Cocaine is a powerful, addictive drug. People who abuse cocaine can quickly develop physical dependence and addiction. Living with an untreated cocaine addiction can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications.

If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine abuse or addiction, you must seek treatment. Understanding what to expect during each stage of treatment can help you prepare for every part of the process.

This article will explore what to expect during cocaine withdrawal. You will learn:

• Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms
• What to expect during the cocaine withdrawal timeline
• What types of treatment are available during detox
• Where to find cocaine detox and treatment programs

Cocaine addiction can derail your life. Get back on track by getting the help you need during every stage of addiction recovery.

Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists now to learn about our holistic treatment and recovery support programs. You can also reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

Cocaine Addiction: An Overview

Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug derived from the South American coca plant.[1] It is most commonly available in the form of a white powder. Dealers sometimes combine cocaine and household chemicals, including baking soda, to make a solid form of cocaine called “crack cocaine.”

Cocaine users ingest the drug by injecting, smoking, or snorting it. The effects of cocaine develop quickly and include:[2]

• Elevated mood
• Euphoria
• Heightened senses
• Increased energy

These pleasurable effects last for a short time, making people want to use it frequently. Frequent or heavy cocaine abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

People with cocaine dependence must use cocaine to function normally. When people with cocaine dependence or addiction stop using this drug, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can cause both psychological and physical symptoms that can make people feel very uncomfortable.

Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:[3,4]

• Intense cravings for cocaine
• Poor concentration
• Increased appetite with weight gain
• Sleeping too much
• Paranoia
• Tremors
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Depression with suicidal thoughts
• Inability to experience pleasure
• Feeling sluggish or slowed down
• Nightmares
• Mood swings or irritability

The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal may make it very challenging for a person to avoid relapse. Comprehensive medical support and detox treatment are critical to prevent relapse and allow for a safe, complete detoxification.

The Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline

Each person’s experience with cocaine withdrawal will be unique. The severity of a person’s addiction, their health, age, other substances they use, and other factors can impact the cocaine withdrawal timeline. People who have used cocaine for longer periods, in higher doses, or in combination with other drugs may experience more severe and long-lasting withdrawal syndromes.[4]

However, symptoms tend to follow a pattern. Here is an overview of what to expect during each stage of the cocaine withdrawal timeline.

The first 90 minutes

Your withdrawal symptoms may develop within just 90 minutes of your last dose of cocaine. Early symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Poor concentration

You may feel like you want to use cocaine to relieve these symptoms. Professional treatment can help you stay on track during the earliest stages of withdrawal.

Week one

Your withdrawal symptoms may get worse throughout the first week of detox. Your symptoms may become even more uncomfortable and might include:

• Chills
• Nerve pain
• Muscle aches
• Increased appetite
• Nightmares

Many people experience intense, frequent cravings throughout the first week to ten days of cocaine detox.

Day 10 through 10 weeks

After about ten days, you may notice your symptoms begin to improve. The physical and psychological symptoms you have been experiencing will likely fade in the upcoming weeks. By the time ten weeks have passed, your symptoms will likely be gone.

However, many people continue to experience cravings for weeks or months. These cravings can be unexpected and intense. You must continue to stay active in treatment and find ongoing support to prevent a relapse.

What to Expect During Detox and Treatment

Long-term addiction recovery takes time, patience, and a lot of support. Getting the correct type of substance abuse treatment can help people manage withdrawal and learn to avoid relapse for life.

Cocaine addiction treatment typically starts with a medical detox program. During detox, mental health and medical professionals provide continuous care. An inpatient treatment detox program may include:

• Round-the-clock access to treatment and support
• Medications to reduce physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms
• Treatment for mental health conditions, including medical care, counseling, and behavioral therapies
• Holistic treatments like yoga, nutrition support, mindfulness, and more
• A secure, supportive environment

The supervision and treatment a detox program provides ensures people remain safe throughout the detox process. After completing detox, people must continue treatment in a comprehensive program that includes:

• Mental health care
• Medications
• Individual counseling
• Support groups
• Family therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Coping skills

These and other evidence-based therapies can help people identify and heal the complex roots of their substance use disorder (SUD).

Find Cocaine Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine abuse or other substance use disorders, you are not alone. Moving Mountains Recovery goes above and beyond to help you after detox by providing several levels of care to get you through your personalized stage of recovery. Reach out to our team of addiction specialists to explore our holistic treatment and recovery support programs.