“You think i have not tried quitting?, it’s just too hard”
Many people who start using cocaine didn’t think they would one day reach a point where it becomes difficult to quit. Quitting an addictive drug like cocaine is a difficult process because the body has already gotten used to the drug and it will have to readjust itself to not receiving the drug anymore, hence the withdrawal effects.
Withdrawal effects of cocaine
One usually starts experiencing withdrawal effects 1-2 days after last use. It last approximately 10 weeks with day 4-7 seeming to be the most intense days. The effects are short lived and may not require medicines
- Intense cravings
- Vomiting
- Hunger
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tiredness, weakness
- Slowed thinking
- Suicidal thoughts
- Tremors
- Moody
Quitting tips
- Seek medical help: battling the withdrawal effects by yourself will not be that easy. Your doctor will propose many treatment options for you. This could be individual or group counselling sessions, 12 step social support groups, in or outpatient services. Discuss your options and choose one that suits you.
- Have a quitting plan
- You could choose to stop all at once (best) or cut down on use progressively
- Surround your self with people who support your quit decision
- Get busy: fill up your day with alternative activities, getting busy distracts you from cravings and exercise helps overall wellness.
- Get rid of all your cocaine and avoid places or people who remind you of cocaine
- Reward yourself for everyday you go without cocaine
- More quit tips on coping with withdrawal symptoms similar to that of other addictive drugs
Don’t forget to share this post!
About the author
Dr. Ekwoge Hilda is a trained pharmacist from Cameroon and Co-founder of HILPharma. When she is not busy creating content, she slings pills to pay the bills.