While the total percentage of drug users in the UK has remained relatively stable over the last twenty-three years, the proportion of cocaine users has more than doubled. Commonly seen as a drug of affluence, more recent evidence suggests that cocaine use is much more prevalent among the working class. Not surprisingly, with a rise in cocaine use there has also been a rise in addiction and, of course, withdrawal. Cocaine withdrawal syndrome is a significant risk associated with prolonged cocaine use, manifesting when an individual who has been using cocaine regularly suddenly reduces or stops their intake. Seeking cocaine addiction treatment is crucial for recovery, as it can significantly improve health and well-being.
At PCP we are dedicated to providing our readers with the information they need to seek help with cocaine withdrawal. This article will describe the stages, symptoms and dangers of cocaine withdrawal, as well as how you can seek help for a cocaine addiction.
Cocaine Abuse in the UK: Breaking Down the Numbers
Cocaine abuse is becoming an increasingly worrying trend in the UK even as overall rates of drug abuse fall. In 2023/24, 10.3 per cent of people within England and Wales reported using cocaine at least once in their lifetime, more than double the value in 2001. Within that same period, the number of deaths attributed to cocaine use has increased by more than tenfold, rising from 97 deaths in 2001 to 1,118 deaths in 2023.
Traditionally considered the drug of choice of glitzy celebrities, London bankers, and certain unscrupulous politicians, more recent evidence suggests that the illegal stimulant is much more popular among the general population than originally assumed.
According to numbers from the Office for National Statistics, 2.4% of people between 16 to 59 years old and 5.1% of young adults between 16 to 24 years old reported using cocaine during the past year in 2022. This places the UK as the highest rate of cocaine users in Europe and the second highest in the world, behind only Australia.
Unfortunately, this has also led to a rise in the rate of cocaine deaths, as well as addiction rates. According to data from the UK Government’s adult substance misuse treatment statistics, about 19,574 people admitted for treatment self-reported abusing cocaine in 2020. By 2023, this number had risen to 30,249.
Several factors may be contributing to this trend including:
Cocaine’s popularity as a party drug commonly seen at concerts, raves and clubs.
The falling cost of the drug. Between 2019 and 2021 the estimated street price of a gram of cocaine in the UK fell by over 38%, while the purity of the drug rose.
Polydrug use is also an important factor with 34% of drug poisoning deaths in 2021 involving two or more substances, with heroin and cocaine being the most common combination.
Economic stagnation is usually associated with spikes in drug use.
Budget cuts to welfare and NHS mental health services have reduced the ability of the health sector to deal with the rising need for mental health and addiction treatment services.
Irrespective of the cause, the rise in the number of people using the stimulant and seeking help for cocaine addiction shows the importance of understanding the dangers and signs of drug addiction, as well as its complications like cocaine withdrawal.
Understanding Cocaine Withdrawal
Cocaine withdrawal syndrome is a complex process that occurs when an individual who has developed a physical dependence on cocaine suddenly stops or significantly reduces their use of the drug. This can lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms, which can vary in severity and duration.
When someone uses cocaine regularly, their brain chemistry adapts to the presence of the drug. Cocaine increases levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, leading to the euphoric high that users experience. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on cocaine to maintain normal dopamine levels, and when the drug is no longer present, dopamine levels plummet, leading to withdrawal symptoms.
The physical symptoms of withdrawal can include fatigue, increased appetite, and sleep disturbances such as insomnia or hypersomnia. These symptoms are often the opposite of the drug’s effects, as cocaine typically suppresses appetite and increases energy levels.
Psychological symptoms are often more pronounced and can include severe depression, anxiety, irritability, and intense cravings for cocaine. These symptoms can be particularly challenging to manage and are a significant factor in the risk of relapse. In some cases, individuals may experience paranoia or even psychosis during withdrawal.
The duration and intensity of cocaine withdrawal symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Factors such as the length and frequency of cocaine use, the method of consumption, and the presence of any co-occurring mental health disorders can all influence the withdrawal experience. Understanding these symptoms and their potential impact is crucial for anyone seeking to overcome cocaine addiction.
By recognising the complexity of cocaine withdrawal and the range of symptoms that can occur, individuals can better prepare for the challenges of recovery.
Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can differ widely from person to person but are generally the opposite effect of the drug itself. Here are some of the common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal:
Depression: This usually shows up as a prolonged period of low mood, lack of energy and even hopelessness.
