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Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

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Some drugs are just as deadly as they are addictive, such as cocaine. This party drug has been around for many years. While most people know that it’s dangerous, they continue to use it because they’re afraid to stop. One reason is that of the intense cocaine withdrawal symptoms that they’re likely to experience.

What Is Cocaine?

man struggling with cocaine withdrawal symptomsBefore diving into the cocaine withdrawal symptoms, let’s talk about the drug itself. To understand why cocaine is a party drug, people have to know that it’s a strong stimulant. The drug gives them high levels of energy and feelings of happiness.

Cocaine comes from the coca plant. People break down the substance into a powder that they can snort. Of course, they use other methods as well. These include smoking it, dissolving it in a liquid and injecting it, or rubbing it on their gums.

While cocaine makes people feel good, it’s also very dangerous. It’s very addictive, and some people develop dependence after just a few uses. Also, the drug places a major strain on the heart by accelerating its rate and increasing blood pressure.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Once people develop an addiction to cocaine, they can’t simply stop using it. Trying to quit only triggers cocaine withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are often painful and uncomfortable.

The longer that they use cocaine, the more intense that their withdrawal symptoms are when they quit. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Inability to feel pleasure
  • Chills and tremors
  • Muscle aches

During this time, people also experience very intense cravings for cocaine. In many cases, it’s all that they can think about. In a way, it’s as if they’re incomplete without the drug.

Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline

Cocaine leaves the body fairly quickly, which is one reason why people use it so much. Like any other drug, though, they don’t detox from cocaine at the same speed. With that said, there’s a general window in which most people fit.

The first withdrawal symptoms usually start within the first 90 minutes of quitting. Keep in mind that the symptoms that people experience during this time are mild. These mild symptoms might make them think that they can handle withdrawal alone.

Over the next seven days, however, the symptoms start to get worse. During this time, people really need professional help. In most cases, the process of withdrawal only lasts for around ten days.

Seeking Professional Help

Most of the time, people can’t overcome cocaine withdrawal symptoms on their own. These symptoms are too intense and lead them to relapse. That’s why they should always seek professional help when they detox from cocaine. Detoxing with a professional will increase their chances of ongoing recovery.

Of course, keep in mind that detoxing is just one step in getting over cocaine addiction. Afterward, people have to seek a cocaine addiction treatment center. Such a place can help them deal with the root cause of their addiction.

Zelus Recovery Can Help

At Zelus Recovery, we pride ourselves in offering treatment for teens and young adults. We help people overcome drug addiction such as cocaine addiction. Our team understands the importance of early intervention and includes it in our Boise substance abuse programs.

Helping people overcome drugs such as cocaine isn’t easy. That’s why we offer a variety of programs to meet the many needs of our clients. Some of the services that we have include:

Learn more about the dangers of cocaine withdrawal symptoms at Zelus Recovery. Let us help you avoid relapse after getting clean. Reach out to our friendly staff today at 208.518.0797.