Detoxification from Cocaine
Anyone thinking about quitting cocaine is going to experience cocaine detox. The detoxification process from cocaine can be difficult. How difficult it is depends on how long the person has used, or how much they have been using. When someone has been using frequently, they can expect stopping to be more difficult. This is also true for anyone who uses large amounts. Even people who have only been using a short time may have some symptoms, although they might not require medical cocaine detox. This is because cocaine is such a fast-acting drug. Here’s what to know about quitting cocaine.
What is Detox
When a person uses any drug, it stays in their system. After they stop using, the drug needs time to leave their body. The cocaine detox process is designed to make this more comfortable. Their body also needs time to learn to operate without the drug. This period of time is known as detox, which is short for detoxification. This is the absolute first step in recovery.
During detox a person goes through withdrawal. Withdrawal is what happens when a body becomes dependent on a drug. When that drug is taken away, the person’s body must reach a new state of equilibrium. This means learning to live without the drug.
Detox and withdrawal are typically very uncomfortable. This is because the chemistry of the person’s mind and body are being changed. This discomfort can often lead to relapse. Which is why coping with detoxification is important.
Quitting Cocaine
Cocaine addiction can take many forms. The more severe the addiction, the harder it will be to quit. For instance, those who smoke crack or inject cocaine will have a harder time stopping. This is because their body is used to a purer, more concentrated form of the drug. Those who typically snorted cocaine will face a slightly easier path. Either way, most of the withdrawal symptoms will be the same. They will simply be more severe in people who used more intense forms of the drug.
Here are the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal to expect:
• Intense cravings for cocaine.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Sweating and shaking.
• Paranoia
• Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
• Irritability and agitation leading to hostility.
• Lower activity levels along with slower thinking.
• Poor concentration.
• Vivid dreams and nightmares.
• Seizures.
These symptoms can start just an hour and a half after the last use of the drug. They typically go on for 3 to 5 days. However, they can last a week to 10 days.
Cocaine withdrawal is uncomfortable, but it is one of the better types of withdrawal out there. Withdrawal from alcohol can be fatal. Quitting opioids can be extremely painful. By comparison, cocaine is physically easier. However, because cocaine provides extreme highs, the cravings are often worse than with many other drugs.
Coping with Quitting
There are numerous ways to deal with quitting cocaine. Here are a few simple steps to take to make the process easier:
• Check into a medically-assisted detox facility.
• Join an outpatient detox program.
• Consult with a physician to get medication to assist with withdrawal.
• Take time off work or school so that your body has time to rest.
• Speak with a counselor or therapist to help cope with uncomfortable emotions.
• Go to support group meetings for input from others on how to cope. Also to gain support.
Though stopping cocaine is not fatal itself, it is still dangerous. There are many side-effects that can lead to death. This is especially true in long-term users. Anyone who has used cocaine for more than a year is considered a long-term user. Quitting is likewise extremely unpleasant. In order to reduce the problems, it is best to work with an official detox facility. They can often provide medication to ease the difficulties. They can also monitor your health. Doing this ensures that any potential problems are addressed before they become serious. Doing it alone is not only harder, it is more dangerous.
If you’re considering stopping cocaine, the more help you have, the better. The psychological symptoms are often as hard to deal with as the physical ones. With assistance, you can treat both the body and mind. This will make quitting that much easier. It will also help prepare you for living sober, which usually requires a lot of help to do successfully.
When You’re Ready to Stop
If you’ve reached the point where you’re ready to quit cocaine, then reach out to us for help. Our program includes medical detox for cocaine. We monitor each person closely and provide them with all the tools they need to quit with the least amount of pain. We help treat the mental and physical parts to help prevent relapse. Once the medical detox is over, we create a personalized program for each person. These programs address all of their needs and help them learn to build a sober existence. Don’t let cocaine steal another day from you. Call us today and let us help you reclaim your life!