Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of breaking free from cocaine addiction is the withdrawal process. You may experience unpleasant symptoms that could prompt you to turn to drugs again. If you’re hesitating to begin a cocaine addiction treatment program out of fear of withdrawal, knowing how to manage symptoms is essential.
At Promises Behavioral Health, we support you every step of the way as you begin your journey toward sobriety. A key part of our programs involves reducing and easing withdrawal symptoms. Take a closer look at what quitting cocaine involves and the best strategies for managing withdrawal symptoms.
Quitting Cocaine: Why Withdrawal Occurs
Cocaine, like other drugs, can make changes to your brain’s chemical structure. The more you rely on the drug, the more your entire body may need it to adjust to the flood of dopamine it causes, and that means your brain starts deactivating receptors or decreasing their sensitivity.
If you stop consuming cocaine all at once, your body doesn’t know how to return to its normal chemical balance. All of those shut-off receptors can lead to the inability to feel pleasure, along with anxiety, tremors, and many other uncomfortable symptoms.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Cocaine withdrawal can include numerous symptoms, such as:
- Tremors
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Severe cravings
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Difficulty concentrating
The length and severity of the cocaine addiction can impact which symptoms you experience and what withdrawal timeline you can expect.
Managing Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Fortunately, if you’re dealing with cocaine withdrawal symptoms, there are some effective strategies you can turn to for help.
Get Rest
Take the time you need to sleep or at least rest your body. Quitting cocaine can leave you feeling extremely fatigued, so take naps as needed. Sleep helps your body process the toxins better and can speed up your healing.
Eat Well and Hydrate
Cocaine addiction can leave you facing malnutrition and dehydration problems. You can feel nausea as you quit cocaine, and that might further affect what you eat.
You need all of your strength to recover from addiction, so ensure that you get healthy meals. Even if you don’t eat much at a time, do so regularly to start building up your strength once more.
Drinking a significant amount of water is vital, too. You may sweat as you go through withdrawal, and losing further hydration can make all of your symptoms worse.
Speak About Your Symptoms
You may feel alone as you go through cocaine withdrawal. By speaking in support groups about what you’re experiencing, you can hear from others who are dealing with similar symptoms.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness exercises can help ground you when you’re experiencing anxiety or when the cravings get overwhelming. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation strategies can allow you to sit with your feelings until they pass.
Not only does mindfulness help you feel less helpless when cravings start, but it also teaches you how to manage uncomfortable feelings of all types. It’s a tool you can use for the rest of your life.
Get Professional Assistance
It’s always important to have someone monitoring you as you go through the withdrawal process. Treatment centers typically have medical professionals who can check your vitals, provide medications, and keep you as safe and as comfortable as possible.
Begin Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Promises Behavioral Health Today
If you’ve been living with a cocaine addiction, one of the most important steps you can take is participating in a treatment program. With the right team helping you, you can manage the withdrawal process safely and start uncovering what led you to develop an addiction and what may be keeping you from healing.
Our experienced and compassionate team offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient programs for those living with substance use disorders. Contact Promises Behavioral Health at 844.875.5609 or complete our online contact form today to start your journey toward long-term sobriety.