Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are really unpleasant and if someone wants to get clean, entering into a treatment centre is often necessary. Cocaine is a harmful drug that people typically abuse recreationally before becoming addicted. While it is more often abused by men, it has wrecked havoc in the lives of women as well. It has a high rate of addiction and is difficult to stop using because of how severe the withdrawal symptoms can be.

What Causes Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms?

Cocaine withdrawal occurs when a regular user cuts down or stops taking the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal can occur even if the user is not completely off cocaine and still has some of it in their system. These symptoms can be very serious and may require medical detox intervention depending on the severity.

How Do People Become Addicted to Cocaine?

Tolerance to cocaine also develops rapidly inducing the user to consume more and more of the drug as their body grows used to the amounts they were using before. Shorter time goes by between doses. The amount consumed also often becomes higher. Both of these factors make withdrawal challenging. High tolerance can complicate attempts to stop using the drug. Cocaine addiction can sneak up without someone even knowing. 

Note: when a regular cocaine user goes into withdrawal and consumes cocaine, they are calmed down. When a recreational user consumes it, they speed up – and may not feel any withdrawal symptoms.

What are the Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?

Cocaine has a variety of physical and psychological symptoms that become more intense as someone becomes habituated to the drug. These symptoms make the lives of the cocaine addict and their friends and family more difficult. Frequency of use and the dosage may be increased to stave off these unpleasant effects but that just worsens the effects over time. Women may feel very emotional when experiencing withdrawal; more so than men. Primary symptoms of cocaine withdrawal may include:

  • Agitation and restless behavior
  • Depression, mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • General discomfort
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Vivid and unpleasant dreams
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety and panic
  • Rage and short temper

Do Cravings and Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms Stop Once Someone Quits Using Cocaine?

Cravings and depression can last for months or years after stopping long-term heavy use (particularly daily use) of cocaine. These are frequently referred to as PAW symptoms. (Post Acute Withdrawal symptoms) and can last for months or years after someone stops using cocaine. Other drugs can produce PAW symptoms as well.

Some Cocaine Addicts Switch from One Addiction to the Other to try to Quit

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms may also be associated with suicidal thoughts in some people. Others may resort to using other drugs to try and lessen the effects of withdrawal. This rarely helps and can even lead to multiple drug addictions. It is a very slippery slope.

We Can Help – If You or Someone You Know is Suffering from Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms and Wants to Quit

If you or someone you know or love is suffering from cocaine addiction, we can help. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are a very serious matter. Depression and suicidal thoughts are very common symptoms. We specialize in addiction treatment for women. Call us right away. 1-800-801-8354.

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