Cocaine Withdrawal: What To Expect And How To Cope

Cocaine withdrawal is a complex condition, and symptoms duration and severity vary from one person to another. Some may experience mild symptoms, while others may show extreme health reactions in the absence of cocaine in the body. Understanding how these symptoms manifest is essential for a smooth transition to the recovery process. Here’s what you need to expect about cocaine withdrawal and how you will be able to deal with it. 

What Is Cocaine Withdrawal?

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that causes adverse effects on our physical and psychological health. It is a substance that directly affects the brain and makes the individual energetic, talkative, alert, and euphoric. Although the chemical properties of cocaine are highly addictive, cocaine addiction due to consumption does not happen overnight.

Usually, the individual’s problematic cocaine use progresses through various stages. At first, the individual might use it because of curiosity or pressure. Once the individual experiences euphoria, it progresses to regular use. Eventually, it develops into tolerance, increasing cocaine use. This cycle often leads to addiction, and when the individual attempts to cut off cocaine use, withdrawal symptoms appear. 

Cocaine withdrawal happens as a consequence of compulsive cocaine use. It develops when the individual repeatedly uses cocaine for some time and suddenly attempts to stop using it. In addition, withdrawal is a sign of cocaine dependence where the individual becomes reliant on the use of cocaine to function.

Hence, when the individual tries to cut off these substances, the body reacts and may manifest psychological and physical symptoms. These are known as cocaine withdrawal. 

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal is a complex condition, and its clinical features and manifestations of symptoms and duration are not well-defined. However, evidence from several research studies and clinical practice shows that the majority of them experience cocaine cravings and anhedonia.

Generally, cocaine withdrawal diagnosis is primarily based on acute cessation of, or reduction in, prolonged use of the substance. In addition, the symptoms that these individuals experience vary depending on the phases, such as the crash period, gradual withdrawal phase, and extinction phase. Specific withdrawal symptoms include:

• Crash Period: It happens during the first few hours or days after the last use of cocaine. Usually, the individual experiences symptoms similar to major depression, such as depressed mood, anhedonia, irritability, fatigue, sleep problems and suicidal ideation. In addition, some individuals may also manifest anxiety, paranoia, confusion, and cravings.
• Gradual Withdrawal Phase: Also known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), this phase refers to a period where the brain is gradually adjusting to the absence of cocaine in the body. This can last for weeks to months, depending on the body’s response, and may involve a wide range of physiological and psychological reactions such as mild symptoms of depression, anxiety, anhedonia, insomnia, increased appetite, psychomotor retardation, and irritability. 
• Extinction Phase: The final stage is described as a phase where the individual continues to experience a reduction in cocaine craving and associated withdrawal symptoms over time. However, it is essential to note that even if the abstinence of cocaine use is sustained, changes in mood and episodic craving may continue for weeks. 

How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?

The duration of cocaine withdrawal symptoms is dependent on the specific type of cocaine consumed. However, many individuals may experience cocaine withdrawal symptoms that could last for about a few days to a week. In some severe cases, symptoms can be present and might persist for as long as a week to a month in certain individuals.

Generally, the severity and duration of cocaine withdrawal may differ between individuals, and there are a variety of factors affecting them. 

What Causes Cocaine Withdrawal?

Individuals who are dependent on cocaine may often experience withdrawal symptoms. Dependence develops when the individual uses cocaine over an extended period, and the body does not usually function in its absence. When the individual suddenly tries to stop using cocaine, the body responds differently, and adverse health reactions appear. 

While the exact causes of cocaine withdrawal remain underexplored, there are several factors associated with increased cocaine withdrawal risk. These include genetics, the impact of cocaine on the brain’s neurotransmitters, and some psychological factors such as stress and underlying mental conditions like anxiety and depression. 

Cocaine Withdrawal Management

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms may not be as severe as other abused substances. However, the symptoms are enough to cause discomfort and potential disruption in daily life for those enduring it.

Currently, there is no recommended or Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approved medication for managing cocaine withdrawal. However, some medicines may help other symptoms that might be caused by sudden stopping of cocaine use. These include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): A class of antidepressant drugs that helps individuals who might experience anxiety and depressive symptoms.
• Modafinil: Although there is ongoing research about this medication, professionals are considering modafinil as a treatment for those experiencing cocaine withdrawal. Modafinil works by stimulating the brain’s neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, which may help reduce cocaine cravings. 
• Sleep Medications: Adequate sleep is an essential part of treatment for cocaine use problems. However, many individuals experience sleep problems because of withdrawal symptoms. Sleep medications can help promote healthy sleep and improve overall recovery. 

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Individuals with cocaine addiction are treated using a comprehensive intervention plan which involves a series of combined approaches, from detoxification to aftercare. Experts and professionals supervise these treatments to ensure effectiveness and improve recovery. 

Detox for Cocaine

Detoxification, often referred to as detox, is a process where individuals are assisted in managing their body’s response to cocaine intoxication, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. It is an essential part of the comprehensive treatment programme and is considered the most challenging stage of the recovery process. 

In the detoxification procedures, the individual is constantly monitored by professionals because of the potential reaction of extreme withdrawal symptoms after cutting off cocaine use. Once the cocaine detox is completed, the healthcare provider evaluates the condition of the individual and recommends if succeeding treatments can now be administered. 

Inpatient Rehab

Residential treatment or inpatient rehabilitation is an intervention that provides a structured environment for individuals who want to overcome their cocaine use problem. Inpatient rehab requires the individual to stay in the centre for days or months during the entire duration of the treatment.

In Sivana Bali, our approach offers a highly personalised and intensive 28 to 60-day rehab programme. Individuals receive a wide range of interventions, such as individual and group psychotherapy, mindfulness, 12-step programmes, and alternative therapies. They also receive a personal recovery coach who will assist them in all aspects of recovery. 

Generally, residential treatment prepares individuals who have cocaine addiction for healthy living after rehab, particularly how to deal effectively with triggers, the importance of sobriety programmes, and how to prevent potential relapse.

Holistic Treatment

Holistic treatment is another form of treatment option that addresses the whole person rather than just cocaine addiction symptoms. It integrates various physical, psychological, and spiritual treatments to promote long-term recovery. Sivana Bali is proud to offer holistic treatmentat our facility. These include but are not limited to acupuncture, aromatherapy, physiotherapy reflexology, chiropractic therapy, dance and movement therapy, massotherapy, and yoga.

Aftercare

The recovery process of individuals with cocaine addiction does not end with rehabilitation. To promote long-term recovery and prevent potential relapse, part of the comprehensive treatment is aftercare. It is an ongoing intervention that provides them with skills to cope with stress, triggers, and cravings that they may encounter after the treatment.

In essence, developing an aftercare plan allows the individual to prepare for possible future challenges to their sobriety and devise solutions in advance. It is also a way for the individual to help them deal with difficulties while transitioning out of treatment. Depending on their unique needs, some individuals are in aftercare programmes for weeks or months.

Get Support and Treatment for Cocaine Addiction at Sivana Bali

We understand how overwhelming the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can be to someone who is grappling with cocaine addiction. But know that help is available and recovery is possible. 

Here at Sivana Bali, we offer treatment for various types of substance and behavioural addictions through our comprehensive care. If you want to learn more about our treatment plan, connect with us, and let’s help you start your recovery journey!