Cocaine has been embedded in American culture for decades now, and it’s estimated that about 5.2 million people in the US above the age of 12 used cocaine in 2021. To put it into perspective, that’s nearly 2% of the US population, a staggering number.
Cocaine use is so widespread in America that understanding what are the cocaine withdrawal signs and symptoms may help us provide support for a loved one in need.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Cocaine
When users stop taking cocaine abruptly, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. The gravity of the symptoms will be dependent on many factors such as:
- How long have they been using cocaine
- Dose size
- Tolerancer
- Liver health
Withdrawal signs and symptoms of cocaine are split into two main categories; short-term withdrawal symptoms, and long-term withdrawal symptoms. Long-term symptoms may last up to a few days while short-term symptoms may be experienced in between doses.
Short-Term Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
Cocaine acts quickly on the brain, whether it’s snorted, injected, or smoked, releasing feelings of euphoria that are usually short-lived. As quick as it comes, it goes, leaving users immediately experiencing mild short-term withdrawal symptoms.
With each passing dose, the body quickly builds tolerance, needing more cocaine to feel the same feelings of euphoria and creating an insatiable craving for the addict.
Some of the short-term cocaine withdrawal signs and symptoms use include:
- Cravings
- Cocaine-Induced Psychosis
- Cocaine-Induced Seizures
- Depressed mood
- Slowed thinking
- Memory problems
- Dehydration
- Inability to sleep
- Panic Attacks
Long-Term Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
After prolonged use of cocaine, the body begins to build dependence on the drug. Once an addict has developed a physical dependence on a substance, the body will not react well if it’s cut off from it, causing withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of withdrawal from cocaine may last anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days.
It’s critical that addicts check into a detox program or receive medical supervision when long-term withdrawal symptoms become evident, as they are indicative of physical dependence and can be life-threatening,
How to know if you’re experiencing cocaine withdrawal symptoms you may ask? You will know you are experiencing cocaine withdrawal signs and symptoms if you abruptly stop taking cocaine and feel any of the following symptoms:
- Agitation
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Fatigue
- Feelings of discomfort (Uncomfortable in one’s own skin)
- Increase in appetite
- Anxiety
- Vivid and unpleasant dreams
- Slowing of activity
Health Risks Associated With Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine can wreck a person’s life, little by little it takes away everything from the addict in exchange for a short-lived “good time”. It may start at home, damaging personal relationships, extend to their careers and finances, and ultimately arrive at the worst consequence, losing one’s health.
It’s not all fun and games, at some point, the bodies of those abusing cocaine will send out an invoice for their health, and it’s often a bill that most can’t afford.
The health risks and withdrawal effects of cocaine can be life-threatening and dangerous. Understanding what are the health risks and withdrawal symptoms of cocaine can help us better gauge when it’s time to seek professional help.
The most common health risks of long-term cocaine abuse include:
- Nose bleeds
- Irreparable damage to nose cartilage
- Respiratory infections
- Risk of dementia
- Heart problems
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Overdose and death
Getting Help
Now that you are aware of how to know if you’re experiencing cocaine withdrawal symptoms, you’re better able to help your loved ones that may be under the influence.
Given some of cocaine’s withdrawal symptoms may be life-threatening, it’s best to get professional help as soon as they are evident.
Outpatient LA is a premiere outpatient drug treatment center in Los Angeles, California. Outpatient Los Angeles will arm you or your loved ones with the tools to overcome addiction in the real world, including detox treatment for cocaine addiction.Contact Outpatient LA today and find out how we can help!