Cocaine is a substance derived from the leaves of the coca plant. Illicit forms of the substance include a white powder as well as a processed crystal called crack cocaine 1,2. The various forms of the drug can be smoked, snorted, and injected 1,2. A legal, pharmaceutical form (cocaine hydrochloride solution) of the drug is used as a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor during certain head and neck procedures 1. Since cocaine has a high abuse potential but some medical use, the substance is listed as a Schedule II controlled substance 1.
As a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, the powerful drug results in a euphoric feeling that makes cocaine abuse common for adults and teens alike 1,2. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that about 4.7 million people abused cocaine in the last year 1. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 3.7% of 12th graders have abused cocaine at some point in their lives 2.
Abuse of this substance often results in cocaine addiction and dependence. Abuse of this substance often results in cocaine addiction and dependence. Someone addicted to cocaine is at risk of many unwanted effects to their health and well-being 1,2. As the negative health effects accumulate, the person may wish to quit using; however, the associated physiological cocaine dependence can make this process challenging. Not only will the individual encounter strong cravings for more cocaine, but they will also endure a period of discomfort and distress 3,4. Called cocaine withdrawal symptoms, the effects associated with abruptly quitting cocaine, though different for each person, can be quite unpleasant, especially without proper care.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of cocaine abuse can help you get your loved one quality detox and treatment. The following are potential, observable signs 5:
Bursts of energy followed by “crashes” that include depression, anxiety, irritability, and other negative emotions may indicate cocaine abuse, especially when they occur together with the other symptoms. When coming down from a cocaine high, users may experience suicidal thoughts or exhibit suicidal behaviors 5.
Symptoms will vary due to the unique differences of the individual, but some expected cocaine withdrawal symptoms include 3,4,5,6,7:
Find Help Now
Someone who has regularly abused cocaine is at risk of experiencing these uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. To reduce the risk for yourself or a loved one, call
1-888-509-8965
today to learn about available cocaine detox and treatment options. Read MoreThe body’s ability to process and remove toxins from the system is referred to as detoxification (detox) 6. Like withdrawal symptoms, the length of detox is unpredictable and affected by many individual differences related to cocaine abuse 5. Over all, cocaine detox symptoms will emerge within 24 hours after last use and continue for between 3 and 5 days, although some symptoms may persist for weeks 6,7.
Another model of cocaine detox separates the process into three phases 3:
Additionally, cocaine addiction is linked to post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This condition produces protracted withdrawal symptoms like poor impulse control and difficulty regulating emotions 8.
Cocaine withdrawal does not pose the same risks as detoxing from alcohol or sedatives, but serious dangers may present. The most serious hazards of cocaine detox include 4,6,7:
Treatment will focus on monitoring symptoms and providing a safe environment…To safely and comfortably detox and avoid the unwanted effects of cocaine withdrawal, professional detox options will be valuable tools. There are no medications used specifically in the treatment of cocaine withdrawal, so treatment will focus on monitoring symptoms and providing a safe environment to limit harm to self and others. Detox options are available in 6,9:
Detox provides a solid foundation for recovery, but it is not a substitute for substance abuse treatment 6,9. Those interested in long-term recovery and abstinence from cocaine abuse will need to attend some form of professional addiction treatment, whether it be an inpatient, luxury, executive, or outpatient program 9.