Symptoms of Withdrawal from Cocaine
Cocaine is considered a high-priced, sometimes high-society, high. Its price tag often makes it something people associate with wealthy drug abusers. This understanding is often reinforced in movies and media that cover high-profile celebrities and their cocaine addiction.
And it’s true. Cory Haim, Ike Turner, Whitney Houston, and many others are on a tragic list of famous people who have died as a result of cocaine addiction.
But addiction has no economic barriers. Anyone is susceptible to a cocaine use disorder. And once a CUD takes hold, professional intervention is typically necessary for a transition back to a healthy lifestyle.
Cocaine Risks
Cocaine is a high-risk, high-use, and high-dependency substance and it is extremely dangerous for its potential for overdose. As well, cocaine side effects include damage to the heart, brain, and even a person’s emotional well-being.
If you or someone you know in the area is addicted to cocaine, it is extremely important to get in touch with a drug rehab in Austin.
Withdrawal From Cocaine
The effects of cocaine are far-reaching. From children to teenagers, adults to the elderly, cocaine use has significant (direct and indirect) impacts on the user, their family, and society at large.
Cocaine’s highly addictive nature makes it one of the most prevalent scourges in present times.
When someone uses cocaine and suddenly stops, they experience life-threatening physical and psychological cocaine withdrawal effects.
Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
The physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:
- Fatigue
- Chills and tremors
- Nerve pain
- Sleepiness
- Increased appetite
- Muscle pain
- Restlessness
The extent of the physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal depends on how long the person was using the drug and the purity of the substance. “Impure cocaine” is a term used when the drug has been cut (or mixed with) other substances. This ranges from common additives such as baking soda and laundry detergent to medications such as lidocaine and procaine.
Cut cocaine can have dire consequences for the user. It can cause sudden organ failure and subsequent death as it’s typically laced with other poisonous chemicals.
The chance of an overdose is higher when using impure cocaine since it’s hard to know what you ingest. Tainted cocaine also has life-threatening withdrawal symptoms like heart palpitations, delirium, heart attacks, and stroke.
And the truth is, just about any cocaine you get on the street is going to be cut with something.
Psychological Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Psychological cocaine withdrawal symptoms are less noticeable. Knowing them helps you identify when you or a loved one are in danger and need help. The symptoms include:
- Nightmares
- Depression
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Agitation
- Suicidal thoughts
If a cocaine user has underlying mental health issues, their condition is made worse by the psychological cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Every negative effect comes in double measure and can cause bigger problems.
The Nature of Cocaine Withdrawal
Cocaine use affects the dopamine levels in your brain. While this chemical is naturally recycled, cocaine use stops the natural recycling. As a result, your brain depends on the substance to increase the levels. The stages of cocaine withdrawal begin as follows:
- Crashing – during a crash, a person with a cocaine use disorder is irritable, exhausted, anxious, and decreased cravings. Crashing is the first stage which occurs almost immediately after stopping cocaine use.
- Withdrawal – during withdrawal, there is poor concentration, inactivity, and increased craving for cocaine. It is also common to vomit and experience dehydration during withdrawal. At this stage, the risk of relapse is higher than in other phases.
- Extinction – this is the final stage of the cocaine withdrawal process. During this phase, individuals have an increased craving for cocaine. They are also more aware of their triggers and can use different skills to cope with the craving.
Withdrawal From Cocaine in Austin
If you are in the Austin, Texas, area and have questions about what a cocaine rehab looks like (or drug rehab in Austin in general) call Heartwood Recovery today. At our men’s rehab center, we offer addiction treatment for alcohol use disorder and drug addiction of every kind. When you call us, we will let you know all your options. We want to help men find recovery. It’s our mission, and we are ready to help you as well.
