Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can cause serious physical and mental problems.

Cocaine is a dangerous street drug that is widely abuse throughout many parts of the world. This powerful substance is derived from the leaves of the coca plant and creates a euphoric effect when smoked, ingested, snorted or injected. Unfortunately, cocaine destroys relationships, causes undue financial distress, ruins families and careers and can leave an individual clinging on to life just to survive. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are often difficult to deal with and cause users to relapse despite their desire to do what’s right and remain drug free.

Physical Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Physically, the user will often feel euphoric when he or she uses cocaine but this euphoria is quickly diminished when cocaine use abruptly stops. The physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include agitation, irritability, depression and a crawling sensation on the skin. Many people who begin to go through the early symptoms of cocaine withdrawal report feeling as if bugs are crawling all over their skin or just beneath the surface of the skin.

Psychological Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Psychologically, cocaine abuse can lead to a vicious cycle of repeat drug use due to the withdrawal symptoms that tend to occur. Urges and cravings to use cocaine can often stick with an individual for many months or even years after the last dose of the drug is used. The euphoric state that is felt when cocaine is used will quickly wear off and leave the user feeling the urge to do more cocaine. The psychological symptoms of withdrawal can lead to depression, paranoia, anxiety and a wealth of other complications that make staying sober a challenging process for the addict.

The most common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:

• agitation and irritability
• restlessness or inability to sit still
• chronic fatigue or tiredness
• depression or being generally sad
• reduced rate of activity and excitement
• hallucinations
• nightmares and vivid dreams

Cravings for cocaine can persist for months and withdrawal symptoms have been known to cause an ill desire to hurt one’s self. Suicidal thoughts are a common occurrence for those who have recently quit using cocaine after prolonged daily use. Though these thoughts don’t always turn into suicidal tendencies, there is a risk that the user when suffering from heavy symptoms of withdrawal will resort to ill activities, including suicide, to stop the psychological upset that is occurring.

Treatment for Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

While it may be difficult to cope with the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal, it’s important to know that these symptoms will go away in time. Treatment for cocaine withdrawal is available to assist those in recovery with their fight to get sober. Anyone who is hallucinating or suffering from suicidal thoughts should seek prompt medical treatment to ensure their own safety during the cocaine withdrawal and treatment process.

While symptoms of cocaine withdrawal may dissipate over time, those who seek professional treatment are more likely to find the right path to remaining sober. Treatment for cocaine withdrawal can help the user to get back into control of his or her life without resorting back to using cocaine or other drugs as a means of coping with the pressure or other side effects of the withdrawal process.