Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline, Treatments, and Symptoms
Substance Use Disorder Resources and Treatment
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that’s derived from the naturally occurring coca plant native to South America.
The raw plant has been used for medicinal purposes for millennia, but the pure chemical form – cocaine hydrochloride – was isolated over a century ago for use in tonics and elixirs.[1]
With the developments in medicine over the last century, cocaine fell out of favor for medicinal use and is now a drug of abuse. When snorted, injected, or smoked in its crystal form (crack), cocaine produces an intense high that often leads to misuse, dependency, and subsequent withdrawal.[2]
What Is Cocaine Withdrawal Like?
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Cocaine withdrawal can vary according to multiple factors, but it’s rarely life-threatening. Acute cocaine withdrawal symptoms may include:[3]
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Poor concentration
- Fatigue
- Slowed thoughts and movements
- Excessive sleep
- Increased appetite
- Intense cravings
- Paranoia
Though unpleasant, these symptoms are rarely severe and medically dangerous, like withdrawal from opioids or alcohol can be. However, relapse is a risk because the person may try to self-medicate to relieve their withdrawal symptoms.
The psychological symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can create complications in some cases, such as dysphoria, a severe and overwhelming depression that is associated with suicidal thoughts and actions.[4]
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
The onset of cocaine withdrawal symptoms depends on factors such as the type of cocaine used, the person’s general health, frequency of use, and the duration of use. For example, crack cocaine produces a rapid, intense high that fades quickly, leading to a faster onset of withdrawal symptoms.
Generally, acute cocaine withdrawal symptoms last about three to seven days, but some symptoms can linger for weeks to months.[5] The intensity of the withdrawal symptoms can impact the person’s risk of relapse as they seek relief from the discomfort.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome for Cocaine
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) – also known as post-withdrawal syndrome, prolonged withdrawal syndrome, or protracted withdrawal syndrome – is a set of symptoms that can persist for weeks or months after quitting a substance.[6]
With PAWS, the symptoms are similar to anxiety and mood disorders, including anxiety, mood swings, and insomnia. The PAWS symptoms may persist after the acute withdrawal phase or return after a brief period of relief.
PAWS is typical of withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids, but it can occur with other psychoactive substances like cocaine. Some of the common symptoms of PAWS include:[7]
- Difficulty with memory, problem-solving, or learning
- Irritability
- Anxiety or panic
- Depression
- Cravings
- Pessimism or apathy
- Dysfunctional sleep patterns
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- Poor stress management
Types of Cocaine Withdrawal Treatment
Treatment for drug addiction, including stimulant use disorder, is tailored to the needs of the individual, but it may include:
Medical Detoxification
Cocaine withdrawal may not be potentially fatal, but it’s still extremely uncomfortable and difficult. The severity of the symptoms presents a significant risk of relapse, so the first step for cocaine addiction treatment is often medical detoxification.
A medical detoxification program provides safety and supervision to allow the body to clear the drug from the system. Though no medications are specifically approved to manage cocaine withdrawal, some medications may be used off-label to manage unpleasant symptoms, making detox more comfortable and reducing the risk of relapse or suicidal actions.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient or residential treatment provides round-the-clock care, supervision, and accountability during the early stages of cocaine withdrawal and addiction treatment. This occurs in a hospital or residential setting and includes conventional and behavioral therapies to support rehabilitation.
How Cocaine Withdrawal Treatment Works
Along with traditional drug addiction treatments like individual therapy and support groups, behavioral therapies are effective for treating stimulant use disorder in residential and outpatient settings.[8]
Contingency management shows the most positive results. This program relies on a voucher or prize-based system to motivate and reinforce abstinence.[9] Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective as well since it helps people understand the behavioral patterns that lead to drug use and replace them with healthier patterns.[10]
Medications aren’t part of the standard treatment for cocaine withdrawal like they are for opioids or alcoholism, but emerging research suggests that some medications may be effective for off-label use in managing cocaine withdrawal.
Cocaine use induces changes in the brain related to neurotransmitters, that modulate excitatory (increasing the likelihood of a signal) and inhibitory (decreasing the likelihood of a signal) neurotransmission.[11]
A cocaine vaccine is in development as well, which stimulates the immune system to create cocaine-specific antibodies that prevent it from getting into the brain.[12] Clinical trials are showing promise, but researchers have more work to do to improve the cocaine vaccine and get more reliable results.
