Cocaine withdrawal: symptoms, timeline and treatment
Understanding cocaine withdrawal and what you should do if you’re experiencing symptoms.
Find out more about Priory's addiction support and start your recovery today.
Cocaine withdrawal can feel overwhelming, but it’s an important step towards breaking free from dependence. Understanding what to expect, and knowing when and how to get support, can make the process safer and more manageable.
At Priory, we offer expert, confidential support for cocaine withdrawal and addiction, helping you take back control of your life.
What is cocaine withdrawal?
Cocaine withdrawal happens when you stop using cocaine after taking it regularly. Cocaine has a powerful effect on the brain’s reward system. It floods your brain with dopamine, a natural chemical linked to feelings of pleasure, motivation and reward. Over time, your brain starts to rely on cocaine for these surges of dopamine, rather than producing it in a balanced way on its own.
When you suddenly stop using cocaine, your brain and body need time to adjust. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be both physical and psychological. While these symptoms can feel distressing, with the right care and support, withdrawal can be managed safely.
Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on how much cocaine you’ve been using, how often, and the way you’ve been taking it (snorting, smoking or injecting).
Physical symptoms
- Feeling drained or tired
- Sleep disturbances, including vivid dreams or insomnia
- Changes in appetite
- Headaches, sweating or flu-like symptoms
- Tremors or slowed movement
Psychological symptoms
- Low mood or depression
- Intense cravings for cocaine
- Anxiety, paranoia or panic attacks
- Irritability or agitation
- Poor concentration or memory problems
Timeline of cocaine withdrawal
Cocaine withdrawal typically happens in stages:
- Acute phase (within 24 hours): Sometimes called the ‘crash’, this phase happens as dopamine levels drop suddenly. You may feel very tired, low in mood or anxious, with strong cravings for cocaine. Some people may also feel paranoid or have thoughts of self-harm, which is why support at this stage is so important.
- Post-acute phase (first 1 to 2 weeks): After the initial crash, it’s common to experience fatigue, mood swings, poor sleep and ongoing cravings. These symptoms usually begin to ease within a couple of weeks, and many people start to feel more stable with each passing day.
- Protracted withdrawal (weeks to months): For some, symptoms such as low mood, cravings and disturbed sleep may continue for longer, especially after heavy or long-term use. With the right care and coping strategies, these gradually become easier to manage.
Risks and when to seek medical help
Cocaine withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, but in some cases severe symptoms can develop. These may include:
- Severe depression or suicidal thoughts
- Hallucinations or extreme paranoia
- Chest pain, heart palpitations or difficulty breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get urgent medical help. In an emergency, call 999. For more advice and support, visit our crisis support page.
Why medically supervised withdrawal is important
Trying to go through withdrawal on your own can feel overwhelming, and it may increase the risk of relapse. Having medical support around you means you don’t have to face it alone.
A medically supervised detox offers:
- A safe and supportive environment
- 24/7 medical care to monitor and manage your symptoms
- Medication if needed, to ease cravings and support better sleep and mood
- Emotional support to help you through difficult moments
This approach makes withdrawal safer, more manageable and less distressing.
Cocaine withdrawal at Priory
At Priory, we provide evidence-based support for cocaine addiction and withdrawal at our UK hospitals and wellbeing centres. Depending on your clinical needs, you may receive detox on its own or continue with further support afterwards. Our services include:
- Medically supervised detox: Safely managing the physical process of withdrawal, either as a standalone option or as the first step in a longer treatment journey
- Therapy programmes: Including CBT and group therapy, to address triggers and underlying causes
- Support for families: Helping loved ones understand and cope with addiction
- Ongoing care: Options for day care, outpatient and aftercare support
We also offer a free, confidential addiction assessment to understand your individual needs. This helps us determine whether a standalone detox or a combination of detox and ongoing support is the most suitable approach for you.
Supporting yourself during withdrawal
Alongside medical supervision, there are small steps you can take to care for your body and mind through withdrawal:
- Eat regularly and choose nourishing foods to help keep your energy and mood stable
- Drink plenty of water, as even mild dehydration can make tiredness and headaches feel worse
- Rest whenever you can. Your body is working hard, so sleep and downtime are important
- Gentle activity such as going for a walk can help to lift your mood, reduce cravings and improve sleep
- Keep yourself occupied with small, manageable tasks to distract from cravings and create a sense of achievement
These steps can make withdrawal more manageable, but professional care remains essential to ensure your safety and comfort.
Benefits of completing detox
While detox is only the first stage of addiction treatment, completing it brings important benefits:
- Your body starts to heal as it adjusts to functioning without cocaine
- You may notice improvements in sleep, appetite and energy levels
- With clearer thinking, it becomes easier to focus on your next steps in treatment, if that’s the right path for you
- Many people also find their relationships and daily routines begin to stabilise, giving them a stronger foundation for recovery
Detox is the first step towards change. For some people, this may then lead on to therapy and longer-term treatment.
Take the first step today
You don’t have to face cocaine withdrawal alone. Specialist treatment and support can make a lasting difference.
Contact Priory today to arrange your free, confidential addiction assessment and find out how we can help.
FAQs
Discover some commonly asked questions about cocaine withdrawal.
Can withdrawal be done at home?
Withdrawing from cocaine can be uncomfortable and dangerous.
Withdrawal shouldn’t be attempted at home alone - instead, it should be done with a medical professional as part of a medically assisted detox.
What can you expect from cocaine detox?
The goal of cocaine detox is to remove all traces of cocaine from your body. This takes place in a supportive and safe environment, and you may receive controlled medication to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms. Medical and nursing staff will be available 24/7 to ensure your safety and comfort during this period.
For most people, the detox process lasts between 7 to 10 days, although this will depend on various factors such as the frequency of consumption and the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms.
How does cocaine affect users both during and after use?
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that’s used recreationally by some people. Its potency means that a regular user may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug.
Cocaine can make you feel euphoric, confident and uninhibited due to the way it interacts with the brain. This ‘high’ comes from elevated dopamine levels, which ‘crash’ once you stop taking the drug.
What are the risks and symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal?
While cocaine withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, the psychological symptoms, such as depression and suicidal thoughts, can pose serious risks.
Physical symptoms like increased heart rate and blood pressure may be particularly dangerous for those with pre-existing conditions.
What treatments are available to help with cocaine withdrawal?
Depending on your needs, cocaine withdrawal usually happens as part of an inpatient treatment programme. This typically includes a detox, addiction therapy and family support, to help you achieve a full and long-lasting recovery. Medication may also be prescribed to help reduce any symptoms of addiction and allow you to fully focus on recovery.
Explore our range of addiction treatment options – including programme formats, settings and pricing – on our dedicated addiction services page.
