The Phases of Cocaine Withdrawal

The Phases of Cocaine Withdrawal

Many drugs have addictive tendencies, and cocaine is no different. Once you stop using this drug, you will experience symptoms like agitation, fatigue, and you may have sleep disturbances. Due to the unpleasant withdrawal effects, many people continue using the drug.

For many, it’s easier to keep taking cocaine than it is to fight the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal. St John’s Recovery Place has detoxification services that can help you get clean. When you make a conscious decision to stop seeking the drug, the craving for more can be overpowering. When you are at a substance abuse treatment center, you will have close supervision so that you can safely flush the drugs from your system and prepare for the long recovery process.

The Three Phases of The Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawing from cocaine can be divided into phases. Numerous things can affect these phases and their timeline. Many studies have been conducted that have tried to show a clear picture of the effects cocaine has on the user, and during this research, they have discovered a timeline that coincides with withdrawing from the drug. The cocaine withdrawal timeline is as follows:

Phase 1: The Crash

When you stop taking cocaine, you will experience what is known as a crash. It doesn’t matter if it’s after taking one dose or if you have been using this drug for an extended period, you will feel some of the effects of this phase. The intensity of the crash segment and its duration is dependent on many factors. For instance, the quality of the drug consumed, the quantity, and if other drugs are being used simultaneously, are all significant factors. Also, if you have food in your system when the drug begins to exit seems to make a big difference too.

The first phase can last anywhere from one to 50 hours after you last used. You will find that you cannot sleep during this period, though your body will naturally feel fatigued. The overwhelming feeling of fatigue can last for a couple of days according to research. Also, you will notice that your cravings for the drug reduce during this period, but the need to sleep will increase dramatically. Consequently, during the next phase on the cocaine detox timeline, the cravings for the illegal substance will return.

Phase 2: Cocaine Withdrawal

The first one to four weeks after usage stops is known as the official withdrawal period. You may have many days where you feel near normal after you experience the crash. You may see a reduction in your cravings as well as a return to a standard sleep routine. During this time frame, it’s not uncommon for you to experience exhaustion, anxiety, and begin to crave the drug once again. You may even ruminate about all the fond memories you had with cocaine. Most users will find that there are triggers to these cravings, such as people, places or things.

Many people observed during this time frame become obsessed with finding the drug, purchasing it, and hiding it for a “rainy” day. Though they claim that it’s for their friends or significant others, once the drug is obtained, relapse is likely to occur. The effects that you feel during this phase may stick around for up to ten weeks. Some say the desire to use grows and that they tend to repeat the first two phases over and over. It may take a proper intervention to interrupt this cycle.

Phase 3: Extinction

Once the withdrawal period is conquered, week five and beyond is known as extinction. During this phase, you will have cravings, but they won’t be as severe. Some of the other side effects that you experienced won’t be as severe either, but they can last several more months. You must be careful of both emotional triggers as well as social cues. These factors can intensify your cravings without warning. Experts have found that the only way to truly master this timeline is to experience each phase and master it.

Going Cold Turkey

Throughout the medical community, there are many different opinions on if a person can stop cocaine “cold turkey.” Many people quit the drug abruptly, but the withdrawal symptoms can be magnified. There can be violent reactions for a heavy user who stops without tapering their use or being in a facility that offers some assistance, and it could send you to the hospital.

The best way to end a relationship with cocaine is with the assistance of a medical and clinical team.During this situation, a medical and clinical team will oversee your detox and help to alleviate any withdrawal symptoms. Should any complications arise from the cessation, they can help.

The withdrawal from cocaine is not usually as physically intense as the withdrawal from other substances, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be challenges. The greatest feelings are those created by the psychological withdrawal factors, which can include:

• Trouble concentrating
• Slowed rationale
• Reduced activity or feeling intense fatigue after activities
• Tiredness
• Restlessness
• Failure to achieve sexual arousal
• The inability to feel pleasure
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Suicidal tendencies
• Nightmares or unpleasant dreams
• Chills and tremors
• Muscle aches and nerve pain
• Insatiable cravings for the drug
• Ravenous appetite

Learning To Live Drug Free

Though you may be tempted to start the journey to sobriety without the help of specialists, it’s not advised. At St John’s Recovery Place, you will be surrounded by nature and peace. Our state of the art facility is filled with caring people who want to assist you during this difficult time. Our admission specialists want to help you to make your dreams of living a life free from the clutches of cocaine or other toxic substances a reality.