Cocaine detox symptoms

You can expect symptoms of extreme fatigue, depression, and restlessness during the acute phases of cocaine detox. How long do they last and how can these symptoms be treated? We review here.

4
minute read

Cocaine detox is different than many other drug detox experiences. Because cocaine is water-soluble, it disperses through and out of the user’s body quickly. Just as a relatively short lived high is delivered to the brain, cocaine does not tend to stay in the user’s body very long.

However, what happens when you become physically dependent on cocaine? We review common symptoms of cocaine detox and their duration here. Then, we invite your questions about cocaine withdrawal in the comments section at the end. In fact, we try to respond to all questions personally and promptly.

Symptoms of cocaine detox

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive drug and regular user can begin to experience tolerance to the euphoric high it produces after regular use. Cocaine is psychologically addictive as well as physically addictive. The short duration of effects is one reason people use it over and over again. As effects wear off, people use more cocaine to try to [and are never able to] achieve the initial high…and a pattern of repeated use occurs.

Cocaine detox symptoms occur after a period of regular use or a pattern of high dose, binge use has been established. Withdrawal symptoms can typically last from 1-3 weeks and may consist of alternating low and high drug craving, low to high anxiety, and long periods of sleep. Primary symptoms of cocaine detox may include:

  • agitation and restless behavior
  • depressed mood
  • fatigue
  • generalized malaise
  • increased appetite
  • vivid and unpleasant dreams
  • slowing of activity

Cravings for cocaine and depression can last for months following cessation of long-term heavy use (particularly daily). These symptoms are triggered by low levels of serotonin and dopamine in the system and are sometimes treated with short term prescription of antidepressants. As the “high” associated with ongoing use becomes less and less pleasant, it can produce fear and extreme suspicion rather than joy (euphoria). Just the same, the cravings may remain powerful.

Time is usually what people need in order to achieve internal balance after regular use of cocaine. Note here that withdrawal symptoms may also be associated with suicidal thoughts in some people. Suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously, and a person referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist for professional help.

Cocaine detox side effects

Although cocaine withdrawal is rarely serious, it produces a number of very unpleasant side effects. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms generally only last for about a week or two and may include the following:

  • anxiety
  • body aches
  • challenges in concentration
  • chills
  • depression
  • exhaustion
  • inability to feel pleasure
  • intense craving for cocaine
  • pain
  • tremors and shakiness

Cocaine detox: How long?

Following binge use of cocaine, the “crash” can last from nine (9) hours to four (4) days. Acute cocaine detox after a period of physical dependence can lasts for about a week. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) for cocaine, however, can last for months or even one year after last use depending on frequency and dosing of cocaine. PAWS can include problems sleeping, feelings of depression, and cravings.

Breaking the binge/crash cycle is perhaps the most difficult part of the early phases of detox. The extreme craving that occurs after an intense crash begins to decrease after 3-4 days, so if the individual can get past that period of time, they are more likely to stay abstinent. How can you address these issues?

Psychological treatments are really all we have to deal with cocaine detox symptoms at the moment, but can help if you stick with them. Emotional, psychological, and group support can be essential during cocaine detox. Keep in mind that symptoms usually resolve over time.

There are some medicines may help ease symptoms of cocaine withdrawal or help prevent relapse and are currently being explored by researchers. Following is a list of current medications researchers are investigating:

1. Euphoria blockers – For the prevention of relapse, medications that block cocaine euphoria or reduce cocaine craving have shown promise.

2. Propranolal – For cases of severe addiction, propranolol may be helpful in promoting an initial period of stable abstinence.

3. Relapse prevention medications – Potential relapse prevention medications include GABAergic medications, such as baclofen, tiagabine, and topiramate, and the glutamatergic medication, modafinil.

4. Vaccine – A vaccine capable of stimulating the production of cocaine specific antibodies has shown promise in preliminary studies for the prevention of relapse to cocaine use.

People who experience cocaine detox may think that alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, or anti-anxiety medications such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) can treat their symptoms. Use of these drugs is not recommended because it simply shifts addiction from one substance to another.

Questions about cocaine detox symptoms

Still have questions about cocaine detox or its symptoms? Please share your thoughts on this topic in the section below. We want to make sure that you are informed and prepared for a positive life change. So, we try to answer all questions personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: MedlinePlus: Cocaine withdrawal
NHTSA: Cocaine
NCBI: New medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
I am ready to call
i Who Answers?