Are you trying to quit using cocaine after taking it regularly for months or years? There’s a good chance that you’ll experience some short-term, distressing mental and physical reactions. Together, these reactions help define the symptoms and signs of cocaine withdrawal. Cocaine addiction treatment supports your recovery from withdrawal’s effects. These effects don’t always appear in the same exact ways. However, your odds of experiencing some of the most widespread signs and symptoms are relatively high.
The experienced team at Northpoint is available to support patients in navigating the signs and symptoms of cocaine withdrawal. Reach out to learn more about treatment options at 888.231.1281.
The Origins of Cocaine Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms
Why do some people who use cocaine go through withdrawal when they stop taking this stimulant drug? Anyone who experiences withdrawal is dependent on cocaine. This means that:
- They’ve taken it long enough for their system to adapt to its presence
- They’re likely affected by clinical cocaine addiction
When you’re dependent on any powerful substance, its sudden absence will produce notable aftereffects. Some of these aftereffects may only be apparent to you. However, others will likely be apparent to any observant person who knows what to look for. The aftereffects that only you know about can be classified as symptoms of cocaine withdrawal. Those that are observable by others can be classified as cocaine withdrawal signs.
5 Signs of Cocaine Withdrawal
The effects of cocaine withdrawal are fairly predictable. This doesn’t mean that withdrawal impacts everyone in precisely the same way. However, it does mean that there are some classic cocaine withdrawal signs. Chief examples of these typical signs include:
- Body movements that are slower than normal – People withdrawing from cocaine often take longer than usual to walk or perform other basic activities.
- A general lack of energy – Most people affected by addiction feel fatigued when cocaine starts leaving their system.
- Increased food intake – Appetite increases are common in people withdrawing from any stimulant drug.
- A depressed mood – Anyone who’s withdrawing from cocaine may seem obviously sad or down.
- Restlessness or agitation – Unusually restless, agitated behavior is widespread among those going through cocaine withdrawal.
There’s usually a time delay between the time you stop using an addictive substance and the onset of withdrawal. However, the first signs of what’s known as a cocaine crash can appear in a matter of minutes.
What Are Some Typical Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms?
There are also some fairly predictable symptoms of cocaine withdrawal. Things you’ll probably experience include:
- A general sense of unease
- Vivid dreams
- Outright nightmares
- Extreme cravings for more cocaine
- Loss of some of your ability to feel pleasure
You may also feel unusually paranoid, sleepy, anxious, or irritable.
Signs vs. Symptoms
Withdrawal signs and symptoms can be categorized separately. But this division isn’t always easy to maintain. Why? Some signs of withdrawal may evade detection unless you pay very close attention. In addition, your symptoms may be simpler to spot if you tell someone about them. In rehab, cocaine withdrawal symptoms and signs are treated with equal diligence. No matter how you’re affected, the goal is to make you more comfortable as withdrawal starts, peaks, and ends.
Get Help for the Signs of Cocaine Withdrawal at Northpoint
Do you have a longstanding pattern of cocaine use? If so, you should expect to withdraw from the drug when you stop using it. Signs and symptoms are the outward and inward indicators of cocaine withdrawal. You’ll almost certainly encounter them as you work toward an initial sober state.
Need help safely withdrawing from cocaine? Northpoint Colorado provides a full slate of services for anyone who stops using this powerful stimulant. We can also help you keep your recovery going when withdrawal ends. To enroll at Northpoint, just call us today at 888.231.1281 or complete our online contact form.