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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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