WITHDRAWAL FROM COCAINE


The symptoms of withdrawal are temporary; the woman in withdrawal may not experience all of them, or may experience some more intensely than others. A woman in withdrawal from cocaine should be encouraged to consult a physician.

FIRST STAGE

MILD

The symptoms can start within 12 hours and last from 4 - 7 days.

The physical symptoms include:
    - excessive sleepiness
    - excessive appetite
    - tiredness; low energy
    - abdominal pain
    - chills, tremors
    - aching muscles

The psychological symptoms of the first stage include:

    - severe depression
    - irritability

SECOND STAGE

These physical and psychological symptoms appear at 7 - 10 days, and (generally) gradually decrease after 6 weeks, but they can last for several months.

The symptoms include:
    - depression
    - Anhedonia - difficulty experiencing pleasure*
    - cocaine dreams
    - drug 'hunger'**
    - low energy
* The ability to experience pleasure returns gradually, taking longer when there has been heavy use for a long time (possibly up to 2 years for very heavy users!).
** The 'drug hunger' occurs intermittently (more often at first) for a few years.

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