Cocaine withdrawal

Definition

Cocaine withdrawal occurs when a heavy cocaine user cuts down or quits taking the drug.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cocaine produces a sense of extreme joy by causing the brain to release higher than normal amounts of some biochemicals. However, cocaine's effects on the body can be very serious or even deadly.

When cocaine use is stopped or when a binge ends, a crash follows almost immediately. This is accompanied by a strong craving for more cocaine, fatigue, lack of pleasure, anxiety, irritability, sleepiness, and sometimes agitation or extreme suspicion.

Cocaine withdrawal often has no visible physical symptoms like the vomiting and shaking that accompanies the withdrawal from heroin or alcohol.

In the past, people underestimated the addictive properties of cocaine. However, cocaine is addictive when addiction is viewed as a condition involving desire for more of the drug despite negative consequences.

The level of craving, lack of pleasure, and depression produced by cocaine withdrawal rivals or exceeds that felt with other withdrawal symptoms.

Related topics: drug abuse, drug abuse and dependence, drug abuse first aid, stroke secondary to cocaine.

Symptoms

Primary symptoms may include depressed mood, fatigue, generalized malaise, vivid and unpleasant dreams, agitation and restless behavior, slowing of activity or increased appetite.

The craving and depression can last for months following cessation of long-term heavy (particularly daily) use. Withdrawal symptoms can also be associated with suicidal thoughts in some people.

During withdrawal, there can be powerful, intense cravings for cocaine. However, the "high" associated with ongoing use becomes less and less pleasant, and can produce fear and extreme suspicion rather than joy. Just the same, the cravings may remain powerful.

Signs and tests

A physical examination and history of cocaine use are sufficient to diagnose this condition.

Treatment

The withdrawal from cocaine may not be as unstable as withdrawal from alochol. However, the withdrawal from any chronic substance abuse is very serious. There is a risk of suicide or compensatory overdose.

Symptoms usually resolve completely over time. People experiencing cocaine withdrawal often attempt to self-medicate with alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, or antianxiety agents, such as diazepam (Valium). Self-medication or replacement is not advised, because each simply shifts addiction from one substance to another.