Cocaine Comedown: What To Expect

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that can have serious effects on our physical and mental health. These drugs affect our central nervous system and can change our brain’s chemistry and influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

However, not only do overdose and drug addiction pose a threat to our well-being, but some people may also experience cocaine comedown when they attempt to stop using it. A comedown happens when the effects of a drug fade away, and your brain chemistry goes back to normal.  

The duration of a comedown can vary from a few hours to several days, depending on the type and amount of drug used. You may experience various physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms during this time.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a cocaine use problem and experiencing a comedown, read on as Luxe Recovery shares with you in this article what to expect in a cocaine comedown.

What is a Cocaine Comedown?

A cocaine comedown, also known as a crash, happens when the strong feelings of pleasure from using cocaine start to fade. During this time, your mood and feelings can change quickly as the drug’s effects decrease. 

From a medical perspective, a cocaine comedown is a brief withdrawal phase that occurs as the body tries to return to normal after the intense effects of cocaine. 

How Does Cocaine Use Affect The Brain?

Similar to other drugs, cocaine is a strong stimulant that affects and changes our brains, particularly, it speeds up how messages travel in the body. 

In addition, cocaine stops a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which is important for the body’s reward system. As a result, it leads to a significant increase in dopamine levels, which is the primary reason why cocaine users feel instant euphoria. 

What Are The Phases Of A Cocaine High?

Typically, people who are using cocaine experience different stages of a high such as:

• Initial Rush: When someone uses cocaine, it leads to a strong sense of euphoria. This makes them feel energetic. However, this may only last for a few minutes. 
• High: The strong feeling of euphoria continues and reaches its plateau. After a short while, it gradually fades.
• Comedown: Following the high effect, cocaine users go through a comedown. Usually, they experience some physical and psychological symptoms associated with it.

What Happens During The Comedown Effects?

After using cocaine, the users may experience comedown when the substance is attempted to stop. During this time, they may manifest various physical and psychological symptoms like exhaustion, mood changes, and even cravings. 

What To Expect During The Symptoms Of A Cocaine Comedown?

Symptoms of cocaine comedown may differ for each person and are highly dependent on several factors. Some of the most common symptoms may include:

Physical Symptoms 

Typically, people may experience tiredness and fatigue, sleep problems, high blood pressure, and an increase in heart rate. They may also feel flu-like symptoms during comedown.

Emotional and Psychological Symptoms 

The psychological symptoms of cocaine comedown can be much more severe than the physical ones. Cocaine increases dopamine levels in the brain, and when it wears off, the brain stops making this chemical. This leads to feelings of depression, restlessness, mood changes, and anxiety. 

How Long Does A Cocaine Comedown Last?

The duration of a cocaine comedown can differ for each person, but it usually lasts from a few hours to a couple of days. During this time, they may experience mild to severe symptoms of comedown, which can be very uncomfortable. In some cases, this leads some people to use more cocaine to escape or lessen these symptoms, which can create a harmful cycle of substance abuse.

Why Do Individuals Experience Comedowns Differently?

Although some of the symptoms of cocaine comedown may be similar to many people, the way they feel each symptom may be different. Some may notice a slow decline as the drug’s effects fade, while others might experience a sharp drop with clear symptoms. These variations of experiences with cocaine comedown are influenced by several factors, such as the amount taken, how frequently these drugs are used, their level of drug dependency, and other existing health issues. 

The Risks Associated With Cocaine Comedowns

As mentioned, someone who experiences cocaine comedowns may manifest several psychological and physical symptoms. As the drug wears off and the cocaine crash intensifies, all of the symptoms mentioned above may continue for several days or weeks. The cocaine withdrawal period normally has a total time of about seven to 10 days.

Long-Term Risks Of Repeated Use

When people keep using cocaine repeatedly, there is a high risk of developing various conditions related to the heart, respiratory system, and brain. They are also prone to developing substance use disorder.

How To Manage Cocaine Comedown Symptoms

Managing a cocaine comedown can be difficult, but there are effective strategies to alleviate the symptoms, such as:

Effective Short-Term Strategies

Considering that cocaine comedown may cause some physical symptoms such as flu-like, fatigue, and nausea, among others, it is highly recommended that they drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration. They can also consult a doctor, exercise, maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate sleep, stay active, relax, meditate, and learn basic stress management skills.

Long-Term Recovery Options 

It is important to note that experiencing a cocaine comedown might indicate a bigger problem, so getting professional help like luxury drug detox is vital to addressing addiction and achieving lasting recovery.

Can Professional Help Play In Recovery?

The quick answer is yes. Professionals play a vital role in helping people with cocaine comedowns and drug abuse problems in managing their symptoms. Some symptoms need urgent medical assistance to be addressed safely and properly.

What Should You Do If Someone Is Experiencing A Severe Comedown?

When someone manifests severe symptoms of cocaine comedown, it is highly recommended to seek immediate professional help to manage them better and prevent further health issues. 

How To Identify A Severe Comedown

People may encounter intense comedown symptoms from cocaine, and they should look out for signs such as significant agitation, persistent anxiety, or depression, which may require urgent medical intervention to avert possible harm to themselves or others.

Immediate Steps You Can Take To Help

Seeking medical assistance during a cocaine comedown is crucial, especially when facing intense symptoms. Timely intervention and proper care are essential for effective recovery.

What Treatment Is Available For Those Struggling With Cocaine Addiction?

Cocaine addiction is a complex condition that affects our brains and body. It also causes impairment in major areas of our lives, such as social, occupational, academic, and family. Treatment programs, like residential treatment, are an effective strategy to promote long-term recovery and to help prevent relapse.

Can Therapy Help With Addiction Recovery?

Mental and behavioral health plays an important role in recovering from cocaine addiction. Typically, many rehab centers will provide different types of individual and group therapy sessions as part of comprehensive treatment options because there are no medications to help prevent relapse. 

Some of the most commonly used therapies in addiction recovery include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectic behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing, to name a few. 

Is Rehab Necessary For Addiction Treatment?

If you are struggling with drug comedowns or experiencing them frequently, it might indicate a serious drug problem or addiction. In such cases, seeking help from a treatment center such as Luxe Recovery could be necessary. 

Here in our rehab, we offer top-notch addiction treatment programs that equip you with the tools to beat your substance addiction and regain control of your life. 

If you are interested in learning more about what we can offer, contact us today to talk with one of our addiction specialists, who can help you understand your situation and create a personalized treatment plan.