Cocaine, like other substances of abuse, stimulates a rush of dopamine, but unlike other substances of abuse, it is a CNT stimulant, not a depressant. Individuals abuse cocaine because it it stimulates the brain’s pleasure centers, releasing dopamine and creating feelings of euphoria, excitement and alertness. This positive reinforcement can make the drug highly appealing. The intense but brief high from cocaine, typically lasting only 30 minutes, can lead to repeated use as users try to maintain the pleasurable effect. Cocaine use can make people feel more energetic, talkative, and self-assured, which may be desirable in social or professional situations Some individuals may use cocaine to cope with underlying mental health issues or to escape from negative emotions and experiences
Growing up in an environment where drug use is prevalent or having easy access to cocaine can increase the likelihood of abuse. As tolerance builds, users may need to consume more cocaine to achieve the same effects, leading to increased abuse and potential addiction.
Outpatient Cocaine Detox
It is important to realize that “cocaine detox” involves managing the crash and improving the mood of the individual suffering from cocaine withdrawal. Presently, there are no medications to directly address cocaine withdrawal symptoms, such as buprenorphine for opiate withdrawal. Outpatient treatment is better suited for treating cocaine withdrawal and addiction to cocaine as lifestyle changes, coping and relapse prevention skills play a bigger role than for other substances of abuse. We at RecoveryCNT.com have a team of seasoned medical and clinical experts to help individuals addicted to cocaine achieve long-term recovery. Our ambulatory, or outpatient detox programs could deliver much better results relative to inpatient treatment.
Fortunately, treatment for cocaine withdrawal is available in Marlboro, New Jersey, Sayreville, New Jersey, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Colts Neck, New Jersey as well as Far Hills, New Jersey and other locations in New Jersey. Professional medical supervision is strongly recommended for cocaine detox due to the potential severity of psychological symptoms. A medically supervised detox provides:
- Monitoring
- Management of withdrawal symptoms
- Access to supportive medications if needed
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological, typically beginning within hours to days after the last use. The main symptoms include:
- Psychological symptoms:
- Depression (which may include suicidal thoughts)
- Anxiety and irritability
- Intense cravings for cocaine
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Vivid and unpleasant dreams
- Fatigue and lack of pleasure (anhedonia)
- Physical symptoms:
- Increased appetite
- Slowed movements (psychomotor retardation)
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Tremors and restlessness
The withdrawal timeline typically follows these phases:
- Acute withdrawal or “crash” (1-2 weeks): Characterized by dysphoria, intense cravings, anxiety, and fatigue
- Post-acute withdrawal (2+ weeks): Involves exhaustion, mood changes, increased appetite, and continued cravings
- Protracted withdrawal (weeks to months): Some individuals may experience lingering symptoms such as fatigue, anhedonia, and depression
While cocaine withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, severe depression and suicidal thoughts can be dangerous complications that may require medical supervision. Additionally, some users may experience cardiac issues or seizures during withdrawal, particularly if they have a history of prolonged stimulant misuse
MAT for Cocaine Withdrawal
Unlike buprenorphine for opiate withdrawal, there are no medications that directly address withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cocaine. However, support medications can alleviate seom of the syymptoms especially on the psychological side. It is important to manage the crash. Despite the limitations. It is important to enroll in a medical dtox program so that psychological symptoms do not lead to negative consequences.
Cocaine Addiction Among Men
Men who abuse cocaine are more likely to be employed, hold higher status jobs and be self-supporting as compared to female cocaine abusers. Work-related stress, financial difficulties, and lack of support systems can drive men to use cocaine as a coping mechanism. Societal pressure to appear strong and take risks can lead men to use cocaine as a way to prove their masculinity or avoid showing weakness. Men may turn to cocaine to escape from emotions related to loss, particularly if they feel unable to express grief openly.
Men Abuse Cocaine for Positive reinforcement
Cocaine stimulates the brain’s pleasure centers, creating feelings of euphoria, excitement, and alertness. This positive reinforcement can make the drug highly appealing to men. Cocaine use can make people feel more energetic, talkative, and self-assured, which may be desirable in social or professional situations. Some men may believe cocaine improves their athletic or intellectual abilities, leading to abuse in competitive environments. Men use cocaine to self-medicate also.
Women Abuse Cocaine to Deal with Stress
Approximately 2.4% of females aged 15-44 reported past 12-month cocaine use in the US between 2005-2019. After an initial decline from 2005-2011, cocaine use among reproductive-age women increased significantly from 2011-2019 (5.2% annual increase). Although both males and females become addicted to cocaine, females transition to addiction faster and experience greater difficulties remaining abstinent. Apart from the usual factors such as self-medicating for underlying mental health issues and coping with stress, women abuse cocaine to gain greater energy and alertness to manage daily tasks and to manage body image issues (cocaine helps with weight loss).
Secret of Treating Women Addicted to Cocaine
Women crave “connection,” which is the secret sauce and, often, the antidote to cocaine addiction. Hearing from and communicating with other women in the same situation accelerates the recovery process for women. Apart from connecting with treatment providers, and physical self-help groups such as AA, online groups such as Sober Sis, Luckiest Club and Sober Mom Squad offer ways to connect with women in recovery online. Seeing other women – teachers, mothers, doctors, writers – grappling with their dependence helps people realize that they are not alone.