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Cocaine Withdrawal
Cocaine has a half-life of only one hour. Half a dose of cocaine is metabolized in a hour, 3/4ths in two hours and 7/8ths in three hours. Because of this, initial cocaine effects subside rapidly. Cocaine Withdrawal can begin within 6 hours from the last dose of cocaine.
The physical symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal are less severe than for other drugs, such as heroin or alcohol. Withdrawal form cocaine is uncomfortable, and can be dangerous, but cocaine withdrawal is not considered life threatening in most people. Still, supervised withdrawal should be part cocaine addiction treatment.
Physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are:
- Restless behavior and agitation.
- An inability to sit still or ‘quiet the mind’.
- Intense fatigue. In some cases, especially after a cocaine binge, quite marked, with an extended period of sleep.
- Depressed mood.This is augmented when cocaine addicts are confronted by the truth of their cocaine addiction as they undergo cocaine withdrawal.
- Increased appetite. After a day or two without cocaine the appetite goes back to normal and hunger reappears.
- Vivid and unpleasant dreams. These sometime prevent those in cocaine withdrawal from getting the ‘good’ sleep that their body needs to recover. Many in cocaine withdrawal will seek out medications or use marijuana to help them sleep.
Cravings for cocaine and depression from cocaine withdrawal can last for months following the discontinuation of cocaine use (particularly long-term heavy cocaine use). Cocaine Withdrawal symptoms can also be associated with suicidal thoughts in some cocaine users.
Cocaine withdrawal, can be very intense, with powerful cravings for cocaine. However, the "high" associated with continuous heavy cocaine use becomes less and less intense, and can produce fear and overwhelming paranoia rather than pleasurable effects. Just the same, cravings for cocaine can persist at a powerful level.
Cocaine Signs and tests
A physical examination and history of cocaine use are sufficient to diagnose the condition and a treatment recommendation can be made.
Cocaine Withdrawal Treatment
Cocaine withdrawal treatment may not be as unstable as alcohol withdrawal treatment. However, withdrawal symptoms from any chronic substance abuse is very serious matter.
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms usually disappear completely over time. People going through the process cocaine withdrawal often attempt to offset the discomfort of cocaine withdrawal with alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, or anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazapines (Valium,Xanax or Ativan to name a few). Drug substitutes for cocaine withdrawal are not advised, because each simply shifts addiction from one drug to another.
Cocaine Relapse rates are dramatically reduced when cocaine addiction is treated appropriately.
Cocaine addiction can be difficult to treat, and relapse can occur. However, the rates of achieving stabilization are as good as those for other chronic addiction such as heroin and meth addiction.
Cocaine addiction Treatment should start with the least restrictive treatment method and advance to more comprehensive treatment options if necessary. Outpatient can be as effective as inpatient for some people with a cocaine addiction problem, according to the studies.
Presently there are no effective medications for reducing craving, though some are being tested. Some studies have reported that medications such as amantadine and bromocriptine may help to reduce patient's craving, increase energy, and normalize sleep, particularly among those with the most serious problems.
Avoiding Cocaine Use and Addiction
If you have used cocaine and wish to stop, try to avoid people, places, and things you associate with Cocaine. If you find yourself considering the extreme joy produced by cocaine, force yourself to think of the negative consequences that follow the use of cocaine. Seek out treatment if you cannot stop using cocaine despite your best effort.
