Cocaine withdrawal

Definition:

Symptoms that develop when habitual cocaine use is stopped.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cocaine exerts its euphoric effect by maintaining high levels of neurotransmitters which bind to specific receptors in the brain that are responsible for the feelings of reward and satisfaction. Studies suggest that the brain's response to continued elevated levels of neurotransmitters is to reduce the numbers of receptors to that transmitter, a process that may not be reversible. Subsequently, withdrawal from cocaine can result in profound depression which may last for years.

Related topics: drug abuse, drug abuse and dependence, drug abuse first aid, stroke secondary to cocaine.