Cocaine Comedown: The Crash And Rebound Effect

A cocaine comedown happens when a high from cocaine is wearing off and the person using cocaine starts to feel withdrawal symptoms. A cocaine comedown can be very uncomfortable, but there are ways to recover and feel better.

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Dr. Langdon M.D.

Medically Reviewed By: Kimberly Langdon M.D.

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Cocaine use can cause intense feelings of euphoria, happiness, energy, and confidence while on the drug. A person on a cocaine high may truly feel like they are on top of the world.

Unfortunately, the positive feelings that the stimulant drug causes will leave as suddenly as they arrived as the high of cocaine wears off.

The resulting feelings of depression, shame, anxiety, and guilt can then leave the very same person feeling like they’ve hit rock bottom.

What Is A Cocaine Comedown?

A cocaine comedown occurs when a person starts to “come down” from the high that they were previously on while using cocaine.

While no illicit drug is pleasant to come down from, cocaine in particular is known for having a severely drastic crash period that can be hard on a person’s physical and mental health.

Cocaine Crash And Rebound Effect

The cycle of coming down from cocaine and experiencing withdrawal after each use is known as the crash and rebound effect.

Cocaine Crash

A crash is the last stage before a person goes through withdrawal and usually starts a few hours after a person’s last use of cocaine.

Symptoms of a cocaine crash include:

  • agitation and irritability
  • restlessness
  • increased blood pressure
  • increased body temperature
  • intense cravings
  • mood swings
  • exhaustion
  • depression
  • suicidal thoughts
  • increased appetite

Cocaine Rebound

The cocaine rebound occurs after the crash when the body is attempting to return itself back to normal. It does this by creating physical symptoms that are the opposite of what was experienced while on the drug.

For example, because you experienced high energy while using cocaine, your body will then create symptoms of fatigue in order to bring it back to balance.

Withdrawal Fatigue

Cocaine withdrawal can be particularly exhausting for a couple of reasons. One reason is that you will naturally feel more tired after the strong, stimulating effects of cocaine.

Another possible reason for fatigue is that the person didn’t realize how overactive they were while on cocaine, and their body starts to feel the effects suddenly when coming down.

How To Recover From The Cocaine Comedown

When recovering from a cocaine comedown, it is incredibly important to take care of yourself properly. This means staying hydrated by drinking lots of water and also trying to maintain proper nutrition.

You are also likely to feel ill with flu-like symptoms, may experience nosebleeds or a runny nose (if snorting cocaine), and are almost guaranteed to be in a low or depressed mental state.

Over-the-counter medications may help with some of the physical symptoms you experience during a cocaine comedown, but getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and remaining patient are truly your best options for self-care during this time.

Treatment Programs For Cocaine Abuse

The best treatment for a cocaine crash is to ensure you don’t have to keep experiencing it by seeking effective addiction treatment.

Every rehab center will offer its own unique services in its own special environment, but you should always be able to find the specific programs you are looking for.

Treatment services for cocaine drug use may include:

  • outpatient cocaine treatment
  • intensive outpatient treatment
  • inpatient treatment
  • day treatment
  • medical detox
  • individual therapy
  • peer support groups
  • aftercare support

Find Quality Cocaine Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Are you or a loved one currently in need of a treatment center for cocaine addiction or any other substance use disorder? At Bedrock Recovery Center, we are here to help.

Even if you just have questions about substance use treatment or drug addiction, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Give our helpline a call today, and we can get you started on your recovery journey as soon as you are ready.

  1. Drug Enforcement Administration https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Cocaine-2020_1.pdf?msclkid=89f43a58a95e11ec9359c3527e664692
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine?msclkid=c1057eeca95c11ec82e321d3f3a4fdc4
  3. U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000947.htm?msclkid=b2666036a96011ecaa690a666db41971

Written by Bedrock Recovery Center Editorial Team

© 2024 Bedrock Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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