Medications Used for Cocaine Withdrawal
There are no FDA-approved medications for stimulant withdrawal. Medications can be provided for the relief of withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, or headache.[13]
What’s the Best Way to Find Cocaine Withdrawal Treatment?
Though cocaine withdrawal isn’t typically life-threatening, medical detoxification is often the first step to treatment. You can find drug detox centers for yourself or a loved one through your physician or therapist. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and drug addiction helplines also offer helpful resources for detox.
If you’re ready to take the next step, Alpas Wellness offers a 24/7 confidential helpline with a compassionate staff to guide you. Contact us today to get started.
Find Cocaine Withdrawal Treatment Near Me
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Cost of Drug Withdrawal Treatment
The cost of cocaine withdrawal treatment can vary based on your location, level of care, and the specifics of your treatment plan. However, substance use disorder treatment is often covered by many health insurance providers. Contact us to check your insurance options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Withdrawal Treatment
Why Does Stopping Cocaine Cause Withdrawal?
Cocaine is a potent stimulant that produces intense euphoria by causing the brain to release abnormally high amounts of dopamine and other neurotransmitters.[14] This creates a sense of pleasure reinforced in the brain’s reward center, leading to continued use and eventual dependency. Then, when the brain and body are deprived of cocaine and can no longer function normally, withdrawal happens.
Cocaine is also known for its high risk of dependency, meaning people are more likely to become dependent on cocaine after initial experimentation than with many other drugs.
What Are the Risks of Cocaine Withdrawal?
Cocaine withdrawal doesn’t have life-threatening complications like some other substances. For example, quitting alcohol “cold turkey” can cause seizures or delirium tremens that can be deadly.
Still, cocaine withdrawal does carry risks. Some people experience severe dysphoria that can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions, including completed suicide.[15] The intense withdrawal symptoms and cravings can cause relapse, which may result in an overdose.
Drug Withdrawal Resources by Substance
Cocaine | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, April 4). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine on 2024, June 18
Cocaine | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, April 4). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine on 2024, June 18
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). A Treatment Improvement Protocol TIP 45. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4131.pdf on 2023, June 29.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). A Treatment Improvement Protocol TIP 45. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4131.pdf on 2023, June 29.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). A Treatment Improvement Protocol TIP 45. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4131.pdf on 2023, June 29.
Ferguson, S. (2022, October 19). How to Recognize and Manage the Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/post-acute-withdrawal-symptoms on 2024, June 6.
Ferguson, S. (2022, October 19). How to Recognize and Manage the Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/post-acute-withdrawal-symptoms on 2024, June 6.
Cocaine | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, April 4). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine#treated on 2024, June 12.
Cocaine | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, April 4). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine#treated on 2024, June 12.
Cocaine | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, April 4). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine#treated on 2024, June 12.
Nestler, E. (2005). The Neurobiology of cocaine Addiction. Science & Practice Perspectives, 3(1), 4–10. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1151/spp05314 on 2024, June 12.
Havlicek, D. F., Rosenberg, J. B., De, B. P., Hicks, M. J., Sondhi, D., Kaminsky, S. M., & Crystal, R. G. (2020). Cocaine vaccine dAd5GNE protects against moderate daily and high-dose “binge” cocaine use. PloS One, 15(11), e0239780. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0239780 on 2024, June 12.
Kampman, K. (2008). The search for medications to treat stimulant dependence. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 4(2), 28–35. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1151/ascp084228 on 2024, June 12.
Venton, B. J., Seipel, A. T., Phillips, P. E. M., Wetsel, W. C., Gitler, D., Greengard, P., Augustine, G. J., & Wightman, R. M. (2006). Cocaine increases dopamine release by mobilization of a Synapsin-Dependent reserve pool. the Journal of Neuroscience/the Journal of Neuroscience, 26(12), 3206–3209. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6674099/ on 2024, June 12.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). A Treatment Improvement Protocol TIP 45. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4131.pdf on 2023, June 29.