Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
Of course, a cocaine addiction is challenging to overcome, however, it’s always possible. At 1st Step Behavioral Health, you’ll have access to medical professionals and addiction experts who guide you through detox and drug rehabilitation. Overall, detox can be overwhelming, thus, these symptoms of cocaine withdrawal highlight the importance of support throughout the process.
Mental Fatigue
During cocaine withdrawal, the most common symptoms are psychological rather than physical. Often, patients report fatigue after completing cocaine detox. Mental fatigue, in particular, affects most withdrawing patients.
When you experience pain and discomfort, it’s extremely difficult to concentrate. Consequently, it may take longer to find the answer to a question or recall a memory. Fortunately, this isn’t permanent. Eventually, mental fatigue fades, and most people are back to normal cognitive function within a week or two.
Depression and Anxiety
During withdrawal, many people experience mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Without the uplifting and stimulating cocaine high, you may feel depressed. Unfortunately, some individuals experience anhedonia, or the inability to experience pleasure at all.
Overall, these feelings can be severe. In fact, some individuals who experience them have suicidal thoughts. Therefore, medical monitoring and counseling are crucial to successful sobriety. If patients understand these feelings are temporary, with ongoing support suicidal thoughts are less likely.
Furthermore, the link between mental health and addiction is clear. A lot of people start using cocaine to escape mental illness symptoms. If you struggle with depression or anxiety, you’re more likely to experience these symptoms again during withdrawal.
Increased Appetite
Cocaine suppresses appetite, however, during detox this ends. As a result, many patients start noticing a significant appetite increase. Often, this is a good, because it helps better overall health.
Regardless, some patients find their appetite increase troublesome. Partnered with low energy levels during withdrawal, some people gain weight. Fortunately, weight typically stabilizes within a short period of time. In the meantime, eating healthy, nutritious food is an excellent method for staying healthy.
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
No two cocaine withdrawal plans look exactly the same. The length of a withdrawal varies depending on cocaine use history, the age and health of the patient, and whether they abused additional substances. On average, however, withdrawal lasts for less than 10 days.
Additionally, cocaine has a very short half-life of 90 minutes, so withdrawal symptoms appear quickly. Consequently, some patients might experience withdrawal symptoms two or three hours after beginning detox. While they’re mild during this early stage, they can become exponentially more intense. Symptoms peak around three days into withdrawal and then fade away completely.
Explore Lasting Recovery at 1st Step Behavioral Health
Cocaine withdrawal is important, but it’s only one part of a complete treatment plan. For lasting recovery, you’ll need access to a comprehensive, long-term approach. At 1st Step Behavioral Health, custom treatment strategies include various effective therapies and methods, including:
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Art and music therapy
• Life skills treatment
• Dual diagnosis care
Understanding the symptoms of a cocaine withdrawal better prepares you for your detox. At 1st Step Behavioral Health in Pompano Beach, Florida, you’ll also begin a rehab program for true and meaningful recovery. Call (855) 425-4846 today to take control of your life and health once more.
Take the First Step Today
We can help you get better. Contact us today to find out which program might be right for you, or to begin the process of arranging for treatment.
