Patrick Slattery Cocaine Addiction May 6, 2025 Have you ever experienced cocaine withdrawals? If you have, then you understand how difficult it can be to manage the symptoms on your own. One of the most common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal is cravings. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for the people experiencing those cravings to return to use, which can result in an overdose or even death. In 2022, cocaine overdoses were the second-most deadly overdoses in Florida after fentanyl. At Real Recovery Solutions, we know that getting to the other side of cocaine withdrawals isn’t easy, but we know that it is possible, no matter where you are on your recovery journey right now. Real Recovery is an organization founded by people in recovery for people in recovery, and we’re dedicated to empowering you to discover the freedom that comes with life without substance use. That’s why today we’re getting into the details of cocaine withdrawals and when to reach out for help. Understanding the Causes and Dangers of Cocaine Withdrawal Cocaine withdrawal is made up of a series of uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms that occur when you stop taking cocaine. Essentially, your body has gotten used to functioning with cocaine in your system, and now it has to readjust to functioning without it. What are the Causes of Cocaine Withdrawal? When you consume cocaine, it stimulates dopamine production in the brain. Usually, dopamine is produced when you do something fun, like eating your favorite food, and is quickly recycled by cells in the brain. However, the excess of dopamine produced by cocaine gets trapped in the synapses between cells. This means that there is more dopamine in the brain than usual and that it stays in the brain longer than usual. When you use cocaine regularly, your body readjusts to the high levels of dopamine in your body. When you stop taking cocaine, your body’s natural dopamine levels feel very low by comparison. If your body and brain have become physically dependent on the high levels of dopamine produced by cocaine, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms. What Specific Dangers Are Associated With Cocaine Withdrawal? For the most part, cocaine withdrawal symptoms aren’t life-threatening, but they are often uncomfortable and painful. However, there are two serious dangers associated with cocaine withdrawal. The first is depression. Withdrawal from cocaine, and the lower dopamine levels associated with it, can quickly lead to intense depression. Depression leads to suicidal ideation in extreme cases and always needs to be taken seriously. If you or someone you love is currently experiencing suicidal ideation as a result of cocaine withdrawal, call the 988 suicide hotline. The second serious danger associated with cocaine withdrawal is overdose. During withdrawal, you’re likely to experience cravings, which will make you want to return to use. If you return to your usual dose, you could experience an overdose if your tolerance has lessened while you’ve been abstaining from cocaine use. Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal The specific symptoms of cocaine withdrawal vary depending on the person. Withdrawal symptoms have a serious impact on both your psychological and physical health. It’s important to remember that the symptoms of withdrawal are temporary. They will improve with time, and having support will help in the meantime. Now, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms you could experience. Psychological Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms During withdrawal, you’re likely to experience psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and a lack of motivation to complete even basic tasks. This is because of the low levels of dopamine in the brain during withdrawal compared to the amount it became accustomed to during active use. While your brain readjusts to its natural dopamine levels, you will likely find it difficult to feel positive emotions. Even though doing things you enjoy, like exercise, playing games, and spending time with loved ones, still increases your dopamine levels, they don’t produce anywhere near the amount of dopamine that cocaine consumption does. With time, you’ll adjust, and your body and brain will react positively to your normal dopamine levels. 8 common psychological symptoms you’re likely to experience include: Irritability Poor concentration Slow thoughts and movements Aggression Paranoia Unpleasant dreams Trouble sleeping Cravings for cocaine In more extreme cases, you could experience other psychological symptoms. These include hallucinations, where you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel things that aren’t real, or delusions, where you believe things that aren’t based on reality. Physical Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms The physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are typically pretty mild. Still, these symptoms can cause you to feel sick and uncomfortable while you adjust to life without cocaine. Some physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include: Fatigue Excessive sleeping Body aches Slowed heart rate Chills Slowed movement Sweating Increased appetite and weight gain Tremors Nausea Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline The exact timeline of your withdrawal will vary depending on a number of factors, including how much cocaine you usually take, how long you’ve been taking cocaine, and what else you’ve used in combination with cocaine, like alcohol or other substances. There are three phases to cocaine withdrawal. Symptoms typically begin within a few hours of your last use and last for several days. Some of the more intense symptoms last for a couple of weeks, but psychological symptoms can last for months after you stop taking cocaine. Acute withdrawal is also known as the “cocaine comedown.” This initial withdrawal begins quickly as your body notices your dopamine levels dropping. Most notably, you’ll experience fatigue and may experience insomnia simultaneously. You’ll quickly become irritable and may experience some of the flu-like symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal. The intensity of your acute withdrawal will vary depending on how much cocaine you’re used to consuming. Post-acute withdrawal can last for a couple of weeks after your last dose of cocaine. During this time, you’ll likely be working to rebuild your energy levels. Your appetite will improve since cocaine typically dampens the desire for food, and you will still have low moods. Protracted withdrawals or post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can last for months or even years. PAWS symptoms are primarily psychological. They usually include symptoms like depression, anhedonia (a lack of ability to feel pleasure), and low energy levels. PAWS symptoms tend to come in waves. Over time, these symptoms should lessen before fading entirely. Do I Need Cocaine Withdrawal Medical Detox? Whether or not detox is right for you depends on what you want out of recovery. Some people choose to handle withdrawal without medical detox; however, detoxing at an inpatient treatment program can be extremely beneficial. The early stages of withdrawal are when you’re at your most vulnerable. It’s important to have support during this time. At an inpatient treatment center, you’ll receive 24/7 care from professionals who know exactly how to help you through the detox process. They’ll monitor your symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible. As you complete inpatient treatment, the staff will work with you to develop a discharge plan so you know what the next step in your recovery is. Medical detox is useful because it empowers you to focus on the fundamentals of long-term recovery. When you start with an inpatient program that monitors your well-being, you’re able to begin therapy sooner and get to the heart of your relationship with substance use. If you choose not to participate in detox, you need to make sure that you still have plenty of support. Joining a 12-step program or moving into a sober-living house is a good way to ensure that you’re surrounded by like-minded people who want to see you succeed. Get Help for Cocaine Withdrawal Now It’s never too early or too late to reach out for help with cocaine withdrawals. Whether you’re just having a difficult time getting through the discomfort of withdrawal or you’re afraid that you’re going to return to use, a good cocaine rehab can help. Rehab isn’t just about detoxing; there are lots of other benefits. At a treatment center, you’ll have access to constant peer support, and you’ll quickly come to see that you’re not alone in your experience. Cocaine use disorder can feel isolating, but the reality is that there are people who will work with you while you put in the effort to find a new life after substance use. If you or someone you care about is living with a cocaine use disorder, we’re here to help. Real Recovery Solutions is the largest sober living community in Florida. We take you all the way from inpatient treatment through at least a year of sober living. Call us today at 813-373-6762 to learn more about our program offerings. Real people. Real solutions. Real results. - Share on Facebook Share on twitter