Cocaine is an extremely dangerous drug. One of the reasons it is so dangerous is because it causes cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body becomes so used to having the drug in its system that it’s unable to function properly without it.
People know that the only way to get rid of cocaine withdrawal symptoms is to do more of the drug. This puts them in a vicious cycle of addiction that’s hard to break.
Fortunately, there is help available for cocaine addiction. This article will review the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal and tell you how to get the assistance you need.
How Does Cocaine Affect the Body?
Cocaine is a stimulant drug. When it enters the body, it increases dopamine production and stimulates the part of the brain that controls pleasure. It causes the user to feel happy and exceptionally energetic, and alert.
Symptoms of cocaine use include:
- Mood swings ranging from intense happiness to anger and irritability
- Excessive restlessness and energy
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased need for sleep
- Paranoia
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
Once the cocaine high wears off, it’s not unusual for people to want more. And the more of the drug they take, the more they will want. The desire to feel the euphoric effects of cocaine makes the drug even more dangerous.
What are the Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?
If you take cocaine on an ongoing basis, you will find your body will get used to having the drug in its system. It will begin producing symptoms of cocaine withdrawal when the drug is not present. These include the following:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Cravings for the drug
- Paranoia
- Increased appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Fatigue
Symptoms will start to kick in a few hours after the last time using the drug. They will peak at the 24 to 48-hour mark before beginning to dissipate. They will typically go away completely within 10- 14 days.
How to Treat Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal is difficult to deal with, and many patients will go back to using instead of waiting it out and getting clean. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal to make patients more comfortable and less likely to relapse.
For example, people will feel better during detox if they produce a relaxing atmosphere for themselves, including soothing lighting and relaxing elements like calming music, soft pillows, and aromatherapy scents.
They may also be prescribed medications that help relieve cocaine withdrawal symptoms. While there are no FDA-approved medications that approve cocaine addiction, there are some that will address individual symptoms. These include:
- Modafinil prevents fatigue and drowsiness and encourages normal sleep and dopamine production.
- Gabapentin promotes the release of the GABA neurotransmitter to improve mood.
- Vigabatrin is an anti-epileptic medication that also assists with GABA production.
- Topiramate reduces central nervous system activity to minimize irritability and reduce the risk of convulsions.
Finding a Cocaine Detox Program in Spokane, WA
The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal mean detox is not easy to go through, but you can increase your chances of recovery by getting assistance from a professional Spokane detox facility such as Sequoia Recovery Centers. Our medical staff will oversee the process. We will provide you with medications, keep you as comfortable as possible, and see to it that relapse doesn’t occur.
Sequoia Recovery Centers uses a variety of strategies to help you get clean and stay clean. We provide medical detox in Washington, along with individual therapies, group therapies, and discharge planning. We work out a customized treatment that is best suited to our patients’ needs. If you are using cocaine excessively, don’t let it get in the way of your ability to enjoy life. Call Sequoia Recovery Centers first. We will provide you with the tools you need to find the health and happiness you deserve.
