Cocaine cravings can be an annoying symptom to deal with during detox and recovery. Such symptoms can feel intense and unpredictable, often leading people to abuse cocaine again in an attempt to make them stop. Understanding why cocaine symptoms related to withdrawal occur and how to deal with them is an important part of long-term recovery.

In this post, we’ll explore the causes of cocaine cravings, the typical cocaine withdrawal timeline and practical strategies for managing cocaine cravings.

What Causes Cocaine Cravings?

Cocaine cravings are one result of brain changes caused by using the drug. When you use cocaine, it causes a large dopamine release in your brain. Dopamine is a chemical that drives pleasure and motivation, and the amount your body produces on cocaine is above normal.

Over time, your brain gets used to this new normal level of dopamine. Once you stop using cocaine, your body has a hard time adjusting to the drop in dopamine that occurs — in fact, your brain may perceive this drop in dopamine levels as an indication that something is wrong, causing your body to react as if there’s a threat or health issue.

One of the symptoms of that state can be cravings. Your body and brain indicate an intense desire for the substance that might restore those high dopamine levels. Triggers, like stress or certain environmental cues linked to previous cocaine use, can intensify those cravings.

The Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline

Cravings are part of the cocaine withdrawal timeline. While the timeline is unique for each person, it tends to follow the pattern below:

  • Within hours of stopping cocaine use. The initial crash begins, which can include fatigue, irritability and increased appetite.
  • In 1 to 3 days. Cocaine cravings can intensify in the first few days. You might also experience mood swings, anxiety and sleep woes.
  • In 4 to 7 days. As your first week without cocaine abuse draws to a close, you may notice heightened emotional symptoms, restlessness and continued cravings.
  • In 1 to 2 weeks. Typically, symptoms begin to subside, but cravings may continue or come and go.
  • Beyond a few weeks. Day-to-day cravings may subside, but an intense desire for cocaine can be triggered by environmental circumstances, stress or emotional moments.

Symptoms of Cocaine Cravings

The symptoms of cocaine cravings include constantly thinking about cocaine or an intense desire to use cocaine again. Cravings usually come with a variety of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with withdrawal.

Cocaine Symptoms Related to Withdrawal

Symptoms you may experience during withdrawal, in addition to cocaine cravings, include:

  • Fatigue
  • Irritability and agitation
  • Mood swings
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Problems concentrating or remembering things
  • Insomnia or vivid nightmares
  • Slowed movement or thinking
  • Increased appetite

Symptoms of Cocaine Use

Some cocaine withdrawal symptoms are similar to signs of cocaine abuse. Understanding all the signs of cocaine use can help you know whether someone you love is dealing with withdrawals or may have relapsed. Symptoms of cocaine use can include:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Increased energy
  • Rapid speech
  • Frequent sniffing or nosebleeds
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Restlessness
  • Sudden changes in mood
  • Financial or legal problems

Short-Term Strategies to Manage Cravings

Cravings can feel sudden and overwhelming in the immediate days and weeks of cocaine detox and recovery. However, there are steps you can take to help reduce the intensity of those cravings.

Consider practicing a few of these techniques to help manage cravings:

  • Change your environment. If your location or the people or activities around you might be triggering your cravings, remove yourself if you can. A new setting might help you shift your mindset and overcome the temptation to return to cocaine use.
  • Distract yourself. Do something to engage your body and mind. Take a walk, watch a comfort television show, handle a household chore or work on a hobby.
  • Practice deep breathing. Download a breathing app on your phone so you can work through guided deep breathing exercises whenever you need.
  • Reach out to someone. Call or text a trusted loved one or your sponsor to talk about the craving and work through the cycle of triggers that might lead to cravings.
  • Remind yourself why you stopped using cocaine. Keep a list of reasons you stopped using cocaine, including the benefits of sobriety or what you’re thankful for. You can keep the list on a piece of paper in your pocket or in a notes app on your phone so you can reflect on it as needed.
  • Drink water and eat a healthy snack. Attending to possible hydration and blood sugar needs can help you regulate your body so you’re better able to deal with cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.

Long-Term Treatment Options for Craving Reduction

While short-term strategies for dealing with cocaine cravings can help in the moment, long-term treatment is essential for ongoing success in recovery. Approximately 1 in 6 Americans deals with substance abuse disorders, but only around 15% actually receive treatment in a timely manner.

Options you might consider include:

  • Medical detox. Medical detox in an inpatient environment helps manage withdrawal symptoms and provides a safe, secure environment for someone in the early stages of cocaine recovery.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy. This evidence-based treatment method helps you recognize thought patterns and behaviors that lead to drug abuse and develop healthier coping mechanisms to support a sober life.
  • Support groups and programs. Each person’s journey to recovery is unique. Some people go through inpatient and outpatient therapy for structured support in the weeks and months after they stop using cocaine. Even after that, you may need continued support to deal with cravings, and you can get that support in group therapy or via 12-step programs.
  • Long-term aftercare planning. Recovery is an ongoing journey that doesn’t end once you’ve completed inpatient or outpatient programs. Work with your treatment team to make long-term plans to build support systems, seek therapy as needed and involve yourself in groups that can help you with cocaine cravings and other recovery needs months and years in the future.

Building a Support System for Recovery

You don’t have to battle cocaine cravings alone. Start building a support system for your ongoing recovery. Connect with Sunlight Recovery today to find out how we can help.