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Side Effects of Quitting Coke

Cocaine, or coke, is a concentration of alkaloids found in the coca leaf. The drug is usually snorted, resulting in constricted blood vessels, increased heart rate, decreased appetite and feelings of euphoria. Over the long term, the drug can have a variety of very destructive effects. Quitting usually is not easy, even though there is no physical dependence, because the pleasurable effects of the drug can produce strong cravings. Treatment of the side effects of quitting coke sometimes includes anti-anxiety medication and sedatives.

  1. Physical Dependence

    • Cocaine is not a drug, like heroin or alcohol, that produces physical dependence. This means there is no acute withdrawal stage, marked by vomiting and shaking, during which the body must unlearn its reliance on the drug. By some definitions, this means cocaine is not technically addictive. But if addiction is defined as a strong and recurring desire for the drug, cocaine is highly addictive. And, though there is no physical dependence, quitting does tend to produce side effects.

    Primary Symptoms

    • The extent of the side effects of quitting coke will depend on the length and severity of the dependence before quitting. General primary symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include irritability, restlessness and agitation. But it can also alternately manifest as a depressed mood, fatigue, malaise and a slowing of movement. Because cocaine suppresses appetite, an increased appetite often occurs upon quitting. Vivid dreams are also sometimes reported in association with quitting cocaine.

    Other Behavioral and Psychological Effects

    • Probably the strongest side effect of quitting cocaine is simply craving for the drug. This can produce a variety of behavior and psychological changes. For some, cravings for the drug can lead to relapse. If the cravings are particularly strong, an individual might be susceptible to taking too much and experiencing an overdose. Even if an individual does not give into the cravings, resisting them can lead to severe depression and suicidal thoughts. On the other hand, people who were given to lying and stealing to support their habit might eliminate or limit these behaviors as a side effect of quitting.

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