If an individual is deteriorating from his cocaine dependence, starting over clean and drug free is a huge undertaking. Quitting this drug takes more than just stopping. Aside from the psychological factors that need to be treated with care, it is also important to know that when this drug is immediately stopped, the body may undergo a physiological crisis related to the abrupt withdrawal of cocaine. This is known as cocaine withdrawal, where the body crashes down due to the absence of this addictive substance. During a phase of withdrawal, the condition of the body and mind becomes critical thus immediate medical attention is promptly required. Aside from abrupt cessation of cocaine use, withdrawal symptoms of cocaine can also manifest after an individual has taken a higher concentration of this drug.
The initial manifestations of cocaine withdrawal vary from one person to another. While some may experience the manifestations of “crashing” within a few hours, others might experience it within a few days, which are often more critical. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms lasting for a few weeks up to a few months are called Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms or PAWS.
Understanding the Craving for Cocaine
Cocaine dependence occurs after the “high” has worn off. Once the feeling of euphoria has gradually faded, a repeated use of cocaine takes over the abuser, causing them to gratify their compulsions no matter what it takes. When the addict cannot get access to his drug of choice, he immediately crashes, following a series of manifestations such as extreme tiredness. Without the boost of energy he is used to having through cocaine use, his vitals usually drop sometimes reaching lethally low levels. Heart beat and respirations become low, and his level of consciousness usually drops to the point where he might reach loss of consciousness. Sleepiness and lethargy are just some of the most common symptoms.
Psychological Manifestations of Coke Withdrawal
Aside from the physical symptoms brought about by cocaine abuse and withdrawal, the abuser will also experience psychological crashes. Depression and irritability are typically seen in withdrawal, since the brain can no longer secrete its own “happy hormones” like dopamine and endorphin. Since the brain has stopped to produce these hormones and has relied on this substance, there is no way an addict could ever feel happy without the drug he is dependent on. Without these normal chemicals in the brain, manifestations of schizophrenia and dysmorphic mood disorders are also likely to occur. When depression and schizoid manifestations takes place, there is a possibility that the addict might think about suicide and will attempt on hurting himself as soon as his energy boosts up again. Safety should be prioritized at all times when he begins to talk about suicide.
Cocaine and Cross Addiction
Cocaine use can also push the abuser to use and depend on more than just one addictive substance. Since coke is an upper drug, the addict might resort to using alcohol and other downers as well to buffer the coke crash. Some of the most typically abused substances alongside coke are heroin and cannabis. When this happens, the addiction becomes more destructive than ever, making the chances of recovery even slimmer.