Which statement best describes the withdrawal symptom profiles for cocaine versus methamphetamine, and their relapse risk?

Which statement best describes the withdrawal symptom profiles for cocaine versus methamphetamine, and their relapse risk?

• A. The withdrawal profiles are identical and relapse risk is the same for both drugs.
• B. Cocaine withdrawal is primarily characterized by severe insomnia and agitation; meth withdrawal is dominated by sedation and increased appetite.
• C. Cocaine withdrawal features fatigue, hypersomnolence, anhedonia, irritability; meth withdrawal features severe sleep disturbance, fatigue, increased appetite, anhedonia and strong craving; relapse risk is driven by cravings and cues; meth may cause more prolonged psychiatric symptoms.
• D. Cocaine withdrawal has no cravings and meth withdrawal has no psychiatric symptoms.

Answer: (C)

Stimulant withdrawal profiles differ by drug and that shapes relapse risk. Cocaine tends to produce a crash with fatigue, hypersomnolence (long sleep), anhedonia, irritability, and mood downturns as the immediate withdrawal picture. Cravings can occur, but the strongest, more persistent relapse drivers often relate to cues and craving that can lessen as time passes. Methamphetamine withdrawal, by contrast, features more pronounced sleep disruption, ongoing fatigue, increased appetite, anhedonia, and especially strong craving that can persist for a longer period. It also tends to bring more persistent psychiatric symptoms (such as anxiety or mood instability), which can complicate recovery and keep relapse risk elevated for a longer time. Thus, the statement that best captures the differences notes the distinct withdrawal symptom profiles—severe sleep disturbance and strong cravings with meth, plus the idea that cravings and cues drive relapse, with meth potentially causing longer-lasting psychiatric symptoms.

Stimulant withdrawal profiles differ by drug and that shapes relapse risk. Cocaine tends to produce a crash with fatigue, hypersomnolence (long sleep), anhedonia, irritability, and mood downturns as the immediate withdrawal picture. Cravings can occur, but the strongest, more persistent relapse drivers often relate to cues and craving that can lessen as time passes.

Methamphetamine withdrawal, by contrast, features more pronounced sleep disruption, ongoing fatigue, increased appetite, anhedonia, and especially strong craving that can persist for a longer period. It also tends to bring more persistent psychiatric symptoms (such as anxiety or mood instability), which can complicate recovery and keep relapse risk elevated for a longer time.

Thus, the statement that best captures the differences notes the distinct withdrawal symptom profiles—severe sleep disturbance and strong cravings with meth, plus the idea that cravings and cues drive relapse, with meth potentially causing longer-lasting psychiatric symptoms.