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Cocaine Addiction, Withdrawal, Recovery

Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Carol Gillette

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr John Motl MD

Cocaine Addiction — Shocking Statistics

Cocaine addiction has not gone away. Cocaine overdose deaths in the US from 2012 to 2019 have tripled.1 “Coke” is an exceptionally strong stimulant drug commonly abused as a recreational drug. Though snorting is the most common way of using the drug, cocaine can also be smoked or injected.

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug and is illegal. It is classified as a schedule II drug — as it does have some medical uses, with severe restrictions.2


Is cocaine addiction CHEATING you out of true happiness?
cocaine withdrawal success
Cocaine addiction is potentially ruinous. Cocaine abuse typically follows cyclical patterns, where the user up and quits after a binge — but then compulsively returns to heavy use. The mechanics of this pattern are described in the accompanying video presentation. This pattern can repeat for a very long time before one comes to the realization that cocaine addiction has become a problem. Alternative to Meds has helped many persons in this situation to reclaim their health and stability, and a renewed sense of joy in day to day life without drugs. We have published evidence regarding our nearly 18 years of client success in recovery.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
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Where Does Cocaine Come From?

Cocaine comes from the coca leaves of one of four plants in the Erythroxylaceae family, native to South America (Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). A natural stimulant in the plant, coca is synthesized into cocaine and used for recreational purposes around the world.

Cocaine Addiction

cocaine addiction treatment sedona drug rehabCocaine is a powerful stimulant, which works by targeting (stimulating) the natural reward system of the CNS and brain. Using cocaine results in highly pleasurable effects. Repeated use of the drug over time eventually alters the way the brain works. Cocaine addiction results in the compulsive drive to seek such drug effects, despite other negative consequences.

After a while, the effects of cocaine “die down,” so the person will feel compelled to use again. However the person will need to take higher quantities, and more frequently to get the same pleasurable sensation. In the depths of addiction to cocaine, the amount of pleasure declines, and the person becomes single-focused on acquiring more cocaine, to the detriment of every other part of their life.3

Crack cocaine increases the risk of near-immediate addiction because the drug gets into the brain nearly instantly. Both cocaine and crack cocaine typically lead to binge use, meaning consuming large quantities over a relatively short period of time before stopping. After stopping, the person will feel high levels of anxiety and irritability. These commonly present as part of the withdrawal effects. Other cocaine withdrawal effects can include mania, depression, agitation, paranoia, and complete exhaustion.

Cocaine Side Effects

Cocaine users often suffer from scabs that develop on the interior of the nose, damaging the fragile mucous membranes. Sometimes the nasal septum, which is the thin wall that separates the left and right nostrils), can completely collapse. The heart can give out completely due to the overstimulating effects of cocaine/crack. Breathing can stop, causing death by respiratory failure. Fatal stroke is another common liability from cocaine abuse.4,5

Cocaine is definitely a drug that is not worth dying for!

Physical Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Use:
  • Chronic headaches and migraines
  • Twitching, shaking, and jerky motions
  • Dilated pupils
  • Uncontrollable sniffing
  • Recurrent runny nose or nosebleeds
  • Hoarseness of the throat/voice
  • Dark circles under/around the eyes
  • Increased heart rate, rapid heartbeat
  • Impotence

Long-Term Side Effects and Health Risks from Cocaine Use:
  • Rupturing of the aorta (major artery of the heart that runs down the chest and into the pelvis)
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Sudden death
  • Chronic impotence and sexual dysfunction
  • Infertility (affects both men and women)
  • Difficult breathing and swallowing (permanent damage to the throat, nose, and sinuses)
  • Lung damage and chronic lung diseases
  • Seizures and convulsions
  • Weight loss, malnourishment, and subsequent symptoms
  • Gastrointestinal issues and diseases
  • Increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal is not considered as immediately dangerous or severe as withdrawal from opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. However, the withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe and put a person through quite an ordeal. Much like with other drugs, cocaine addicts may keep using cocaine in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Summary of Cocaine withdrawal symptoms:
  • cocaine withdrawal symptomsDrug cravings
  • Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities)
  • Depression, sadness, negative emotional states
  • Exhaustion
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Poor concentration
  • Lethargy

Cocaine Withdrawal:  Crash Phase

When an individual decides to quit cocaine, there will first be an initial “crash” stage. This is where the initial effects of the stimulant wear off and leave the individual with cravings for more of the drug. The person will experience fatigue, sleeplessness, an inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia), as well as feelings of paranoia and anxiety.

