Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug derived from the coca plant in South America. Widely abused across the United States, cocaine use frequently leads to addiction and can result in overdose deaths.
If you use this substance, you may have thought about quitting but are worried about cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are one reason some people delay getting the help they need. Understanding both the psychological and physical cocaine withdrawal symptoms will prepare you when you take the step to recover through cocaine addiction treatment.
Psychological Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Most people focus on the physical effects of withdrawing from a drug. However, cocaine withdrawal has a powerful psychological pull as well. Any drug that you use on a regular basis will begin to become a habit. The daily routine can be somewhat soothing psychologically, which is why people get attached to the drug. Cocaine feels more like an old “friend” than it does a substance in many ways. This “friend” helps them numb out painful emotions, forget hurtful memories, and function in stressful situations.
Over time, people can become quite attached to cocaine to block out past trauma. As a result, there will be psychological cocaine withdrawal symptoms. These could include the following:
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Moodiness or irritability
- Suicidal thoughts
- Depression
- Stress
- Difficulty concentrating
- Vivid, unpleasant dreams or nightmares
Psychological cravings are also common as you attempt to soothe emotional issues. Although these cocaine withdrawal symptoms are difficult to endure, you can manage them with a quality drug detox program.
Physical Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
During the cocaine withdrawal process, you will also experience physical symptoms. Cocaine is a stimulant that increases the amount of a naturally occurring chemical in the brain called dopamine. Dopamine makes you feel happy and more alert. When you use cocaine, this chemical floods into your system, creating the sense of euphoria you feel.
This continual reward of dopamine to the brain is stopped when you stop taking cocaine, which leads to physical cocaine withdrawal symptoms.
Since cocaine affects the brain and central nervous system, your body may experience the following symptoms:
- Increased hunger
- Tiredness or insomnia
- Chills
- Nerve pain or muscle aches
- Cravings for the drug that “feel” more physical
Vomiting and diarrhea are not common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal. However, some people have such a high level of anxiety that it’s possible to experience nausea, which may lead to vomiting or stomach discomfort.
The Connection Between Cocaine Use and Mental Health
Many people who struggle with cocaine addiction are also dealing with underlying mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma. This is known as a dual diagnosis, and it is one of the reasons professional treatment matters so much. Trying to quit on your own without addressing the emotional drivers behind your cocaine use makes relapse far more likely. A comprehensive treatment program will work on both the addiction and the mental health issues at the same time.
Seek Treatment for Cocaine Addiction at Rockland Recovery
There is no reason you need to deal with cocaine withdrawal symptoms on your own. With the aid of a cocaine rehab program, you can get through this process safely.
At Rockland Recovery in Braintree, MA, you’ll be surrounded by caring professionals who are equipped to help you get through cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Our facility offers quality, evidence-based treatments that will assist you in conquering your addiction. We help with safely withdrawing from cocaine as well as getting to the root of your addiction.
Take the first step and reach out to an intake coordinator to verify your insurance and schedule an evaluation. We will discuss the different treatment programs we offer, which include:
- Full day treatment program (PHP)
- Day intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Men’s rehab program
- Women’s rehab program
- Evening intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Don’t wait to get help for cocaine addiction or deal with cocaine withdrawal symptoms alone. At Rockland Recovery, you’ll have therapists assisting you every step of the way. A bright future can begin as soon as you contact Rockland Recovery by calling 855.732.4842 or completing our convenient online form.