I'm new so please bare with me. If someone wants to stop using cocaine on their own, meaning not using recovery facilities, what's the first step? And is there anything you can do to lessen the withdrawal symptoms? Thank you!

Hi K&G,

Step one is admitting that we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable. I did plenty of self-detoxs to go with the many trips to the treatment centers & detoxes.

Have lot's of cheesburgers ready to eat after you come down. Take a good bath/shower. Get some sleep, eat more, then plan to go or be taken to the nearest CA or AA meeting. While there, identify as a newcomer. At break or after meeting tell them what you're doing and where you are at. If they're nice they'll approach you. If not, chase them down.

Those are the best home remedies for withdrawl I can remember. Eat, sleep, be with others who have been where you are.

Hey K&G,

Well, speaking from personal experience, the physical w/d's sucked. Get plenty of rest, food and quiet time. But the physical problems weren't nearly as bad as the mental ones. For months after I was extremely depressed, and just tired. So, the best advice I can give you is #1) Cut any and all ties to your connection/dealer. This even means making it impossible for you to find/contact them again if you can. #2) get a support system. This doesn't have to be professional help, but it does have to be from people who love you and only want what is best for YOU. If you don't have close and CLEAN friends/family, reach out to AA/NA. I didn't go to these meetings, but I know people who have. A support system makes all the difference.3)set goals. They don't have to be big ones. Just make them realistic, and try to hit them. If you don't, don't beat yourself up. Just TRY AGAIN. Get a few wins under your belt, and build that self esteem up.

The first few times I tried to quit, I thought I'd wake up and life would be perfect. Fact is, it isn't. You are about to go on an emotional rollercoaster. So don't set yourself up for disappointment, but realize one thing: It will get better!!! and above all else NEVER GIVE UP!!!

I used a LOT everyday, and getting clean has been the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but I have never regretted it. It feels great not having to lie or hide what I've done to get what I thought I needed. And the thing I'm looking forward to the most in the upcoming holidays is that for the first time in a long time I'll remember them. I wish the same for you. Hang in there and be strong.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Your words truly help!

Thank you! You've helped more than you know!

Kind and Gentle, Speaking from my own past demons the very first step is the will to quit, I had used 1-2 8 balls per week and one day I decided that that was it. I was lucky enough not to have any physical WD. The hardest thing I had was the lack on energy and mentally wanting the boost and kick. I will tell you that you have to accept that you have to change your circle of friends. Regardless of how close the friend may be if they are still using it is just a matter of time before you give in if you continue to be around them. Get rid of everything you have that was a tool for using. Do not hang on to stash boxes, old favorite mirrors or any thing associated with the use. I started to exercise 1-2 times a day at first I had to force myself to do it but after a week I was getting energy from it. I am happy that I am 8 years clean from Cocaine. But still to this day I will not put myself in a situation where I may be tempted. I had some old friends call me just last weekend and wanted to me stop by but I knew they still used so I passed on it. This boards is a good place to read post and see what other people have gone though. I had what compared to other people was a small Vicodin habit. I am happy to sat that I have tapered off that and I am now 4 weeks removed from that usage. The most rewarding thing I noticed from quiting Cocaine besides the health benefits was the money I was able to save. Everybody is different but to succeed you have to want to quit. Believe me once you quit the positive things snowball. Good Luck!!!!

Thank you for replying. Congratulations on your success! I am very encouraged to hear that you did not go through terrible withdrawal. Maybe it won't be so bad. I'm so humbled that you all are taking the time to talk to me and give me advice. The support is motivating me.

I went through a 6 month binge on coke,I was doing a 1/4 ounce a day for the last 6 weeks before I quit.I was also lucky and didn't have any physical withdrawls but then again cocaine isn't physically addicting it's the menal addiction that cocaine is so famous for.....Dave

Hey kind and gentle, :wave:

I'm am a recovering crack addict. I used everyday for a long, long time. As far as physical withdrawls there shouldn't be many if any. The physical crap comes from how bad a shape you have let your body get into while using. You have to get healthy again. Lots of rest, nutritious meals. For any symptoms you may have such as not sleeping well, aches.....treat with over the counter meds. The list below works well for those who do have symptoms:

Aches/pain - Ibuprophen, Aleve, Tylenol, hot baths, sleeping with heating pad
Insomnia - Melatonin, Tylenol PM or Benadryl
Diarrhea - Immodium AD
Nausea - Dramamine
Sinus problems - Any OTC meds for sinus/cold

As others have posted the mental stuff is the worst. I am a huge advocate of the 12 step program - Cocaine Anonymous or NA/AA. I attend a meeting at least 5 days a week and try to go every night. I am currently over 120 days clean. The program has given me a place to be with folks who understand me because they are just like me. It has given me new non using friends to spend time with (go out to eat, movies, bowling.....), someone to call if I have the urge to use, strengh when I don't have it, hope when I see others who have made it for many, many years and the courage to fight yet another day.

Welcome to the boards and hope to see you post again soon.

Thank you - I didn't know it was the mental aspect I need to deal with. I feel better knowing some people have not experienced physical withdrawal. Thank you for caring enough to write - I'm starting to feel like I'm not SO alone.

That's excellent advice and I thank you. And thank you for the warm welcome.

Hi K&G,

I should add that it was the physical exhaustion of using for days on end that took me to the floor, the counterforce of course being the severe depression and "gnashing of the teeth". I kept using until I ran out of money and scams or until I was so tired I didn't have the energy to try to fight the depression and flood of emotions. After about 2-3 days of sleep and food, when I started to be amongst the living again, that's when I needed help most.

The last time around for me, when that day came, I had a family member take me to a 7-day detox. From there I rigorously began attending 12-step meetings like AA & CA. I was getting a "divorce" from cocaine and needed lots of help getting over that sick "marriage" one day at a time. It's simple but not easy. It can work for you.

11 sober years later, I continue to work on me but now enjoy it.

Congratulations. Thank you for sharing that! It gives me hope.