- Slowed activity or a lack of motivation
- Mental or physical exhaustion and excessive sleepiness
- Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression
- The inability to feel pleasure or a decreased sexual desire
It is also possible to experience headaches, muscle aches, or other physical signs. Sometimes paranoia or hostility has been observed. In the most severe cases, suicidal thoughts may occur.
A Timeline of Withdrawal
The body eliminates cocaine quickly, which makes withdrawal signs appear instantly. There is a timeline of what to expect throughout your withdrawal. Which on average can last approximately one month, but varies by person. There are three general phases:
- The Crash: This is the beginning of the crash, right after you’ve used it. It can last several hours or days. During this time, you may feel the urge to use cocaine, be agitated or irritable, feel tired, or signs listed in the section above, and you may experience some or all signs.
- Post-Withdrawal: It is possible to suffer long periods of cocaine withdrawal signs. During this time, you will see the continued effects of phase two. This phase can last months to years, depending on the person, which is why it is so easy for people to relapse.
Dealing with Cocaine Withdrawal Signs
Depending on who you talk to, quitting cold turkey is the way to go. However, if the cocaine use was heavy, withdrawal signs can send you to the hospital due to extreme reactions. Many rehab centers will oversee a period of tapering to get the body to adjust without the drug gradually. With this method, side effects and the temptation to relapse can be monitored, and assistance can be provided.
Enrolling in a substance abuse treatment center to detox and overcome the addiction will not only help you deal with the cocaine withdrawal signs but also cut off your ability to seek out a fix or the people who may be enabling your behavior.
Getting Help for Your Addiction
If you are someone you love is in need of a Virginia addiction treatment program, please call us at 866.488.1156. Waiting until the signs of cocaine withdrawal get too overwhelming may hinder your recovery. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help get you on the path to successfully overcoming your addiction.
