Cocaine addiction affects people and families across Atlanta and throughout Georgia. This guide explains what cocaine is, how cocaine use changes the brain, the stages of cocaine withdrawal, and proven treatments that support lasting recovery. You will also find local next steps if you are ready to begin your recovery journey.
How does cocaine affect the brain?
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug made from the coca plant. It can be snorted, injected, or smoked. Short-term effects include euphoria, increased energy, and alertness. These changes happen because cocaine causes a surge of dopamine in brain reward pathways, which reinforces drug use and can lead to addiction.
Over time, the brain adapts, so normal amounts no longer produce the same effect, and a person may take more to chase the high. This pattern raises health risks, including heart attack, stroke, and overdose, which can be life threatening.
Crack cocaine versus powder cocaine
Crack cocaine is a smokeable form that produces a rapid, intense high that fades quickly. Powder cocaine is usually snorted or injected. Both forms increase heart rate and blood pressure, strain the cardiovascular system, and can trigger anxiety, paranoia, or panic. Any type of cocaine use can lead to addiction.
Five warning signs of addiction
If you or someone close to you is showing signs of stimulant misuse, these common red flags may help you recognize a problem early:
- Needing more cocaine to feel the same effect, or using more often
- Trying to cut back but not being able to stop
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the drug
- Continuing cocaine use despite negative consequences at work, home, school, or in relationships
- Giving up hobbies or social activities because of drug use
How is cocaine addiction diagnosed
A medical professional evaluates patterns of cocaine use, health history, mental health, and functional impacts. Clinicians use DSM-5 criteria for stimulant use disorder, along with toxicology testing when needed. If you live in the greater Atlanta area, we can perform an assessment to match you with the right level of care and a clear treatment plan for cocaine addiction.
Cocaine withdrawal: stages, timeline, and symptoms
When a person quits or suddenly stops using, the body and brain adjust. Most people experience withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable but usually not medically dangerous. However, depression, strong cravings, or suicidal thoughts can occur, so support matters.
Stages of cocaine withdrawal:
- Crash phase, 24 to 72 hours: fatigue, increased sleep, depressed mood, and intense cravings
- Acute phase, days 3 to 7: irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, and continued cravings
- Protracted phase, weeks to months: lower energy, mood swings, and cue‑triggered cravings that come and go
Other common symptoms include increased appetite, vivid dreams, and restlessness.
What happens to your body when you quit cocaine
As cocaine leaves your system, dopamine signaling falls, which can cause a crash for 1 to 2 days. Sleep and appetite often rebound, sometimes within two hours of last use for people who were binging. Over the next 1 to 3 weeks, mood and sleep usually improve, especially with therapy, support groups, and healthy routines.
Evidence‑based treatments for cocaine addiction
There are no FDA‑approved medications that directly treat cocaine addiction at this time. Behavioral therapies are the foundation of care and can reduce cravings, strengthen coping skills, and support long term recovery.
Core therapies used in cocaine addiction treatment:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify triggers, change thinking patterns, and practice coping strategies to stay sober.
- Contingency management uses small, structured rewards for negative drug tests or treatment milestones, which can reduce cravings and support attendance.
- Individual therapy and group therapy provide a safe and supportive environment to build skills, process stress, and learn from peers.
- Support groups include 12‑step meetings and non‑12‑step choices like SMART Recovery.
Co‑occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, are common with stimulant use. Integrated treatment that addresses both mental health and substance use improves outcomes.
Levels of care, and what we offer in Atlanta
The right setting depends on your symptoms, risks, and home environment:
- Medical detox: closely supervised stabilization with comfort measures and medication management for withdrawal symptoms
- Residential care: structured daily therapy and 24‑hour support, ideal if home triggers are high or cravings are strong
- Partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient program: step‑down options for people who can live at home and have strong support
At Promises Atlanta, you can begin in a safe and supportive environment and progress as your needs change.
How to quit cocaine safely
Quitting is an important step, and support increases success.
- Tell a medical professional about your cocaine use, other substances, and any mental health issues.
- Choose a level of care that matches your risks, then follow your treatment plan.
- Build daily routines around sleep, nutrition, and exercise to reduce stress.
- Practice coping skills, such as urge surfing, calling a sponsor, or delaying and distracting when cravings hit.
- Stay connected with support, therapy, and peer groups to protect your recovery process.
If you live in Atlanta or surrounding areas, in‑person care at Promises can help you stabilize quickly and return to life with structure and support.
Local care in a safe and supportive environment
If you are looking for compassionate support for cocaine addiction in Atlanta, Promises Atlanta offers structured care to help you stabilize, learn coping strategies, and rebuild your life. Start with Detox Services in Atlanta, then consider our Residential Treatment Program for continued structure. You can also review our Substance Abuse Treatment overview to understand treatments available on campus and in the community.
