Once a person develops a dependency on drugs and alcohol, his body reacts when he doesn’t have access to the drug. Despite any negative consequences, he keeps using to avoid the discomfort of withdrawal. This is how addiction starts. Whether it’s heroin, alcohol, or another substance, trying to quit is very difficult. If you or a loved one is abusing cocaine, you’ll experience cocaine withdrawal symptoms when you stop using. Find out what to expect when you decide to make a change for the better.
How Cocaine Addiction Starts
Cocaine is a fast-acting stimulant that people use for various reasons. They may enjoy the confidence they feel when using, as well as the energy the drug gives them. Others like the appetite-suppressing qualities that help them keep their weight where they want it.
It’s easy to get hooked on cocaine as it’s incredibly addictive. Even when someone knows the drug is creating problems in his life, quitting isn’t that easy. Every time he goes any length of time without using, his body suffers withdrawal effects that include powerful cravings.
Long-term recovery is more likely when you seek help from professionals in a cocaine addiction treatment program.
Common Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
A cocaine high can wear off in as little as 90 minutes, so users often take doses close together to keep that high going. When they don’t have access to cocaine, they’ll begin feeling withdrawal effects within a day. As they continue abstaining, they go through the detox process.
Typical cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Tremors
Symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on how long and how often someone has used cocaine. Some withdrawal symptoms are especially severe, such as seizures and heart issues.
The safest way to detox is in a treatment facility, where a medical staff provides around-the-clock supervision. Otherwise, it’s all too easy for someone to give in to cravings once they get too intense. The potential for overdose and lasting, negative health consequences is high.
How Long Do Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
It’s not surprising that no one would look forward to detox, even when they know that it’s the only way to a healthier future. Naturally, they want to know how long withdrawal lasts.
There are three phases to cocaine detox. The worst cocaine withdrawal symptoms will be felt during the first one to three days, otherwise known as the “crash.” During this time, a person may feel more hungry than usual and be very fatigued.
Over the next few days, physical symptoms will decrease somewhat. However, psychological effects will persist. Users may feel hopeless, angry, or paranoid.
After the first week, people feel much better physically. However, they should expect lingering effects for weeks or even months later. Getting into a quality rehab program that helps them uncover deep-seated issues, manage cravings, and develop a relapse prevention plan can give them an excellent chance at lasting recovery.
If you’re a parent who’s worried about your teenager’s substance use issues, finding a qualified treatment center that caters to this age group can make a huge difference in all of your lives.
Your Teen's Sustainable Well-being Is Our Top Priority
In the Woodland Hills area of California, adolescents and their families can find hope. Destinations for Teens is an addiction treatment and mental health facility that exclusively treats teenagers. Here, teens can enter residential treatment or take part in intensive outpatient (IOP) or partial hospitalization programs (PHP). The programs and therapeutic services we offer include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Trauma treatment
- Depression treatment
Your child can begin the healing process in our warm and welcoming environment. Our skilled, compassionate team is ready to guide your teen through lingering alcohol, meth, heroin, or cocaine withdrawal symptoms as he begins a new, healthier chapter in life. Call us today at 877.466.0620 to find out how we can help heal your entire family from the damage of addiction.