Because cocaine only stays in the body for a few hours, the crash stage comes on quickly but can take 24-36 hours to finally subside.

Cocaine Withdrawal:  Acute Withdrawal Phase

After the “crash stage” from cocaine, begins the acute cocaine withdrawal stage. In this stage, the cravings for the drug will increase. Also, anhedonia increases and evolves into depression. As well, feelings of sadness, sleeplessness, anxiety, and feelings of unease increase.6-8

Withdrawal is often prolonged in cocaine users and acute cocaine withdrawals can last up to 7 days in some individuals, and some adverse withdrawal reactions can linger far longer. The exact timeline for cocaine withdrawal really depends on how much cocaine you have used, how long you have been a cocaine user, and for how long your last cocaine binge lasted.

cocaine acute withdrawal phaseThe good news is that after the acute cocaine withdrawal phase, an individual experiences an “extinction” of the cravings and dependence symptoms. Recovering cocaine addicts rarely experience the life-threatening symptoms that are common with alcohol, benzodiazepine, and opioid withdrawals.

However, a common and debilitating cocaine withdrawal reaction is the loss of the sense of pleasure, (anhedonia), especially in relation to things that normally would produce positive emotions and interest. Anhedonia increases with the amount of cocaine that was consumed during the binge.14

Cocaine Addiction, Withdrawal & Recovery Treatment

Cocaine withdrawal without professional guidance and help can be unpleasant, and difficult, which may ultimately lead to relapse.

However, if the process is undergone correctly, the process can become tolerable, with little to no discomfort. At Alternative to Meds Center, the program is built around several foundations of treatment. One very important of these is to stabilize the person’s neurochemistry. cocaine holistic withdrawal sedona drug rehabThat means, in part, we need to balance dopamine levels. We use multiple methods of detoxification and therapies to balance neurochemical levels naturally. We also employ multiple techniques of detoxification and therapy, during and after the initial withdrawal process.

The adjunctive treatments and holistic therapies we offer ease most withdrawal symptoms and cravings in a short time. Also, corrective methods are aimed at addressing the underlying causes that ultimately led to cocaine use and abuse. These foundations for recovery allow for stability and real relief from physical, mental, and emotional pain. Examples of the treatments and holistic therapies we offer include therapeutic massage, craniosacral work, soothing mineral baths, natural cleansing/detox methods such as sauna in tandem with conjugators (supplements to gently purge toxins), safe and gentle chelation strategies, clean, nutrient-dense diet, Reiki, mild exercise, yoga classes, acupunctureQi Gong, and many other services that are clinically well-proven to assist with recovery from cocaine addiction.9-13

Alternative to Meds Center Cocaine Treatment

We treat cocaine addiction and cocaine withdrawal on many levels. One of the most fundamental goals in our treatment program is the normalization of brain neurochemistry. After cocaine has altered the way the brain functions, it’s important to address this thoroughly. Our protocols focus on this goal for every one of our clients.

At our center, we have over 40 licensed staff many of whom have overcome their own addiction issues. With the correct kinds of help including neurotoxin removal, orthomolecular medicine, neurotransmitter rehabilitation, nebulized glutathione, IV therapy, co-occurring disorders therapy, art therapy, counseling, and many more. With assistance and true understanding from our dedicated caregivers, addiction to cocaine can be conquered. You or your loved one can access the best help available by calling the number below. Ask the important questions, and get the important answers. We can help you overcome and heal the damage of addiction. The most important first step in that direction can be best achieved with the correct methods of treating cocaine addiction, withdrawal & recovery.

