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Cocaine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Signs, Risks, & Severity

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 8 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 8 minutes

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be tough and overwhelming. However, knowing the signs and risks is key for recovery.

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The 2022 Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators survey in the United States found some important information. It showed that around 2% of Americans aged 12 and older have misused cocaine. This data comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Cocaine is dangerous. Its effects are clear in many calls to poison control and emergency room visits each year. The DEA reports that over 5 million Americans went to an emergency room for cocaine-related issues last year.

Cocaine is a common drug, with approximately 24% of individuals stating it’s readily accessible. Despite this, cocaine remains unlawful. It’s similar to other substances that influence your brain’s dopamine levels.

It is habit-forming and can result in dependency. It also triggers withdrawal symptoms that can vary from mild to intense. Discover below some indications and manifestations of cocaine misuse and much more.

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More About Cocaine

How Cocaine Affects Dopamine

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is an illegal drug derived from the coca plant native to South America. It is a highly addictive stimulant drug that affects dopamine- a chemical produced in your brain’s reward circuit. The drug comes in two forms; white powder or a rock crystal form called crack.

Cocaine sends high amounts of dopamine to the brain’s parts that control pleasure. The buildup from the drug causes intense happiness and energy and stimulates more use as time goes by. Your brain adjusts to the drug within a short period and therefore requires higher doses to bring out the high feeling.

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Serious Physical & Mental Health Risks

Risks of Abusing Cocaine

Cocaine abuse comes with numerous risks that may include:

• Increased anxiety.

• Irritability.

• Restlessness.

• Paranoia.

• High blood pressure.

• Severe cardiac issues.

• Death.

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Psychological Struggles to Physical Discomfort

What Are the Stages and Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?

Cocaine poses many dangers and consequences to the user when not stopped in time. Some of these consequences manifest through withdrawal symptoms. Whether you stop using cocaine slowly or suddenly, withdrawal symptoms will occur during your recovery journey.

As your body adapts and adjusts to cocaine in its system, it develops a physical dependence on the drug. Once your body has changed, the brain will often require more doses of cocaine to function normally.

When you stop using cocaine, your brain misses the drug. This can cause unwanted symptoms that make recovery hard. While withdrawal from other substances like alcohol may involve extreme physical symptoms, cocaine detox is primarily psychological; withdrawal symptoms mainly manifest through behavioral changes.

Many cocaine users take the drug in binge and crash patterns. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms for those who haven’t decided to quit. Withdrawal from cocaine may involve three distinct stages that are:

The Crash

This stage occurs within 24 hours following sustained periods of high-intensity drug use or binging. Someone in a cocaine crash may feel:

Withdrawal

This second phase starts within a week after the last use of the drug. It can last for up to 10 weeks, depending on the user. Symptoms may include:

  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Low energy.
  • Changing moods.
  • Dysphoria (feelings of dissatisfaction with life).
  • Anxiety.
  • Paranoia.
  • Depression.
  • Drug cravings.

Extinction

The final stage may continue for up to 6 months. It shows a decline in most symptoms which include:

  • Low mood.
  • Some cravings.

The recovery journey from cocaine abuse can be challenging. However, knowing the withdrawal symptoms helps you prepare for what will come. Withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Exhaustion.
  • Slowed thinking.
  • Slowed activity.
  • Physical fatigue, especially after activity.
  • Restlessness.
  • Anxiety or depression.
  • Inability to experience any sexual arousal.
  • The failure to feel pleasure or anhedonia.
  • Suicidal actions or thoughts.
  • Vivid, unpleasant nightmares or dreams.
  • Physical symptoms include tremors, chills, nerve pain, and muscle aches.
  • Intense cravings for the drug.
  • Increased appetite.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are not as physical as those from other drugs. It’s important to look for these withdrawal signs:

Depression

Cocaine withdrawal often starts with a “crash.” This crash can lead to more irritability, anxiety, and deep sadness or depression.

Depression often affects people who mainly use cocaine to cope with stress. When the effects of cocaine fade, the stress comes back even stronger. According to the Mayo Clinic, medications like Wellbutrin or Prozac are antidepressants that medical professionals prescribe to help with depression.

Cravings

Cravings for cocaine may develop as soon as ninety minutes after using the drug. People who have skipped using cocaine for extended periods will likely create a stronger urge to use cocaine.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that behavioral interventions can help with cravings. For example, motivational incentives can reduce drug use. They do this by offering prizes and awards for reaching different recovery milestones.

Suicidal Thoughts

When you suddenly stop using cocaine, you may have withdrawal symptoms. These can affect your mind, leading to thoughts or actions of suicide. A person addicted to cocaine who stops may start feeling worthless when they don’t feel the effects of cocaine. Therefore, it is essential to seek professional attention when you want to quit using cocaine.

Also, note that cocaine is highly addictive; however, there is a massive difference between dependence and addiction. Addiction shows a person’s inability to stop using a drug. This happens even when the drug causes legal and health issues.

Dependence is when your body refuses to function normally without using cocaine. The development of dependence leads to physical withdrawal symptoms once you stop using the drug.

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Factors Affecting Severity & Risks

The Severity of Cocaine Withdrawal

The following factors influence how severe the withdrawal symptoms from cocaine are. They include:

  • How much time have you used the drug.

  • How frequent you use cocaine.

  • The purity or potency of the substance.

  • The duration of the action; is usually influenced by the method of drug administration (i.e., injecting, snorting, smoking, etc.)

  • The existence of co-occurring physical or mental health conditions.

Cocaine withdrawal is dangerous

Cocaine withdrawal may cause certain significant dangers to the user, including:

Physical health complications

People who abuse cocaine and alcohol risk developing cardiac issues during withdrawal periods. These people also have increased chances of having an infarction or arrhythmia- a heart attack. Seizures are also a possibility not only for those in withdrawal but also for those using cocaine.

Mental health concerns

Some users may experience depression during withdrawal periods. Symptoms of depression start with mild signs like low moods, low energy, and lack of motivation. Some people also report thoughts of suicide. Because of these severe complications, a user must undergo a detox program under professional monitoring.

Withdrawal is more complicated and life-threatening when a user concurrently uses cocaine and other substances like heroin. Hence, it is vital to be honest when disclosing whether or not you use multiple meanings in a treatment program.

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Navigating Cocaine Recovery

Treatment is complex, and withdrawal from cocaine can be a nightmare; however, living a drug-free life is your ultimate goal. You will feel like giving up and quitting yourself at other times.

Keep your loved ones and close friends close during these important times. They can give you the support you need. You do not have to go through treatment alone.

The best part is that you do not have to take the more significant steps overnight. Take the smaller ones and improve on yourself as you move through your recovery journey. Also, remember to enjoy yourself as you continue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cocaine Withdrawal:

Can I Detox from Cocaine at Home?

While some individuals might attempt a home detox, it’s recommended to seek professional medical support. This will provide a safe and effective management of withdrawal symptoms.

How Can I Support Someone Going Through Withdrawal?

Offer emotional support, encourage them to seek professional help, and assist them in finding a treatment program or support group.

Is Professional Treatment Necessary for Recovery?

Getting professional help from a licensed drug rehab facility is highly recommended. This can help you manage withdrawal safely, address the root causes of addiction, and reduce the risk of relapse.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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