When a person uses cocaine for long periods of time, it can cause the user to require greater amounts of the drug in order to achieve the effect they are seeking. Now what happens when a person stops using cocaine? How long does cocaine withdrawal last? Well, that depends on a few different factors. Things like general health and wellness, length of usage, and amount of usage are all factors in cocaine withdrawal. Successful recovery from cocaine addiction is possible, though.
What Exactly Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a schedule II stimulant drug, meaning that it has a high probability for abuse. It is made from coca leaves, known as Erythroxylon coca, the main component in cocaine. For centuries, the natives of South America chewed on and ingested these leaves to experience the effects of these leaves. Cocaine hydrochloride was extracted and isolated from the leaves over 100 years ago, and used in the treatment of pain during surgery in early medicine.
Since its early days, cocaine has been found to be highly addictive. Therefore, its use has become controlled. However, cocaine in today’s society is oftentimes found illegally on the streets. There are different forms in which cocaine is produced. There is the powder form, and there is also the more solid form of crack cocaine.
Both of these substances are dangerous and can lead to addiction, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopped. The amount and length of use are great factors in how long cocaine withdrawal lasts.
Dangers of Cocaine Use
How dangerous is cocaine? Well like any substance, there are risk factors involved when using this drug. The severity of the risks vary from things like weight loss and elevated blood pressure, all the way to the most traumatic risks, fatal and nonfatal overdose. Cocaine is used in different ways. It can be diluted with water and injected, inhaled nasally, and also can be inhaled by smoking. Each form of use carries its own risk factors.
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant, therefore it tends to elevate the vital functions of the body. Blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, and can lead to stroke. Nasal use of cocaine can lead to loss of sense of smell, frequent nosebleeds, and problems swallowing. Worsening asthma, and lung damage can occur from smoking crack cocaine, and injecting cocaine leads to the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as Hepatitis or HIV. Using cocaine can also amplify the severity of mental illness that the user may or may not be aware of.
Once the decision to end the use is made, how long the cocaine withdrawal lasts will be dependent on the route of use, as well as other factors. The severity of these symptoms will also vary person to person and form to form.
What Are Withdrawal Symptoms of Cocaine?
While the physical withdrawal of cocaine is not as severe as other drugs, it is still an unpleasant experience. The body has been dependent on the drug for any amount of time, and removing it from the system forces the body to learn to live without the drug again.
Withdrawal from cocaine is not a comfortable experience. While some people can pick up and put down the drug at will, that is not the case for all users of cocaine. How long cocaine withdrawal lasts can depend on the symptom being experienced, and the person who is experiencing the symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Exhaustion
- Shakes and tremors
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trouble concentrating
- Chills
- Sweats
- Intense cravings
How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?
Withdrawal from cocaine usually happens when a person uses the drug for long periods of time, or when large amounts are used. The drug can alter the brain’s dopamine receptors to desire the almost instant euphoric feeling that cocaine can produce. With long term use, the person using the drug’s brain adapts to the euphoric feeling produced by cocaine, and can begin to require more and more of the drug to reach the desired effect.
How long does cocaine withdrawal last? Typically the severity of the withdrawal symptoms can be felt for three to four days, but they can also last for weeks. It is completely dependent on the person using the drug. Factors affecting the severity of withdrawal range from general overall health, to how much or how little is being used. There is no one answer as to how long a person will experience these symptoms, but a professionally monitored detox and addiction treatment program is highly recommended.
Safely Detox From Cocaine in Knoxville, TN
Deciding to stop using drugs is a big decision in anyone’s life. Detoxing from cocaine safely and comfortably with the help of a caring, professional staff is an important factor in the success of the person coming off the drug. Here at Discovery Place, we strive to provide a safe, and healing environment for those looking to change their lives. If you or a loved one are struggling with cocaine use, contact us and we will help you start life again without the use of cocaine.
