$Unique_ID{BRK00948} $Pretitle{} $Title{What Happens to a Person Who is Addicted to Cocaine and Tries to Stop?} $Subject{cocaine withdrawal Community Social Problems physical psychologic dependence depression muscle tremors severe headache ravenous hunger sleep patterns drug drugs addiction addictions headaches} $Volume{Q-23} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What Happens to a Person Who is Addicted to Cocaine and Tries to Stop? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: A lot is written about the dangers of cocaine use, but I have seen little that describes the problems that go with trying to stop. What happens to a person who is addicted to the stuff and then tries to stop? If there are any bad results, are there any treatments to help? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: It sounds like you are seeking answers that will help you to an important decision, and though I am going to provide some information for you here, you are going to need much more good advice, wise counsel, and someone to help you through. That means finding a family doctor or other physician with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to assist you. The problem of cocaine abuse has really grown in the last 15 years, from 5.4 million people reported to have tried it at least once back in 1974, to an estimated 30 million people in 1989. While the physical dependence on cocaine is less dramatic than with heroin and other drugs classified as opiates, the psychologic dependence is severe. This leads to withdrawal symptoms that can affect both mind and body. The most common and most serious is depression, but muscle tremors, severe headache, ravenous hunger and a change in sleep patterns are also frequent. The symptoms of withdrawal usually begin rapidly, within 24 to 48 hours after the last sniff of cocaine, and they can continue for as long as seven days. As yet there is no one specific method or medication to help the patient, but medications which are useful in treating other types of depression may also be helpful here to relieve the symptoms and help with lessening the disturbances of the sleep patterns. It may mean a period of time away from normal activities, but that is a decision for you and your physician. If you are really hooked, this is not a task to take on without help, and you may need some additional help to get you started. Try the national hot line 1 800-COCAINE. If it is busy when you call, don't quit trying. There are a lot of people seeking help these days, and you will eventually get through to a most valuable source of valuable information and help. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.