When you undertake a cocaine detox, you flush cocaine out of your body. As with any other drug detox, you will begin to suffer withdrawal symptoms as a result of your body craving cocaine. This is typically uncomfortable and can have many physical and mental side-effects but is not potentially fatal or harmful.
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Cocaine addiction is one of the hardest drug addiction cycles to break. Increasing in popularity due to its ability to give its user a feeling of euphoria, cocaine addiction can often have devastating consequences.
As a stimulant, taking cocaine increases the activity in your brain, and it is often the case that each time you consume the drug, you need more and more of the drug to reach the same level of euphoria.
If you are struggling to overcome a cocaine addiction, it is important to seek addiction treatment at a cocaine rehab, where health care providers can treat you effectively and safely.
Cocaine detox is best when undertaken in a medically supervised environment where you can be monitored as you begin the process of rehabilitation. Medically assisted detoxification is the most advantageous to alleviate psychological symptoms and physical symptoms.
The detox process and cocaine withdrawal symptoms are not as severe or potentially harmful to your body as a detox from other drugs. However, an intense high and desire for the drug will occur. Cocaine can take a strong psychological hold on a user. If you are detoxing at home, this could prove challenging if you are trying to stay clean and prevent relapse.
It is always worth considering inpatient rehab, in which you live in a facility while undertaking your medical detox and rehab programme, to ensure that you remain on track with your progress and avoid relapse. In addition, you will receive 24/7 care and support from the addiction treatment team at the rehab facility, increasing your motivation.
If you or someone you know has a cocaine addiction and are looking for the right detox programme and rehab facility, get in touch with us at Action Rehab. We can help you find the right treatment centre for your needs.
How Long Does it Take to Detox From Cocaine?
It takes around seven days for cocaine to be effectively flushed out of the body. However, cocaine withdrawal symptoms can last for months afterwards. During this time, it is common for users to feel extreme cravings for cocaine, and these feelings can also come and go and is part of the recovery journey.
This makes the cocaine detox process from addiction so difficult. Your recovery journey can also be more challenging if you abuse other addictive substances or alcohol. Additionally, having a mental health disorder can prohibit you from developing these healthy habits, which have the potential to be life-changing.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
When you detox from cocaine, you will have uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Every person is different, so you may not experience all of the below.
The most common withdrawal symptoms are:
- Tremors and shakes
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Muscle aches
- vivid nightmares
- An urge to eat more
- Hyperactivity
- Increased cocaine cravings
- Anger
- Lack of focus
- Suicidal thoughts
Cocaine Withdrawal and What to Expect
The initial stage of cocaine withdrawal is known as ‘dysphoria’. You will feel very down and possibly depressed as your happy hormone levels drop. This is because your body has become dependent on you using cocaine, which increases these hormones in an artificial way.
It is common to feel restless, angry, irritable and generally very unhappy during this period. This will begin a full day from your last dose of cocaine and will last up to four days.
The second stage of cocaine withdrawal typically begins after a week of detox. You will notice that your cravings are very strong and quite possibly overwhelming. They may even come and go in noticeably strong waves.
This is normal and may vary depending on the person. You may not feel as low as you did when you first started the cocaine detox but may find it difficult or impossible to become sexually excited or feel pleasure.
The final stage of cocaine withdrawal can continue for anywhere between two and six months, depending on the severity of your addiction. You may notice that many of your symptoms disappear with time. It is common for your cocaine cravings to remain for some time and to be the last thing to disappear.
Remedies for Withdrawal Symptoms Following Cocaine Detox
Cravings for cocaine when undertaking a detox can be so strong and powerful that they can force some people back into using the substance or other substances.
There are, however, several remedies users can try to help deal with strong cravings and remain on track with their detox:
- Relaxation techniques
- Natural remedies to aid sleep and promote calm thoughts, such as lavender and valerian
- Melatonin supplements
- Regular exercise
- Mindfulness and meditation techniques
- Breathing techniques
Many people find exercise and mindfulness useful to help combat their cravings for cocaine, as such techniques enable them to control their minds and feelings better.
Additionally, we always recommend therapy treatment programs following a medical detox to find the root causes of the addiction and to ensure each patient develop skills needed to combat their addiction.
Moreover, eating good food can support withdrawal symptoms and recovery.
Medication for Withdrawal Symptoms Following Cocaine Detox
No medication is specifically designed for treating cocaine withdrawal, but it is possible to treat cocaine withdrawal symptoms with medication.
These medications are likely to be administered if necessary in a controlled rehab facility by a professional:
Propranolol: a beta-blocker that can help ease feelings of irritation, restlessness and anxiety. It also helps regulate mood.
Baclofen: a drug that reduces the amount of dopamine released by the brain, helping the brain to regulate hormone levels that have previously been altered through cocaine abuse.
Disulfiram: use of this drug is in its early stages, but tests have revealed that it proves successful in treating patients for the intense feelings of pleasure from cocaine abuse. The drug suppresses these feelings to help prevent temptation and relapse.
Cocaine Detox Treatment
When you detox from cocaine, you will be taken off of cocaine with immediate effect. Although this may prove mentally and physically challenging, there is no harm to your health, and it is the quickest way to remove the drug from the body.
If necessary, as previously explained, for the duration of a treatment plan, you may be administered medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms so that you feel more comfortable.
A cocaine detox can occur in an in-patient rehab facility or at home with you as an out-patient. A cocaine detox in a controlled environment is proven more successful, as you receive round-the-clock care and support. Moreover, you have a medical team supervising and noting any mental health problems that may come to light.
Many people experience highs and lows during a cocaine detox; for some, the withdrawal symptoms can prove too hard to deal with, resulting in relapse. In such cases, overdose is very common as the body craves the drug, meaning the user takes increased amounts of it to satisfy their desires.
This is why detoxing from cocaine in a controlled rehab facility is very important. Contact us at Action Rehab today if you are thinking of undertaking a detox programme for cocaine addiction.
We have a team of addiction specialists and various treatment options. We can assist you in getting the right treatment for your needs and finding local rehab facilities in your area.
Alternatively, if you’re watching a loved one suffer or feel at high risk, you can go through our family referral services and speak to a team member about the next steps.
Start your recovery and be free from drugs. Call us today on 0151 268 6992.