How Long Does It Take to Detox From Cocaine?

For most people, it takes about two weeks to detox from cocaine. Withdrawal symptoms typically start within hours of last use, and usually last for three or four days. Symptoms typically peak within the first few days and up to the first week. These withdrawal symptoms can be severe, sometimes including suicidal thoughts, depression, and a high risk of relapse. Professional cocaine detox support can help manage these symptoms for a safer experience.

What is cocaine detox?

Cocaine detox is the process of stopping cocaine use and allowing the body to get rid of the drug. It takes time to detox, and the brain and body will have to readjust to life without cocaine. Since the drug affects dopamine production (the “feel-good” chemical in the brain), stopping cocaine use can cause severe depression and a lack of energy. This is known as the “crash.”

The initial crash after stopping cocaine use can be hard to cope with. The brain doesn’t start producing high levels of dopamine on its own right away, so suicidal thoughts and depression are common among people withdrawing from stimulants like cocaine.

These feelings, on top of physical exhaustion, headaches, and body aches, deserve support. Trying to detox alone can be dangerous, especially because symptoms can change and become a crisis quickly. Professional drug detox programs can help manage withdrawal symptoms, but they are just the first level of care in recovery. Ongoing support through residential or outpatient services can help maintain progress and avoid relapse.¹

How long does cocaine detox take?

Detoxing after stopping cocaine use usually takes about two weeks for most symptoms to ease. However, everyone has a different cocaine detox experience. It may take more or less time depending on your unique situation, like:

• How long you used cocaine
• How heavily you used cocaine
• If you used other substances
• If you used crack cocaine or powder cocaine
• How you used cocaine, like smoking, snorting, or injecting
• Your physical and mental health
• If you’ve quit before and experienced a relapse

Some symptoms may last longer than two weeks. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) includes symptoms like difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and anxiety. PAWS can last up to a few months for some people.

Detox and cocaine addiction treatment don’t necessarily speed up the time it takes to detox from cocaine, but they can make recovery safer and more approachable. Compassionate, tailored care can help prevent relapse in early recovery, when cravings are strongest.

Cocaine detox timeline: What to expect

Your experience with cocaine detox will be unique. Use this chart for education only. A professional addiction treatment provider can give you a more accurate timeline when you enter treatment.

If you recently stopped using, reach out for help. The signs of cocaine withdrawal can set in quickly, and symptoms can become severe without warning. Getting help can support you while you manage symptoms in early recovery, and care can continue well after you enter recovery.

What affects how long cocaine detox lasts?

Some people may feel the worst symptoms during the first few days, while others may experience longer-lasting mood changes, cravings, and fatigue. Several factors can shape your detox timeline.

Frequency and amount of cocaine use

Heavier or more frequent cocaine use may lead to more intense withdrawal symptoms and stronger cravings.

Length of cocaine use

When cocaine has been used for a long time, the brain may need more time to adjust after use stops.

Crack cocaine vs. powder cocaine

Crack cocaine is smoked and may be associated with a faster onset of effects and, for some people, a faster onset of withdrawal symptoms. However, there is no single fixed timeline that applies to everyone. People struggling with crack cocaine addiction may benefit from professional support that addresses both detox and ongoing treatment needs.

Method of use can

Smoking, snorting, and injecting cocaine can affect how quickly the drug takes effect and how compulsive use patterns develop. Different methods of use can also have different health impacts. Smoking and snorting will affect the nose and lungs more, while IV use may have a higher risk of infection. Physical health conditions caused by cocaine use can affect how long—and intense—withdrawal will be.

Co-occurring mental health conditions

Depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns can affect the duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms and relapse risk. This is one reason dual diagnosis support can be so important.

Polysubstance use

Cocaine is sometimes used with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other drugs. Other substances, like benzos, take longer to detox from, extending the timeline. There is also more risk associated with detoxing from polysubstance use, and withdrawal symptoms may change quickly.

Physical health

Heart health, sleep, hydration, nutrition, and overall wellness can influence the body’s ability to recover. When there are other physical conditions or a lack of well-being support, it will take the body longer to heal.

Support level

A safe environment, clinical support, therapy, and relapse prevention planning can make the detox process feel less overwhelming and may reduce the risk of returning to cocaine use.

Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and, for some people, very intense. Symptoms vary, and this list is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health guidance.

Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Depression or low mood
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Strong cravings that heighten the risk of relapse
• Increased appetite
• Sleep changes, including insomnia or sleeping more than usual
• Vivid dreams or nightmares
• Trouble concentrating
• Slowed thinking
• Low motivation
• Agitation or restlessness
• Paranoia in some cases

Some symptoms may feel physical, but cocaine withdrawal is often deeply emotional and psychological. A person may feel exhausted, unmotivated, or overwhelmed even after the drug has started clearing from the body. Cravings can also be intense, especially during the first several days.

If symptoms feel difficult to manage, professional support can help. A treatment team can monitor safety, provide emotional support, and help plan for what comes after detox.

What comes after cocaine detox?

Detox can help you get through the initial stages of recovery, but it doesn’t address every part of cocaine addiction. After withdrawal symptoms begin to stabilize, ongoing treatment can help you understand why cocaine use became difficult to stop and how to build a healthier life without it.

A cocaine rehab center may offer different services that can help, including:

• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization programming (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programming (IOP)
• Outpatient treatment
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy, when appropriate
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Relapse prevention planning
• Sober living support
• Aftercare and alumni support

Recovery is about more than just getting through withdrawal. It’s about learning how to feel steady, connected, and hopeful again. At Beaches Recovery, we help empower you to consider the possibility of enjoying life in sobriety, rediscovering purpose, and building healthier relationships with support that continues beyond detox.

Frequently asked questions about cocaine detox

Get support for cocaine detox and recovery

If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine use, Beaches Recovery can help you understand what comes next. Our team offers compassionate detox support via Tides Edge Detox, individualized treatment planning, and continued care designed to help clients move from withdrawal into a more stable recovery.

Find out what it’s like to get the support you deserve—all at a warm, welcoming center just a few blocks from the beach. To take the next step, learn more about our cocaine detox program, verify your insurance, or contact Beaches Recovery today.

Sources:

1. NIDA, Cocaine, Accessed June 2026.