Cocaine Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms

Key Takeaways

• Cocaine is a potent stimulant with high addiction potential, affecting dopamine levels in the brain.
• The addiction cycle involves experimentation, regular use, dependence, and addiction, with the limbic system playing a central role.
• Dopamine’s influence on cocaine addiction is significant, with chronic use leading to changes in brain function and structure.
• Cocaine withdrawal includes a ‘crash’ phase, acute withdrawal, and protracted withdrawal, with both physical and psychological symptoms.
• The CNS experiences notable changes during withdrawal, with symptoms like cravings, irritability, and mood disturbances.
• Physical symptoms of withdrawal include exhaustion, increased appetite, and restlessness, which can last for weeks or months.
• Psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, can significantly disrupt emotional stability and daily functioning.
• The withdrawal timeline varies, with acute symptoms peaking within the first week and protracted symptoms lasting longer.
• Treatment strategies for cocaine withdrawal are comprehensive, often including CBT, medical supervision, and lifestyle changes.
• Long-term effects of withdrawal can include intermittent cravings and mood disturbances, highlighting the need for ongoing support.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be quite challenging and vary in intensity depending on the individual’s level of dependence, the duration of cocaine use, and other personal factors. Unlike opioids or alcohol, cocaine withdrawal is primarily psychological, but it can still lead to significant physical and emotional discomfort. 

We’ll explain everything you need to know about the psychological, physical, and behavioral withdrawal symptoms of cocaine below, as well as the typical duration of withdrawal symptoms and some factors influencing their severity. 

The Psychological Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

As mentioned, cocaine withdrawal symptoms are primarily psychological. Some of the most common ones include:

• Depression: Cocaine withdrawal can cause a pervasive feeling of sadness and hopelessness that can vary in intensity from mild to severe. Individuals may experience crying spells, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts in severe cases.
• Anxiety: Increased feelings of worry and nervousness are common during cocaine withdrawal. Individuals may have panic attacks, restlessness, or generalized anxiety, leading to constant tension and unease.
• Intense Cravings: Cocaine withdrawal often triggers a strong desire or urge to use cocaine again, which can be overwhelming. Cravings can be triggered by environmental cues or stress, and they can last for weeks or even months after stopping cocaine use.
• Irritability and Agitation: Many people suffering from cocaine withdrawal symptoms experience feelings of annoyance and restlessness, often accompanied by anger. Individuals may become easily frustrated or angered by small inconveniences, leading to interpersonal conflicts.
• Paranoia: Irrational fears and heightened suspicion of others can occur during cocaine withdrawal, especially if paranoia was present during cocaine use. This may include delusional thoughts, mistrust of friends or family, and the belief that others are out to cause harm.
• Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, from euphoria to depression or anger are common for people experiencing cocaine withdrawal. Mood instability can make it difficult for individuals to manage their emotions effectively.
• Lack of Pleasure (Anhedonia): Cocaine withdrawal often causes a reduced ability to experience pleasure from activities once enjoyed. Individuals may lose interest in hobbies, social activities, or relationships, contributing to feelings of depression.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Many people experiencing cocaine withdrawal have trouble focusing on tasks or maintaining attention on conversations. This can affect work or school performance, as well as everyday activities.

The Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

While cocaine withdrawal doesn’t typically involve severe or dangerous physical symptoms, some individuals experience the following:

• Fatigue and Exhaustion: An overwhelming sense of tiredness and lack of energy is common among people undergoing cocaine withdrawal. This symptom can lead to excessive sleep or difficulty getting out of bed.
• Increased Appetite: Many people experience a sudden surge in hunger, often referred to as “rebound eating,” when dealing with cocaine withdrawal. Individuals often experience cravings for carbohydrates and sugars, leading to weight gain if not managed properly.
• Sleep Disturbances: Those experiencing cocaine withdrawal often have difficulty falling asleep or maintaining a regular sleep pattern. Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) is common, and overall sleep quality may be poor.
• Muscle Aches and Tremors: Physical discomfort and shaking can occur during withdrawal from cocaine. In fact, this type of muscle pain, stiffness, and involuntary tremors may affect daily functioning.
• Chills and Sweats: Many people suffer from sudden changes in body temperature regulation when withdrawing from cocaine. This leads many individuals to experience alternating periods of feeling cold and clammy or hot and sweaty.
• Headaches: Persistent headaches are common during withdrawal. Both tension headaches and migraines can occur, contributing to overall discomfort.

