Cocaine

Withdrawal from cocaine comes in three stages. The initial crash can last a few hours to a few days. During the crash, the individual will feel groggy and tired, as well as depressed and easily irritated. After that, users typically go through acute withdrawal, which is characterized by insomnia, fatigue and depression. This period lasts about two weeks. Lingering symptoms can continue for several months after stopping cocaine use. Also known as the extinction period, this is the body adjusting to regular flows of dopamine and is usually comprised of sadness, irritability and uneasiness.

Depending on the severity of their addiction, a cocaine user can be hard to spot. Typically people are very animated and lively when they are high on cocaine or crack. They usually have more energy than even the most energetic sober person, and look restless and uncomfortable when they are not using or withdrawing. Keep an eye out for mood swings, and extremes in energy level. While some people are just naturally peppy, someone on cocaine or crack is often manic and sometimes paranoid. These symptoms can look like stress or anxiety to the untrained eye but are the best indicator of a cocaine habit.

Cocaine affects the user by releasing a huge surge of dopamine in the user’s brain. This chemical is associated with the euphoric, rush type feeling cocaine provides.

Crack is a form of smokeable cocaine that is more intense as well as cheaper and easier to buy. The high is similar to the feeling of cocaine, but is shorter in duration, making it incredibly addictive and dangerous. Crack is made with cocaine and other ingredients such as baking soda or ammonia, and cooked into a “rock.”