Cocaine is a central nervous stimulant that some people use recreationally. If someone uses cocaine regularly and then stops taking it, they may develop withdrawal symptoms.
Cocaine is a potentially habit-forming stimulant drug. It comes from the leaves of the coca plant.
It can increase levels of dopamine in the brain and may lead to changes in mood and energy, including extreme happiness and mental alertness, irritability, and paranoia.
“Withdrawal” is the term for the physical and mental symptoms a person with a drug dependence or addiction experiences when they suddenly stop or reduce substance use.
If someone uses cocaine often, such as daily or in increasingly larger amounts, they may develop dependence or addiction, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug.
Help is available
Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.
If you believe that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 800-662-4357 (TTY: 800-487-4889)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
People may experience a variety of symptoms during cocaine withdrawal.
Adults
The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal
Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
- depression
- excessive sleep
- increased hunger
- dysphoria, which is a general sense of unease
- slowed mental and physical activities
Someone experiencing cocaine withdrawal may also have an increased heart rate and high blood pressure. A doctor can prescribe medications to help manage these symptoms.
Newborns
If a pregnant person uses certain drugs, including cocaine, the drug may pass through the bloodstream to the fetus.
Regular use during pregnancy may lead to the fetus developing a physical dependence on the substance. This means they need the substance for their body to function.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is the
Initial NAS symptoms include:
- increased muscle tone
- tremors
- exaggerated Moro reflex
- excessive crying
- irritability
- sneezing
- diarrhea
Irritability can lead to sleep disturbances. The baby may have difficulty maintaining a calm state.
A newborn may also develop changes in their vital signs, which can cause them to experience:
- tachycardia, a fast heart rate
- tachypnea, rapid, shallow breathing
- hyperthermia, heat-related illnesses
- hypothermia, an extremely low body temperature
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms generally begin within 24 hours of the last use. Symptoms may last for three to five days.
Once acute withdrawal ends, a person may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms. “Protracted” refers to a longer duration. These symptoms can last for one to two months.
Protracted withdrawal symptoms can include:
- lethargy
- anxiety
- unpredictable mood changes
- erratic or disturbed sleep patterns
- strong cravings for cocaine
If a newborn has NAS, their symptoms can last 1 week to 6 months after birth, according to the March of Dimes.
Someone experiencing cocaine withdrawal can consider reaching out to a qualified medical professional for support. A medical professional
They may prescribe medications if necessary. For example, a medical professional can prescribe or recommend medications to relieve muscle aches, mental health symptoms, or severe distress and agitation.
Other ways healthcare professionals may manage withdrawal symptoms include encouraging a person to drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids from diarrhea and sweat. They may also recommend a nutritious, balanced diet.
Treatment for newborns
Treatment for NAS begins with non-pharmacological care,
- darkening and quieting the newborn’s surroundings to decrease visual and auditory stimulation
- using calming techniques, such as:
- gentle vertical rocking
- side-lying in the C-position
- containment with hands held
- swaddling
- swaying
- providing skin-to-skin contact
- applying a topical barrier cream to treat any diaper rash and reduce irritability
- using a pacifier to decrease oral hypersensitivity
- providing frequent, on-demand feeding
A doctor can also prescribe medications to help manage more severe NAS symptoms. The goal of pharmacological treatment is to improve these symptoms in the short term.
If a child with NAS is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, they may receive intravenous fluids. These are fluids that a qualified healthcare professional administers through a vein. It can help prevent the child from developing dehydration.
Below are some addiction support groups that may be helpful for people with cocaine addiction.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global, community-based organization that provides a range of services to people with substance use disorders.
NA offers helplines and websites for local support groups across the United States. People can find a meeting in their area by following this link. NA also offers people the chance to take part in virtual meetings.
For general queries, a person can call NA at 818-773-9999.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a free, confidential helpline that people can call any day of the year.
The helpline is open 24 hours a day. It offers a treatment referral and information service for people with substance use disorders. The phone number for the SAMHSA National Helpline is 800-662-4357.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is an organization that provides resources for people with substance use disorders.
They offer meetings, support groups, and programs across the United States. Their website also features informative resources, including videos and podcasts.
LifeRing
LifeRing is a secular recovery organization that aims to help people share practical experiences and access sobriety support.
LifeRing’s website states that the organization is dedicated to providing a safe meeting space where people can experience a nonjudgmental recovery conversation with their peers.
They offer both in-person and online meetings and recovery programs.
Cocaine Anonymous
Cocaine Anonymous hosts meetings in person and online where people can share their experiences with cocaine addiction, connect with others, and get support.
Cocaine is a central nervous stimulant that some people use recreationally. If someone uses cocaine frequently or in large amounts and suddenly stops using it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include depression, excessive sleep, increased hunger, and a general sense of unease. These symptoms can last from a few days to a few months. A newborn baby may also develop cocaine dependence if exposed to it in utero.
If someone is experiencing cocaine addiction or withdrawal, they can contact a healthcare professional for support and treatment.