Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

In the United States, around 5 million people reported using cocaine in 2023. Cocaine is highly addictive, and stopping its use can cause withdrawal symptoms. Treatment is available for both detoxing and for the addiction itself.

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the coca plant, and comes in white powder form, or as crack, which is synthesized crystal. The effects of cocaine are euphoria and a feeling of energy which only last for a short time, which increases the risk of overdose because people use it repeatedly to keep their “high”.

Do You Have a Cocaine Addiction?

According to the diagnostic definition of cocaine addiction there are 11 criteria that determine if an addiction is present.

• Using cocaine more than intended or for longer than intended
• Wanting to reduce or stop cocaine use but not being able to
• Spending excessive amounts of time using cocaine or recovering from using cocaine
• Feeling cravings for cocaine
• Failing to live up to responsibilities due to cocaine use
• Having relationship problems because of cocaine use
• Giving up activities that you enjoy in order to use cocaine instead
• Engaging in risky behaviors like driving while under the influence of cocaine
• Continuing to use cocaine in spite of negative consequences like health issues
• Needing more cocaine to get the same effects
• Having withdrawal symptoms when you are not using cocaine

Having two to three symptoms indicates a mild cocaine use disorder, four to five is moderate, while six or more is severe. At any level, treatment is recommended.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms occur because your body has come to expect cocaine. You’re physically addicted to the drug. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Depressed mood and suicidal thoughts
• Hypersomnia (sleeping too much) or insomnia (being unable to fall asleep or stay asleep) followed by hypersomnia
• Physical and mental fatigue
• Slowed heart rate
• Anxiety and irritability
• Poor concentration
• Memory problems
• Slowed or altered physical movement
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Cravings for cocaine

Cocaine withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, but the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable. Withdrawal usually only lasts for a few days, but some withdrawal symptoms can linger for up to a month.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Treatment comes in three levels, which may be standalone treatments or combined into comprehensive treatment plan. When you visit an addiction facility, you’ll be assessed to determine the right treatment path for you.

Inpatient Treatment

A 30 to 90 day inpatient treatment program includes a period of detox, in which you are kept as comfortable as possible, sometimes with medication to treat certain symptoms. Medications may include drugs like Trazodone for sleep, and benzodiazepines for agitation and rapid heartbeat. You’ll also be monitored in case complications occur, such as chest pain, seizures, or suicidal thoughts.

Most of your time during the inpatient stay will be spent in intensive therapy, both individually and in groups. You may also be treated for any co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Treatment for these disorders may include medications, such as anxiety medications and antidepressants.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) allows you to live at home while attending treatment for four to six hours a day, five days a week. The program may last anywhere from four to ten weeks. The treatment consists of therapy similar to that of inpatient treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of two to three hours of therapy three days a week for eight to twelve weeks. Often, sessions are at flexible times so that you can still go to work or attend school.

Comprehensive Treatment

The most effective treatment for cocaine addiction, particularly if it is severe, is a comprehensive treatment program that consists of an inpatient program, a PHP, and an IOP. Research shows that success rates increase the longer the time in treatment.

Therapies for Cocaine Addiction

Treatment programs usually include a few types of therapy, both individually and in groups. Group therapy is proven to be very effective, allowing peers to interact and to form mutually supportive relationships.

Several types of therapy that have proven to be effective include:

• Motivational Interviewing: This approach involves helping you to set individualized goals for your recovery, and to build your motivation to achieve those goals. You’ll explore how cocaine has damaged your life, and what will motivate you to succeed in recovery, whether it’s your career, your health, your family, or some other aspect of your life. Motivational interviewing is usually the first therapy that you’ll receive because it will motivate you to be more engaged in the rest of your treatment.
• Contingency Management: Contingency management involves receiving positive reinforcement for your good behaviors, such as attending all therapy sessions. You’ll receive some sort of reward for that good behavior, which thus reinforces that behavior.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT teaches you to change your negative or irrational thoughts into positive, reasonable thoughts. For example, you might think “I can just do cocaine occasionally and I’ll be fine”, and then you’ll consciously change that thought to something like “cocaine has screwed up my life and I can’t control it. I need to get sober for good.” CBT also teaches healthy coping strategies for facing challenges or dealing with stress.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is similar to CBT but puts more focus on accepting negative emotions and learning specific skills to change negative behaviors. It involves learning emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.
• Relapse Prevention Therapy: This approach involves identifying specific relapse risks and triggers, meaning situations or emotions that may lead to relapse. You’ll learn how to handle those risks with healthy coping strategies.

In Closing

Cocaine withdrawal is not pleasant, but in an inpatient detox program, you can be kept safe and comfortable. After detox, treatment should continue to address the mental health aspects of addiction. At Bridges of Hope, we offer several treatment options for cocaine addiction. We are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and personalized care so that you can begin a successful recovery journey. Give us a call today to learn more.