Cocaine Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms

Usage and Effect of Cocaine

Cocaine is derived from the coca plant (Erythroxylon coca) that is indigenous to South America.  Noted for its euphoric-inducing properties, Cocaine is a stimulant that is sniffed, snorted, inhaled, smoked, injected, or chewed when in leaf form.  Charlie, White Horse, White Lady, Snow, and Chalk are but a few of the street names attributed to Cocaine.

Addictive Properties and Effects of Cocaine Usage

Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system, leaving the user craving the drug instead of food or liquid intake.  Cocaine disrupts the normal physiological process in which pleasure is experienced (e.g., through food, drink, or sexual activity) by interfering with the proteins that would otherwise transport dopamine, thus allowing dopamine to build up in synoptic responses that create the drug-induced sensation of euphoria.

Cocaine addicts often experience severe weight loss due to lack of appetite and adequate nutrition, nausea, manic episodes, cardiovascular irregularities, psychotic behavioral episodes, and collapse of the nasal septum among those that reportedly snort Cocaine with long-term use.  Neglect of bodily hygiene and what appears as constant flu-like symptoms are often associated with Cocaine abuse.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Unlike alcohol and many other drugs, the physical withdrawal symptoms from Cocaine are often not experienced.  Most experts agree that withdrawal symptoms from Cocaine are of a far more mental as opposed to physical nature.

The first sign of Cocaine withdrawal is a heavy drained feeling or emptiness as all euphoric effects experienced while under the influence have left the brain.  Although the user may experience a headache or some other mild discomfort, the second sign of Cocaine withdrawal is the intense craving for more.

Other withdrawal symptoms may include fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, and listlessness or apathy in the absence of a drug-induced euphoria.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms require professional care in a rehab treatment center because they are beyond the scope of what any non-addiction clinician or individual can successfully manage without endangering the life of the addict.

Burning Tree Reclaims Lives from Cocaine

Our unique approach to recovery is dedicated to caring for you as a whole human being, not just a disease.  We know from proven experience that time is what makes Burning Tree one of the top rehab centers in the country.  Long-term solutions require long-term treatment.  At Burning Tree, we don’t stop until every issue standing in the way of your recovery is successfully resolved.  Our staff of highly trained addiction specialists, clinicians, and therapists will monitor you safely, thoroughly, and bring you back to a new chapter in your addiction free life.  Roll the burden of your pain on to us and we will teach you how to develop new life patterns of joy, freedom, and success.  Call us today.