Knowledge is power, and it is better to be armed with the necessary information for a safe cocaine withdrawal. Most people who cease cocaine consumption experience everything from mere discomfort to fatal cocaine withdrawals, depending on their previous frequency of cocaine indulgence. Highly cocaine dependent or addicted individuals experience more serious withdrawal symptoms compared to people who may have consumed cocaine occasionally or only once.
Although the intensity of the withdrawals varies from one person to another, here are a few typical cocaine withdrawals you should know, and thus be prepared to avoid relapsing back to cocaine use or endangering your life.
What to Expect From Cocaine Withdrawal:
Extremely Low Mood Coming Down From Cocaine
One of the "desired" effects of cocaine is a well-being feeling or euphoria for those that use or abuse it. Unfortunately, as soon as the drug wears off, the mood dips to abnormal levels, and individuals experience low mood, a feeling of worthlessness, discouragement and even depression. Addicts are more likely than occasional cocaine users to experience extremely low mood and depression due to the permanent brain chemical damage inflicted by the long-term use of cocaine.
Fatigue and Psychomotor Retardation From Cocaine Use
Cocaine ingestion triggers a surge of physical energy that increases users' motor functions. Cocaine withdrawal, on the other hand, not only reduces that energy surge, but also makes people experience fatigue and abnormally slowed motor functions. More often than not, this fatigue results from the excessive activity a person indulges in during a cocaine high, and not necessarily from the absence of the drug. Psychomotor retardation (slowed motor activity) results from the lack of cocaine.
Abnormal Eating and Sleep Patterns While Quitting Cocaine
Cocaine abstainers experience troubled sleep patterns that can range from absence of sleep to excessive or disturbed sleep during which sleepers experience nightmares, tremors or other mental and physical disturbances. Also, excessive sleep may be triggered by the missed sleep experienced during a cocaine high. Nightmares and emotional disturbances result from damaged brain cells that control sleep and cognitive functions.
Being Aware of Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms:
Cocaine withdrawal, whether from a new or established cocaine consumption habit, results in mild-to-severe symptoms. The symptoms depend on each individual's indulgence, and the results include mood changes, abnormal eating and sleep patterns and fatigue. The knowledge of cocaine withdrawals can help people prepare for these symptoms and counter them before their health is jeopardized.
