Cocaine Comedown: What To Do During A Cocaine Hangover

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that is derived from the coca plant in South America. It is most often sold as a white powder or in its crystalline form as crack cocaine.

Different forms allow for different methods of administration. While the method of abuse can influence the way you experience side effects, all forms of cocaine use can cause a comedown.

If you find yourself experiencing a hangover related to withdrawal from cocaine, you should arrange to have someone check on you who can help you stay hydrated and well-fed.

What Causes A Cocaine Comedown?

Any form of cocaine use can cause a cocaine comedown.

With that said, you may be more likely to experience cocaine withdrawal symptoms if you take larger doses, take part in a cocaine binge, or combine cocaine with other drugs and/or alcohol.

If you do experience a hangover after cocaine use, there are three distinct phases that you will move through over the course of a couple of days.

Cocaine Crash

The crash following a cocaine high can be pretty severe. At this point the drug is still affecting your system, but the effects of cocaine are beginning to wear off and withdrawal syndrome is setting in.

After a short period of increased energy and sociability, you may begin to feel more restless. This sensation often builds into a lingering anxiety, mood swings, and symptoms of depression.

These comedown symptoms are a result of your dropping dopamine levels. In an effort to maintain a sense of normalcy, your brain may cause you to experience intense drug cravings and increased appetite.

As you go through the psychological fallout of a cocaine crash, you will also experience physical symptoms. You may have a runny nose, high blood pressure, and increased body temperature.

Cocaine Rebound

Cocaine rebound follows the initial crash once the drug has been completely processed out of your system.

When you use cocaine, your body naturally tries to maintain homeostasis. As a result, it slows down some functions to offset the stimulant. These effects often outlast the drug’s side effects.

During your cocaine rebound, these physical adjustments may cause you to experience side effects that directly oppose those associated with cocaine use.

These side effects may include cognitive impairment, depression, suicidal thoughts, fatigue, increased appetite, slowed respiration, and slowed heart rate.

Cocaine Withdrawal Fatigue

Cocaine withdrawal fatigue is related to cocaine rebound, but they aren’t the same.

Both stages leave you feeling exhausted, but cocaine withdrawal fatigue tends to have fewer additional symptoms and lasts for several days.

Cocaine withdrawal fatigue is usually a result of the physical stress caused by the highs and lows of cocaine use. The increased activity level and lack of sleep leave you physically exhausted.

How To Recover From A Cocaine Hangover

The best treatment for a cocaine hangover is rest, plenty of water, and nutritious food. Cocaine is hard on multiple organ systems and stimulates a lot of additional activity, so you need to recover.

If possible, have someone keep you company. At the very least, make sure there is someone who is able to check on you just in case you experience severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms.

If, at any point, you begin to experience psychotic symptoms, suicidal thoughts, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or irregular heart rate, seek emergency medical attention.

Treatment Programs For Cocaine Abuse

A cocaine hangover is usually a mild to moderate form of withdrawal.

It is an indication that you’ve developed a substance use disorder and likely need professional addiction treatment at a qualified drug rehab center.

Given the connection between cocaine addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, you should choose a drug addiction treatment center that can provide the resources you need.

Important treatment options for cocaine addiction include: 

• medical detox
• support groups
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• prescription drug management
• dual diagnosis treatment
• individual counseling
• motivational interviewing
• inpatient and outpatient options
• aftercare services

Choosing an evidence-based treatment program with at least a few of these options will provide you with nuanced care for a complex health condition.

Find Substance Abuse Treatment For Cocaine Addiction

For more helpful information about substance use treatment, browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).