When a person becomes addicted to a drug, they lose control over their use of it. They’ll use it regardless of any adverse effects that they may suffer as a result of it. For someone who is addicted to cocaine, cocaine use is the top priority.
They will use cocaine even if it affects their relationships. But many people who use cocaine will eventually get to a point wherein they need to stop using cocaine. They’ll reach a point where they have to try and get better.
So, they’ll often look at their treatment options to help them overcome their cocaine use. Generally speaking, one of the first parts of a treatment program is to detox from cocaine.
For people who are dependent on cocaine, detox can be a difficult process. But it is a process that Luxe Recovery can help you or a loved one get through.
Who Needs Cocaine Detox?
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can come with severe consequences. Physical symptoms of cocaine addiction can include a runny nose, frequent nose bleeds, and even a collapsed nose. Cocaine may also worsen anxiety and depression and make a person paranoid.
Being addicted to cocaine can also cause a person to develop a tolerance to the drug, which can make it so that they need to take more to get the same effects. This can increase the risk of cocaine overdose.
Even if a person doesn’t experience these negative effects, they still need to treat cocaine addiction, and the first step in doing that should be a professional detox program.
What To Expect During The Detox Process
There are several things that a person can expect when they choose to undergo the detoxification process. Withdrawal symptoms may occur, and their severity can vary depending on the severity of a person’s cocaine addiction.
People who choose to go through medical detox inside of a treatment facility can also expect to receive immediate support.
The Stages Of Withdrawal
Cocaine withdrawal comes in stages. The initial stage of withdrawal will happen within 1 to 3 days after the last use of cocaine. Acute withdrawal will occur within 4 to 7 days after the last instance of cocaine abuse.
During the first 1 to 4 weeks after beginning detox, a person’s mind and body will adjust to the absence of cocaine. In some cases, a person may have Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS. This is when some people experience withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months after the last use of cocaine.
These symptoms will generally improve gradually, and a person will regain physical, mental, and emotional stability.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Various withdrawal symptoms can occur during cocaine detox. Cravings are prominent, as the mind and body have acclimated to cocaine and need it to function normally. They may also have mood swings.
Because cocaine is a stimulant, the lack of it can cause exhaustion in a person. Many people who are detoxing from cocaine can often feel physically and mentally exhausted during the process.
Depression and anxiety can also occur. Some people can find themselves having more of an appetite as their hunger comes back. They may also have a mental fog as their mind adjusts to having no cocaine in the system.
Timeline Of Detox For Cocaine
How long does cocaine detox last? It can vary depending on the length and intensity of a person’s cocaine use. Adjusting to the absence of cocaine can last up to 4 weeks after last use. People who develop PAWS can feel their withdrawal symptoms for months after, though they will generally recover.
Risks And Possible Complications
Cocaine detox is an important part of the recovery process. The possible risks and complications of detoxing from cocaine include:
Physical And Psychological Symptoms
Withdrawal can cause a person to become depressed. If the depression becomes severe enough, a person may have suicidal ideation. Another symptom of withdrawal is anxiety. This can escalate to panic attacks or even paranoia.
In very rare cases, a person can have short-term psychotic episodes and have hallucinations and delusions. The brain’s ability to make decisions can also be affected, which can lead to impulsiveness and poor decision-making.
Cocaine Detox Process Using Medications
There are no medications that are approved to help with cocaine detox directly. However, there are medications, such as antidepressants, that can be used to manage some of the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal.
What Happens After Detox Treatment?
When a person gets through detox, they may notice that they have gone through some changes, and they may need continued support. Here’s what to expect after getting through cocaine detox:
Changes To The Body And Mind
Cocaine affects dopamine. After detox, the brain will need to readjust to the absence of cocaine, so there may be a period of feeling low before the brain adjusts and natural dopamine levels are restored.
Cocaine is a stimulant drug, so its absence can cause periods of fatigue, low energy, and even prolonged periods of sleepiness. Some people may also have an increased appetite because cocaine can sometimes suppress the appetite.
Some people may also experience headaches, muscle aches, and other forms of physical discomfort as their body adjusts to the absence of cocaine.
How Does Therapy Help?
Therapy can be incredibly valuable during detox and the treatment process as a whole. When a person chooses to detox outside of a treatment center, they will need support during the process to help them keep their cocaine cravings at bay so they can meet their treatment goals.
Support And Aftercare
After a person leaves a treatment facility, they may have lingering withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cocaine. As such, they are going to need continued support to keep themselves from using cocaine again.
Ongoing Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine is one of the most addictive substances in the world, and its use in the United States is fairly prevalent. Many people become dependent on cocaine, and detoxification is only the first step in overcoming addiction. Other forms of cocaine addiction treatment include group and individual therapy and holistic treatment.
Where To Get Help For Signs Of Cocaine Addiction
It can take weeks to detox from cocaine, and it can take even longer to overcome addiction. At Luxe Recovery, we can offer help to overcome an addiction to cocaine so people can live a healthy, sober life. The road to recovery can be long, but we’ll be with you on it. Contact us to learn more.
FAQs
What is the process of drug detoxification?
Drug detoxification is the part of treatment wherein a person purges their body of all illicit substances such as drugs or alcohol.
Can I detox my body in 24 hours?
While there are ways to detoxify fast, there’s no way to safely detox a body in such a short amount of time.
How long will I feel sick while detoxing?
The acute phase of detoxification should last up to a week. After that, a person should see a gradual improvement in their condition.
