Cocaine addiction withdrawal occurs when the cocaine addict suddenly quits using cocaine or cuts down tremendously. When the cocaine binge ends, a "cocaine crash" almost immediately follows. This crash causes the cocaine addict to have extreme sleepiness, fatigue, depression and anxiety along with an intense craving for more cocaine.

 

Cocaine addiction withdrawal does not have the severe physical withdrawal symptoms such as alcohol or heroin, however many cocaine addicts claim that the level of craving, irritability, delayed depression, and other symptoms produced by cocaine withdrawal exceeds that felt with other withdrawal syndromes.

 

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are strongest during the first week after the last use, however, the cocaine craving and depression can last for months after heavy, long-term cocaine abuse.

 

Primary Cocaine Addiction withdrawal symptoms include:

These Cocaine withdrawal symptoms will disappear over time however many cocaine addicts often use alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, or anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax or Valium to mask their symptoms. If these medications are not readily available, the addict is often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety disorders and given medications from medical doctors who are not made aware of the persons cocaine addiction. The addict then becomes addicted to the medications and is trading one addiction for another.

 

Because of the intense cocaine craving as well as the depression and anxiety that occurs during cocaine withdrawal, it is important that cocaine withdrawal takes place under the supervision of medical professionals. Trained medical personnel can help create a comfortable, supportive environment for the individual that will help them through this difficult time.