Cocaine Withdrawal: What is It?

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. Addicts do not know how to get off cocaine safely by themselves, prompting the need to find a safe center for cocaine detox in Long Island.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can manifest once the addict feels the “crash”: 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 Out For

You might be familiar with the common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal such as fatigue, restless behavior, and anxiety. However, there are three symptoms in particular 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. It is possible that that heavy users start craving the drug as soon as they feel the effect start to dip even slightly. According to American Addiction Centers, 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. In relation to this, addicts can 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 might provide the safest environment for the patient.

When is Medical Detox Necessary?

For mild users, cocaine detox can be done successfully on an outpatient basis. However, long-term and heavy users might need medical detox for 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 off cocaine, 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. 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, so you can check the National Institute on Drug Abuse for resources.