Sources:


1. CDC Data Brief No.394 [published online 2021] [ cited 2022 Aug 31]

2. DEA Drug Scheduling [published online ND] [cited 2022 Aug 31]

3. Girczys-Połedniok K, Pudlo R, Jarząb M, Szymlak A. Kokaina – charakterystyka i uzależnienie [Cocaine – Characteristics and addiction]. Med Pr. 2016;67(4):537-44. Polish. doi: 10.13075/mp.5893.00291. PMID: 27623834. [cited 2022 Aug 31]

4. Cregler LL. Adverse health consequences of cocaine abuse. J Natl Med Assoc. 1989 Jan;81(1):27-38. PMID: 2657079; PMCID: PMC2625905. [cited 2022 Aug 31]

5. Fischbach P. The role of illicit drug use in sudden death in the young. Cardiol Young. 2017 Jan;27(S1):S75-S79. doi: 10.1017/S1047951116002274. PMID: 28084963. [cited 2022 Aug 31]

6. Sofuoglu M, Dudish-Poulsen S, Poling J, Mooney M, Hatsukami DK. The effect of individual cocaine withdrawal symptoms on outcomes in cocaine users. Addict Behav. 2005 Jul;30(6):1125-34. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2004.10.010. Epub 2004 Nov 2. PMID: 15925122. [cited 2022 Aug 31]

7. Preuss UW, Bahlmann M, Koller G, Soyka M. Die Behandlung der Kokainabhängigkeit. Intoxikation, Entzug und Rückfallprophylaxe [Treatment of cocaine dependence. Intoxication, withdrawal and prevention of relapse]. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2000 May;68(5):224-38. German. doi: 10.1055/s-2000-11634. PMID: 10858947. [cited 2022 Aug 31]

8. Dackis CA, Gold MS. Addictiveness of central stimulants. Adv Alcohol Subst Abuse. 1990;9(1-2):9-26. doi: 10.1300/J251v09n01_02. PMID: 1974121. [cited 2022 Aug 31]

9. Lee MY, Lee BH, Kim HY, Yang CH. Bidirectional role of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Jul;126:382-397. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.004. Epub 2021 Apr 8. PMID: 33839169.[cited 2022 Aug 31]

10. Jeynes KD, Gibson EL. The importance of nutrition in aiding recovery from substance use disorders: A review. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017 Oct 1;179:229-239. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.07.006. Epub 2017 Aug 4. PMID: 28806640. [cited 2022 Aug 31]

11. Giménez-Meseguer J, Tortosa-Martínez J, Cortell-Tormo JM. The Benefits of Physical Exercise on Mental Disorders and Quality of Life in Substance Use Disorders Patients. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May 23;17(10):3680. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17103680. Erratum in: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jul 17;17(14): PMID: 32456164; PMCID: PMC7277811. [cited 2022 Aug 31]

12. Smelson D, Chen KW, Ziedonis D, Andes K, Lennox A, Callahan L, Rodrigues S, Eisenberg D. A pilot study of Qigong for reducing cocaine craving early in recovery. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Feb;19(2):97-101. doi: 10.1089/acm.2012.0052. Epub 2012 Jul 3. PMID: 22757968; PMCID: PMC3576894. [cited 2022 Aug 31]

13. Kern-Godal A, Brenna IH, Arnevik EA, Ravndal E. More Than Just a Break from Treatment: How Substance Use Disorder Patients Experience the Stable Environment in Horse-Assisted Therapy. Subst Abuse. 2016 Oct 6;10:99-108. doi: 10.4137/SART.S40475. PMID: 27746677; PMCID: PMC5054942. [cited 2022 Aug 31]

14. Markou A, Koob GF. Postcocaine anhedonia. An animal model of cocaine withdrawal. Neuropsychopharmacology. 1991 Jan;4(1):17-26. PMID: 2003866. [cited 2022 Aug 31]


Originally Published Sep 13, 2018 by Lyle Murphy


This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. John Motl, M.D.

Dr. Motl is currently certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry, and Board eligible in Neurology and licensed in the state of Arizona.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology and minors in chemistry and philosophy. He graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine.  Dr. Motl has studied Medical Acupuncture at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and at U.C.L.A.

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Cocaine Addiction, Withdrawal, Recovery
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