Which withdrawal symptom best exemplifies psychological distress from cocaine use?

Slowed thinking is a symptom that best exemplifies psychological distress from cocaine use due to the cognitive effects that are associated with withdrawal. When someone who has been using cocaine suddenly stops or reduces their intake, they can experience significant changes in cognitive function. Cocaine typically enhances alertness and cognitive sharpness while being used, but upon withdrawal, individuals may face cognitive deficits, including slowed thought processes, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making capabilities.

This cognitive slowdown reflects a level of distress and adjustment the brain must make as it recalibrates away from the influence of a stimulating substance. This symptom can indicate the struggle the individual faces mentally, as their brain chemistry is trying to stabilize after the enhanced dopamine activity typically brought on by cocaine use.

In contrast, other symptoms such as increased appetite and fatigue may be more physiological responses to the absence of the drug rather than direct reflections of psychological distress. Hallucinations, while serious, are less common in cocaine withdrawal and indicate a more severe level of distress.