When cocaine is first introduced to the body, it causes an extremely potent, euphoric rush by increasing the release of certain biochemicals in the brain. This sensation is the reason people use the drug repeatedly. Over time, this can develop into dependence and eventually addiction. When the body goes through cocaine withdrawal, it usually experiences severe symptoms that can, under rare circumstances, be deadly.
Psychological Changes
Cocaine addicts frequently experience neurological changes when they go through withdrawal. A study conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center revealed more insight into the brains of drug addicts. The study revealed that during withdrawal, the impulsive tendencies of subjects addicted to cocaine increased. The researchers hypothesized that this might partially explain why addicts find it so hard to quit using the substance. The study gives indications that small, temporary psychological changes might take place in the brain during withdrawal from cocaine.
Mental Symptoms
Unlike substances like alcohol or heroin, cocaine has a very mild withdrawal when it comes to physical symptoms. Cocaine was once thought to be a much milder substance because its withdrawal symptoms are psychological. This, however, is not true, since cocaine users can experience extreme discomfort and mental anguish during withdrawal. According the U.S. National Library of Medicine, cocaine withdrawal is usually accompanied by such effects as agitation, restless behavior, malaise, hallucinogen-like dreams, increased appetite, fatigue, and depression. Since the 1990s, certain drug centers have offered treatments that minimize or almost eliminate the pain of withdrawal.
Cravings
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, cocaine abusers frequently stop experiencing the initial high they seek. Instead, they may experience powerful feelings of fear, suspicion, and even paranoia. Nonetheless, when addicts start experiencing negative feelings, they still have extreme cravings for the drug. This is also true when individuals go through withdrawal. Once the mind has become psychologically addicted to cocaine, it will continue to have strong urges to use the drug, even after the body is no longer physically dependent on the substance. This makes relapses occur frequently and drives some drug abusers to seek other substances to replace the urge. Unfortunately, this often results in just substituting one addiction with another, instead of treating the initial problem.
References
- "Cerebral Cortex" Journal; Increased impulsivity during withdrawal from cocaine self-administration: role for DeltaFosB in the orbitofrontal cortex.; Winstanley, Bachtell, Theobald; vol. 2, 435-444, 2009.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Cocaine Withdrawal
- New York Times: Cocaine Withdrawal
- cocaine-withdrawal.com: Home Page
