Cocaine Withdrawal & Detox

Sometimes referred to as “coke,” cocaine is a stimulant that increases activity in the nervous system and stimulates the release of dopamine, increasing alertness, improving confidence and decreasing inhibition. The stimulatory effects caused by cocaine use can lead to addiction over time.

Once a person becomes addicted to cocaine, they’ll likely need to undergo a medically-supervised cocaine detox to stop using the substance and begin the recovery process. While the withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine detox can be uncomfortable, medical detox can help make the process easier and safer.

Cocaine Withdrawal

When someone stops using cocaine after taking it over a long period, they will likely experience symptoms of cocaine withdrawal. Withdrawal occurs because the body forms a dependence on cocaine after heavy, habitual use and needs it to function properly. Once cocaine use stops, the body has to readjust to its absence.

Cocaine withdrawal can cause uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms that should be monitored and treated by experienced healthcare professionals as part of a medical detox program.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms occur when the effects of cocaine start to wear off, and the amount of drug within the body decreases. Typically, these symptoms are more severe and common among people who use cocaine frequently or in large quantities.

Common cocaine detox symptoms include:

• Strong cravings for the drug
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Decreased pleasure
• Increased anxiety
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Nightmares
• Paranoia
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts

While cocaine withdrawal does not create the same severe physical symptoms that may be experienced with other substances, it does cause many distressing mental symptoms. The most dangerous of these is depression. Careful monitoring by a healthcare professional is recommended to prevent severe depression during this process and ensure the client’s safety.

Cocaine Detox Timeline

Cocaine is used by the body faster than most other drugs, making the cocaine withdrawal timeline shorter than the timelines experienced with other types of detox. A typical cocaine detox timeline starts about ninety minutes after the last use of the drug and can persist for up to ten days. This timeline can vary, however, based on the quantity and frequency of cocaine use.

Finding Cocaine Detox in Washington and Oregon

When selecting an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility to help with cocaine detox, there are several important questions to consider:

• Is inpatient or outpatient treatment best? People in the early stages of cocaine addiction may benefit more from outpatient treatment options. However, those who have used large amounts of cocaine for an extended period may find more success in a full-time inpatient program.
• What is the cost? Finding a cost-effective method of cocaine detox is crucial. Understanding insurance coverage and other financial options can help people find a high-quality treatment center in their budget.
• What is the center’s reputation? Looking at online ratings and reviews and exploring whether a facility is part of an established network of treatment centers can help you better understand their reputation.
• What types of treatment options are available? Different treatment centers use different treatment approaches. Some limit themselves to a single approach they believe to be effective, while others use multiple therapeutic methods to individualize care.
• Where is the treatment center located? Removing a person from their normal environment may increase the effectiveness of treatment. Because of this, undergoing treatment at a center outside of an individual’s home town or state may be beneficial to recovery.
• What type of follow-up care is available? Having a successful detox plan is only half of the treatment. Comprehensive follow-up support is vital to maintaining sobriety.

The staff at the Recovery Village Ridgefield are caring professionals with extensive experience helping people through recovery. If you or a loved one struggle with cocaine addiction, contact us today to learn how we can help you along your road to recovery.