Local Rehab Investigates Cocaine Withdrawals

Beckley, WV – Hope for Tomorrow is a local rehab that recently published an article investigating cocaine withdrawals. Their program is welcoming to all including pregnant women, veterans, and those with medical conditions.

“Cocaine withdrawal is a series of unpleasant symptoms that come on when you stop cocaine after using it for a while, especially if you stop it suddenly. Cocaine is one of the easiest drugs to become dependent on to the point of experiencing withdrawal.

Cocaine impacts the way dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure, works in the brain. It causes a surge of dopamine, which makes cocaine more desirable, while also impacting reward and motivation circuitry in the brain. Over time, your brain adjusts to the presence of cocaine’s excess dopamine, trying to create more of a balance. This makes it so that when cocaine isn’t in your system, you hardly feel any pleasure at all. When the dopamine from cocaine wears off, you experience withdrawal symptoms, many of which take a toll on mental health,” the article reads.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms themselves aren’t life-threatening, though they can be painful and uncomfortable. One danger that comes with withdrawal is depression, which can lead to suicidal ideation. Withdrawal can also cause a return to cocaine use to make the symptoms go away, increasing the risk of an overdose.

The psychological effects of withdrawal tend to be the most significant. These symptoms include depression, anxiety, irritability, aggression, paranoia, trouble concentrating and thinking clearly, unpleasant dreams, and cocaine cravings. Insomnia is common with cocaine withdrawal and can trigger symptoms of psychosis, delusions, and hallucinations. Physical symptoms include fatigue, slowed heart rate, slowed movement, and increased appetite and weight gain.

“How long withdrawal lasts varies, and depends on multiple factors. If you smoke crack cocaine, withdrawal will likely set in more quickly than if you snort powdered cocaine. The amount of the substance you’ve taken, how long you’ve used it, and if you use any other substances alongside it also impact the length and severity of withdrawal. The natural differences in physiology between people ensure everyone experiences it differently, too.

“Generally, withdrawal symptoms begin within a few hours after the last dose of cocaine. If you use cocaine for several days or hours at a time, you’ll likely “crash” after experiencing intense depression, sometimes sleeping for 24-48 hours. “Crash” symptoms tend to pass within three to four days for most people, but psychological symptoms can last for weeks, or even months,” the article continues.

Medical detox for cocaine withdrawal is rare, as there aren’t medications to ease the symptoms like there are for opioid withdrawal. Treatment is still beneficial because a residential program can monitor physical and mental health. It will ensure constant access to compassionate, safe care while cocaine leaves the system. Antidepressants may be a treatment option for those who experience depression during withdrawal.

Hope for Tomorrow has been treating substance use disorders in West Virginia, offering compassionate and welcoming care. Their program includes various therapies to discover the root causes of cocaine addiction and promote healing. From residential to outpatient, detox, and intensive outpatient programming, they offer levels of care for everyone. Mental health is a key part of substance use, and their team can treat mental health conditions primarily and even handle mental health crises.

To learn more about Hope for Tomorrow, call 877-679-8162 or visit their website.