Your husband has tried to go off cocaine more times than you can count. He’s tried to stop, but the withdrawal symptoms are always too unbearable. He says, “I don’t think I can go through that again,” and “It keeps me awake enough to do my job.” He works at a major office in an executive position. You’ve always known that he has used cocaine, and when you’ve questioned him, he claims he needs it to get through his day.
He sometimes attempts to please you but has never truly followed through. The job needs him, and he needs cocaine. It will be hard to convince him that getting to the other side of cocaine withdrawal symptoms will be worth it, but you remember how good the days before cocaine truly were.
In 2020, 1.7% of people in Florida had a cocaine use disorder. Tranquil Shores has a 3:1 client-counselor ratio that will allow your husband to get the direct attention he needs so he isn’t tempted to return to cocaine when the withdrawal symptoms get worse.
What Is Cocaine Withdrawal?
Cocaine withdrawal happens when someone has stopped using cocaine after a prolonged period of use.You are no longer taking the substance within a certain time frame. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms happen when the user stops using or takes less than their normal amount. The brain releases signals that cocaine is needed, and when these are ignored, people experience intense symptoms while the body naturally removes cocaine.
Causes of Cocaine Withdrawal
Cocaine withdrawal typically happens after an event of cocaine use known as a crash. When people use cocaine, they typically experience a sense of euphoria known as a rush. This rush is typically short-lived. Immediately following the rush is known as the crash. This crash will encourage the user to consume more cocaine to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal that they are feeling.
The Danger of Cocaine Withdrawal
Cocaine withdrawal is not typically dangerous. However, it is possible to have complications with the withdrawal process that require intervention. These include depression, suicidal thoughts, and overdose. This is why it is important to include a medical professional in your decision to stop taking cocaine.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
There are still other symptoms that you might experience with cocaine withdrawal. These symptoms will make you uncomfortable because their job is to encourage you to continue to take cocaine. Your body has become dependent on cocaine and wants more as it removes what it currently has in your system. Remember that you are stronger than those temptations even if you don’t feel that way at the moment.
Psychological Symptoms
Psychological cocaine withdrawal symptoms can include depression and anxiety. Nightmares are also reported symptoms of withdrawal. You may find yourself to be more prone to agitation and restlessness. Loss of mental energy is also common.
Physical Symptoms
Some non-visible withdrawal symptoms can be experienced. Feelings of fatigue are especially prevalent because cocaine is a stimulant, so coming off of cocaine can make you feel tired. Along with this, you might also have a slowing of activity. You will be less likely to want to do anything. You might also experience intense cravings that last for several months. These cravings might also produce fear and suspicion. Cocaine lowers your appetite, and stopping use will show a significant increase.
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
There are 3 stages associated with cocaine withdrawal. The first stage of cocaine withdrawal is the “crash” period. This typically starts right after the rush of euphoria ends. It can last up to 6 days but reaches its highest intensity after 24-48 hours. This includes depression, irritability, fatigue, paranoia, and anxiety. This phase might also include intense, unpleasant feelings.
The second stage is known as the “gradual withdrawal phase.” This phase starts at the end of the crash stage and slowly decreases over several weeks. It includes symptoms of mild depression, insomnia, increased appetite, slowed activity, and irritability.
The final phase of cocaine withdrawal is the “extinction phase.” This phase lasts for several months until the symptoms become unnoticeable. You will continue to experience cravings, depression, and anxiety. At the end of this stage, you will likely not notice your cravings for cocaine, although it could still be possible depending on how long you have been taking it.
Is Medical Observation Necessary for Cocaine Withdrawal?
While symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are not life-threatening, they come with risks that can lead to death if not caught in time. One way that withdrawal can become life-threatening is if you are experiencing suicidal ideation. You might also need medical attention if you decide to use cocaine again. Using cocaine again after the withdrawal process can increase your chances of overdose. Experiencing an overdose is a medical emergency. If someone is experiencing an overdose, get medical help for them immediately. Some symptoms of a cocaine overdose include elevated heart rate, tremors, paranoia, and pain in the chest. Complications of a cocaine overdose can include seizure, stroke, heart attack, and death.
Get Help for Cocaine Use Disorder in the Tampa Bay Area
Even though withdrawal symptoms can be discouraging, recovery from cocaine addiction is possible. It might be the hardest thing you have ever had to do, but it is still achievable to reclaim your life. Incorporating skills learned in different therapies such as cognitive behavioral (CBT) and accelerated resolution (ACT) can be useful in leaving cocaine behind.
For the most part, people will be in treatment for 90 days. This might seem off-putting because work still has to get done and you want something that will not take you away from your career. However, leaving cocaine behind is not a simple “fix.” It takes time to relearn how to commit to yourself and create healthy coping skills that make cocaine feel obsolete.
Tranquil Shores is located in the Tampa, Florida area. We understand that work simply does not stop just because you are bettering your life. This is why we allow you to keep your computers and phones to maintain your career while receiving help for your cocaine use disorder. For more information on cocaine treatment, call us today at 727-591-4119.
FAQs
How long does it take to withdraw from cocaine?
To withdraw from cocaine, it can take several weeks to months. While the symptoms are at their highest at 24-48 hours, they will continue to linger for weeks afterward. Cravings will be one of the last symptoms to dissipate.
What does it mean to withdraw from cocaine?
To withdraw from cocaine means abstinence. You will experience intense symptoms during this time, but it will eventually pass. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is just a part of the process of your body removing cocaine from the body. They are also how the body asks for more cocaine, a substance it has become dependent on.
How long is the cocaine withdrawal timeline?
The cocaine withdrawal timeline occurs in three phases: crash, gradual withdrawal, and extinction. In the crash phase, the symptoms are at their peak between 24-48 hours and then decline. This phase lasts approximately 6 days. The gradual withdrawal continues the path of lessening symptoms and lasts for several weeks following the crash phase. After the gradual withdrawal phase is the extinction phase. At this phase, symptoms slow down to essentially nonexistent. This phase is an additional several weeks to months. You will still feel cravings at this stage. Overall, cocaine withdrawal typically lasts several weeks to a few months. On average, cocaine use disorder treatment is expected to last around 90 days.