Fatigue: A significant drop in energy levels, often leading to prolonged sleep, difficulty concentrating or an overwhelming sense of tiredness.
Increased Appetite: Individuals may experience cravings for food since cocaine use suppresses appetite.
Sleep Disturbances: This can include hypersomnia (excessive sleep) or insomnia.
Cocaine cravings: Intense urges to use cocaine again, which can make relapse more likely.
Irritability or Agitation: Increased restlessness or mood swings.
Anxiety: Feelings of nervousness or unease may also be present, which in rare cases can progress to paranoia and even psychosis.
While cocaine withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, the symptoms can persist for days to weeks and in some cases even months. This could predispose to depression, relapse, an overdose, and even suicide. Stimulant withdrawal, including cocaine withdrawal, begins shortly after the last use and can last for several days, posing psychological challenges such as severe depression and cravings that complicate recovery.
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline: How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?
Just like the symptoms, understanding how long cocaine withdrawal lasts is crucial as the timeline can differ widely for different people. Generally, cocaine withdrawal has three important stages:
Stage 1 - The Crash Phase
This phase usually starts several hours after the last hit and may last 2 -3 days. It includes an intense craving for cocaine, along with severe withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, depression, hunger, tremors, shaking, and even heart complications like palpitations and arrhythmias.
Some people simply report feeling ill during this phase and may describe an experience similar to having the flu. Many users relapse during this phase because of the discomfort caused by these symptoms. This is why a medically supervised cocaine detox is important for preventing relapse.
Stage 2 - Acute Withdrawal
After the initial crash, most of the physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal like tremors and shivers disappear. However, the psychological features may continue and in some cases even worsen before finally declining. This includes cravings, insomnia, vivid dreams, restlessness, and depression.
Typically, this phase of cocaine withdrawal lasts several days to even weeks. However, during this phase, various drugs and forms of psychotherapy can be offered to reduce the severity and duration of this stage of cocaine withdrawal.
Stage 3 - Post-acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
PAWS is a complication of drug withdrawal which occurs when the signs and symptoms of withdrawal persist well past the usual timeframe for acute withdrawal (usually within one to six weeks). This condition, often referred to as protracted withdrawal symptoms, includes prolonged effects such as fatigue, anxiety, depressed mood, and cravings that can last for several months. The condition goes by many names – protracted withdrawal syndrome, protracted absence syndrome, chronic/persistent withdrawal, or persistent post-withdrawal disorder.
PAWS is famously difficult to diagnose because of the wide range of potential symptoms that patients may display. Similar to acute cocaine withdrawal, the symptoms are typically more psychological than physical, however, they persist much longer.
The exact cause of PAWS is still unclear, but it is believed to be due to long-term changes in brain chemistry caused by chronic drug use.
Factors Affecting Cocaine Withdrawal Severity
The severity of cocaine withdrawal can vary significantly among individuals due to biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Let’s take a look at some examples:
Chronic Use: Long-term cocaine use often leads to more severe withdrawal symptoms due to extensive alterations in brain chemistry.
Binge Use: Repeated cycles of heavy use followed by abrupt cessation can intensify withdrawal symptoms.
Using High Doses: Consuming higher amounts of cocaine per session typically results in more intense withdrawal.
Smoking or Injecting Cocaine: These methods lead to a faster and more intense high than snorting the drug, often resulting in a stronger addiction and more severe withdrawal symptoms.
Genetics: Genetic predisposition can affect how an individual’s brain responds to cocaine and withdrawal, especially through neurotransmitters like dopamine.
Physical Health: Pre-existing health conditions can complicate withdrawal, making it more severe.
Mental Health Disorders: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms.
Poor Coping Skills: Individuals with poor coping strategies are more likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Trauma: A history of trauma can intensify psychological withdrawal symptoms, making cocaine addiction recovery more challenging.
Weak Support System: A lack of emotional and social support can increase withdrawal severity by contributing to feelings of isolation and depression.
Stress: High-stress environments may worsen psychological symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and restlessness.
Access to Treatment: Limited access to professional treatment and recovery programs can hinder proper withdrawal management, leading to increased severity.
Polysubstance Use: Concurrent use of other drugs or alcohol can complicate withdrawal, often making symptoms more intense and unpredictable.