The Behavioral Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

Cocaine withdrawal can trigger a number of behavioral symptoms, and these are often first noticed by people other than the individual going through withdrawal. Some of the most notable examples include:

• Social Withdrawal: Many people have a tendency to isolate themselves from family and friends during cocaine withdrawal. Individuals may avoid social interactions, leading to loneliness and depression.
• Loss of Motivation: A decreased desire to engage in activities or pursue goals is common among people going through withdrawal. This can impact work performance, relationships, and personal interests.
• Restlessness: Many people who’ve recently ceased using cocaine experience an inability to sit still or relax, often leading to pacing or fidgeting. This can be physically and mentally exhausting for the individual.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptom Timeline: How Long Does It Last?

The timeline for cocaine withdrawal can vary significantly between individuals, but it often occurs in three distinct phases.

Initial Crash 

Taking place 24 to 72 hours after the last use, this phase is characterized by a “crash” as the body reacts to the absence of cocaine. The user may feel a sudden drop in energy and mood. This phase is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Intense cravings
• Exhaustion and fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Depression and anxiety
• Agitation and irritability

Acute Withdrawal Phase 

One to two weeks after an individual’s last use, withdrawal symptoms peak, and the individual may experience significant discomfort, both physically and psychologically. Symptoms common to this phase include::

• Persistent cravings
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
• Mood swings and irritability
• Anhedonia (lack of pleasure)
• Anxiety and paranoia

Protracted Withdrawal Phase 

Symptoms gradually decrease in the weeks and months following cessation, but some psychological effects, such as depression and cravings, can persist for months, requiring continued support and treatment. This phase often triggers the following symptoms:

• Mild cravings
• Improved mood stability
• Sleep normalization
• Ongoing depression or anxiety
• Intermittent fatigue and mood swings

Factors Affecting Cocaine Withdrawal

The severity and duration of cocaine withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly from one person to the next, and they’re not always predictable. However, they’re often influenced by several factors, including:

• The Level of Dependence: The intensity of withdrawal symptoms often correlates with the level of cocaine dependence. Heavy, long-term users may experience more severe symptoms than those with less frequent use.
• Polydrug Use: Individuals who use cocaine alongside other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, may experience more complex withdrawal symptoms that require specialized treatment.
• An Individual’s Health: An individual’s overall physical and mental health can impact withdrawal severity. Pre-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, may exacerbate withdrawal symptoms.
• Genetic Factors: Genetic predispositions can influence how a person’s body metabolizes cocaine, affecting withdrawal experience and duration.
• Environmental Factors: Stressful environments or exposure to cocaine-related cues can trigger cravings and affect the withdrawal process.

Get Help for Cocaine Addiction Now

There are quite a few different options for people who are seeking treatment for drug & alcohol addiction. Your individualized treatment plan at The Recovery Village Palmer Lake may include:

• Medical detox: Patients detox from substances in a clinical environment where doctors monitor health and provide medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.
• Inpatient treatment: Patients in inpatient treatment live at our facility and attend a full schedule of individual and group therapy, counseling and peer support sessions.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP): PHPs provide patients with additional flexibility and independence than inpatient programs.
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP): IOPs help patients transition to life outside of rehab, with fewer hours of care and more time building skills and habits for recovery.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient care provides ongoing treatment after an inpatient stay and supports clients as they transition back into their daily lives.
• Aftercare: Aftercare programs help support long-term recovery through clinical and medical recommendations for follow-up care, relapse prevention plans and more.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, help is available. The Recovery Village Palmer Lake is here to support you throughout the entire recovery process. It’s time to get your life back. Call our Recovery Advocates today.