Cocaine is an illegal, highly addictive drug that stimulates the release of dopamine---a naturally-occurring pleasure-inducing chemical---within the brain. In 2002, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that 2 million people in the United States were current users of cocaine. Recurrent cocaine use can cause you to develop tolerance to this drug, requiring the use of incrementally higher doses of cocaine to produce the same desired effects. When you stop using cocaine either briefly or as part of a drug treatment program, you can develop a number of withdrawal symptoms.
Restlessness
If you stop taking cocaine, you can experience significant alterations in your mood or behavior. During cocaine withdrawal, you can become restless or agitated. Certain people become increasingly anxious, paranoid or fearful after stopping cocaine. Such symptoms may last for several weeks, explains the Better Health Channel, an informational health website provided by the Australian government.
Depression
During cocaine withdrawal, you can experience frequent episodes of depression. Symptoms of depression include sleep disturbances, loss of interest in your usual activities, decreased sexual libido or feelings of profound discontent or sadness. Such symptoms may also elicit thoughts of suicide in some people. Depression associated with cocaine withdrawal may last for several months---especially if you have used high levels of cocaine for a long period of time in the past.
Fatigue
Severe tiredness and fatigue can occur during cocaine withdrawal. Such symptoms can interfere with your ability to perform other activities during the day, such as going to the grocery store. You can begin to sleep for long spans of time or may have difficulty waking up in the morning due to cocaine withdrawal symptoms.
Increased Appetite
Cocaine use is associated with a decrease in appetite, which can cause weight loss to occur in heavy cocaine users. Once you stop taking cocaine, you can experience a significant increase in your appetite. Due to this symptom, you may find that you eat more throughout the day and can begin to gain weight following cocaine withdrawal.
Cocaine Cravings
Cocaine use is highly addictive and can cause intense and severe cravings within the user, particularly after ending the use of cocaine. During frequent use of this drug, your body becomes accustomed to the high levels of dopamine within your brain. Once you stop using cocaine, it can be difficult for you to experience pleasure without taking this drug. Cocaine cravings can occur months or years after you have stopped using this drug, which increases the likelihood that you will experience a relapse.