Withdrawal under medical supervision can reduce the severity of symptoms through supportive care and medication-assisted treatments, as well as by addressing underlying mental health conditions simultaneously.
Coping Strategies for Cocaine Withdrawal: How To Fight Cocaine Cravings
Cocaine withdrawal can be challenging due to the physical and psychological symptoms. However, with the right strategies and support systems in place, individuals can navigate this period successfully. Here are some coping strategies for dealing with cocaine withdrawal:
Detox Programs: Professional detox centres provide 24/7 medical care, ensuring safety during withdrawal. They may also provide medications for anxiety, depression, or sleep issues, as well as offer Immediate medical attention if there are suicidal thoughts or severe psychological symptoms.
Access Professional Therapy: These offer various forms of psychotherapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational interviewing.
Build a Strong Support Network: Engage with organizations like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Cocaine Anonymous (CA), share your journey with supportive loved ones, and surround yourself with individuals who are committed to recovery.
Focus on Mental and Emotional Health: Practices like deep breathing, yoga, art, music, journaling, and guided meditation help manage anxiety and cocaine cravings.
Establish a Healthy Routine: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene are great ways to reduce the severity of cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Also, limit caffeine and sugar, which can exacerbate anxiety and sleep problems.
Understand Your Triggers: Learn what triggers your cravings (stress, people, places) and develop plans to avoid or cope with them. Stay away from places and people associated with previous drug use.
Build a Relapse Prevention Plan: Create a plan that includes steps to take if cravings become overwhelming. This includes emergency contacts who you can reach out to like family, sponsors, or your therapist, practising distraction techniques, as well as creating an exit plan for triggering situations.
Create a Safe Environment: Remove paraphernalia or anything that may trigger cocaine cravings from your living space.
Be Patient: Cocaine addiction recovery is a gradual process; setbacks can happen, but resilience matters. Set realistic short-term goals for yourself and don’t forget to celebrate every milestone.
Overcoming Cocaine Withdrawal and Achieving Recovery
Overcoming cocaine withdrawal is a challenging but crucial step towards achieving recovery from cocaine addiction. The process requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and psychological symptoms. Here are some key strategies to help individuals overcome cocaine withdrawal and achieve long-term recovery:
Seeking Help for Cocaine Withdrawal
Rehabilitation programs are the best options for dealing with cocaine addiction and addiction specialists can offer personalized services to help you overcome the symptoms of withdrawal. Cocaine addiction treatment is crucial for individuals in recovery, as it provides access to behavioral therapy, peer support, and psychosocial interventions.
The first step to cocaine addiction recovery is deciding to enrol in a drug rehabilitation programme. This could be an NHS-funded programme or any number of private facilities. After enrolling in a programme you will receive a full evaluation in order to create a rehabilitation programme tailored to your unique needs. This involves your medical history, medications, blood work, and physical health.
Detoxification
The next step is detoxification, during which the individual abstains from cocaine. This is when the first phase of cocaine withdrawal sets in, which is why close monitoring and support are important during this phase of recovery.
Addiction specialist centres like PCP offer a medically supervised cocaine detox program. During this, patients are offered full-time medical supervision, as well as drugs and psychotherapy treatments to help them overcome the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings.
It is also possible to perform a detox at home, but this is not generally recommended for both safety reasons and the higher risk of relapse associated with bipolarity.
Rehabilitation
After completing the cocaine detox the next stage in the treatment is rehabilitation. This is a structured treatment program designed to help individuals overcome a cocaine addiction.
It involves a mix of drugs and psychotherapies that are aimed at addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of addiction. The ultimate goal of rehab is to help individuals achieve long-term sobriety and reintegrate safely into society.
Rehab services offer a flexible range of programmes. For example, patients can choose between inpatient and outpatient services.
Irrespective of the type of program, rehab centres offer several services like one-on-one counselling, 12-step programs, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), art therapy, guided meditation, and group therapy.
Aftercare
Aftercare involves ongoing counselling, social support services, and medical treatment after the initial rehabilitation process.
The ultimate goal of aftercare is to empower individuals with the tools and support they need to maintain sobriety during everyday life, prevent relapse, and fully integrate them back into society.
Reach Out Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with cocaine dependence or withdrawal, seeking professional help is the first step toward lasting stability and sobriety. Reach out to PCP today and take the first step towards long-term sobriety.
