What is Cocaine Withdrawal?

People who are addicted to cocaine become dependent on the intense feeling of euphoria that they experience whenever they ingest the drug. This is why cocaine detox is difficult; the sudden removal of cocaine causes the brain to “look” for the pleasant feelings and result in painful physical symptoms. Quitting cocaine on your own with no help is extremely difficult. This leads people to look for safe cocaine detox in Long Island and the NY Metro Area.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can manifest once the addict feels the “crash”. This is the feeling that comes when the body’s dopamine levels out and normalizes. When a person uses cocaine over a long period of time, he or she develops a tolerance, leading to increasing amounts of cocaine to experience the euphoric sensations. Thus, withdrawal symptoms can be much more intense for heavy users.

3 Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms to Watch For

You might be familiar with the common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal such as fatigue, restless behavior, and anxiety. However, there are three symptoms that might signal the need for immediately cocaine detox:

Intense Cravings

A cocaine addict can feel intense cravings for the drug as soon as 90 minutes after their first dose. Heavy users often start craving the drug as soon as they feel the effect start to dip even slightly. Cocaine’s short half-life increases its addictiveness and can result in life-threatening binges.

Depression

Since cocaine use elevates dopamine amounts in the brain rapidly, any withdrawal from the drug can result in intense depression. Cocaine users can often feel anhedonia, or the inability to feel pleasure. Since the brain has been “rewired” to produce dopamine in the presence of cocaine, it can become difficult for the brain to produce dopamine naturally.

Suicidal Thoughts

Those who are suffering from cocaine use disorder may experience negative thoughts and emotions if they suddenly discontinue the use of the drug. This negative situation increases the likelihood of suicidal ideation because addicts can feel worthless when they are not taking the drug.

This is one of the reasons why cocaine detox should be done under experienced medical supervision, especially for long-term or heavy users. The first 24 hours after stopping cocaine use is the most critical, as this is when the most intense withdrawal symptoms will emerge. During this time, constant supervision in a rehab center for cocaine detox in Long Island or nearby provides the safest environment for the patient.

When is Medical Detox Necessary?

For mild users, cocaine detox may be done successfully on an outpatient basis. However, long-term and moderate to heavy users find medical detox may give the best chance of success. Those who have tried to detox before and have relapsed might also find medical detox effective.

Addicts who suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression should be examined by a licensed healthcare professional before medical detox is prescribed. It is possible to treat co-occurring disorders simultaneously through comprehensive in-patient treatment. It is possible to find Long Island cocaine detox services that offers safe and private inpatient treatment.

How to Help

If you or a loved one is addicted to cocaine and want to know how to get sover, it is important to get help as soon as possible. It is critical to find a licensed drug treatment councilor or physician who has experience in providing cocaine detox in Long Island or the NY Metro Area. A large part of this is treating patients who suffer from withdrawal during cocaine detox.

Finding a reputable treatment center or licensed professional can be difficult. This is where Long Island Rehabs comes in. We are a source for addiction treatment information and advice.