Cocaine Detox

Since 2007, cocaine use and demand have been declining, thanks in part to the increased availability of methamphetamine. At one point, the most widely used drug in America, cocaine use, has been overshadowed by the inflated use of heroin, fentanyl, and crystal meth.

However, it’s important not to let essential statistics get swept under the rug in the grand scheme of things. Statistics like 2% of the American population continue to abuse cocaine prove that the market for this drug is still alive and thriving, meaning the need for cocaine detox and rehab options are still vital for users seeking recovery and new way of living.

Although not typically as intense as opioid detox, the cocaine detoxification period can present uncomfortable mental and physical symptoms. In the sections ahead, we’ll dive a little deeper into the subject of cocaine detox.

What Is Cocaine Detox Like?

Common Signs of Cocaine Withdrawal

The first thing you need to understand about cocaine detox is that it doesn’t happen overnight. The physical and psychological cravings caused by cocaine often last several weeks or months before they disappear entirely.

Some individuals might find themselves experiencing these uncomfortable feelings well into their second year of sobriety. Therefore, a doctor’s help is essential during the initial stages of recovery.

A good rehab program usually takes between 4-and 12 weeks to complete, but each person reacts differently to treatments based on their specific situation. Some of the most common symptoms experienced during the cocaine detox period include:

  • Feeling tired
  • Exhausted
  • Depressed
  • Stressed
  • Paranoid
  • Unable to sleep
  • Having trouble concentrating
  • Sweating
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach/muscle aches

Some people may require additional assistance from medication prescribed by a physician or therapist. Other treatments like exercise, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, massage, saunas, and other activities can also provide benefits.

It’s essential to be aware of the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal if you suspect someone you care about of having issues with cocaine abuse.

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Common Signs of Cocaine Withdrawal

Signs of cocaine withdrawal may vary depending on the methods of ingestion and the specific form of the drug the user prefers. Cocaine can be abused in powder form, crack, and even freebase.

Additionally, users may smoke, snort, or inject various forms of the drug. Signs of withdrawal from all forms of the drug include:

  • Tremors
  • Chills
  • Sweat/fever
  • Nerve pain
  • Intense cravings
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Exhaustion
  • Depression
  • Inability to feel pleasure
  • Paranoia

Treatment for cocaine detox may look different for all users depending on the severity of each situation.

What Is Treatment for Cocaine Detox Like?

Treatment for cocaine detox is different in each situation. The way one person experiences detox may be completely different from how another person does.

Specific forms of treatment used during cocaine detox depend heavily on how cocaine is abused. Typically IV users and individuals who prefer crack cocaine have the most challenging detox. Some of the most used methods during detox are:

  • Medication-assisted/pharmaceutical: Common medication administered during detox includes antidepressants, antianxiety, blood pressure medication, muscle relaxers, and options for stomachaches.
  • Nutritional options are also provided to keep clients nourished and well-hydrated
  • Vital signs are monitored by medical staff to ensure clients remain stable through the detox period

In some cases, many of the medications aren’t needed but are available if the situation warrants their use. The cocaine detoxification timeline varies from person to person, ranging in severity depending on the drug’s length of use and concentrations in the body.

Cocaine Detoxification Timeline

The cocaine detoxification timeline is the window from the last use of cocaine up to the entire detoxification of the drug from the body. This includes the withdrawal process and has several different stages.

For some people, the timeline lasts only a few short days. However, in the most severe cases, the window can extend for months and include post-acute withdrawal symptoms.

  • The crash phase includes the initial abstinence from cocaine use. Individuals in this phase will have symptoms like those of the flu and will experience extreme fatigue. Intense cravings will also be present as the user battles through the first 72 hours of not having the drug. During this period, most physical symptoms are experienced: stomachaches, muscle cramps, hot/cold flashes, and other side effects usually linger for up to three days. By the end of this phase, all traces of cocaine have been eliminated from the body.
  • The withdrawal phase typically ranges from three to seven days but can last as long as four weeks in the most extreme cases of cocaine abuse. Symptoms include intense cravings, anxiety, depression, and the inability to experience feelings of joy and pleasure. Most of this phase is mental.
  • In standard cases, the extinction phase begins after about eight days and lasts for two to three weeks. This phase may last another three to four weeks for the most severe cases. The mental symptoms from the withdrawal phase persist but slowly begin to subside as the sober mind begins to retake control.

After detox, the next logical step for any client of a treatment facility is inpatient/outpatient treatment. Clients will get opportunities to participate in various therapy sessions to get to the root of their abuse issues and move toward long-term recovery.

Experience True Healing

Our deeply-caring staff and the surrounding natural beauty offer an unparalleled healing experience.

Therapy Techniques for Stimulant Users

Several types of therapy are available for stimulant users depending on the individual and the facility providing treatment. Historically, the following four varieties of treatment are used most frequently during the treatment of the previously mentioned substance use disorders:

Therapy Techniques for Stimulant Users

Motivational Interviewing

This is a person-centered style of counseling that assists clients in overcoming their inconsistencies in remaining sober and increases their intentions of changing their habits.

Contingency Management

This is a form of behavioral therapy that rewards positive actions using incentives and prizes. Vouchers and other items may be used to access perks in the treatment facility.

Community Reinforcement Approach

This type of therapy helps clients discover and live a healthier lifestyle that’s more fulfilling than one involving cocaine and stimulant abuse.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment helps clients gauge their thinking, habits, and actions to change their negative behaviors and replace them with more favorable options.

Many people question the need for medical detox for cocaine and believe that a straight-to-treatment approach is a more suitable option. However, it’s never a bad idea to initially choose the medical detox route for several reasons.

Do I Need Medical Detox for Cocaine?

Not everyone ends up needing medication during detox for cocaine. However, participating in medical detox for cocaine is never a bad idea – if for nothing more than to help with the precipitous drop in mental health that can accompany cocaine detoxification.

It’s difficult to gauge how severe detox will be for anyone suffering from substance use disorder. Choosing to attend detox from the start of recovery ensures that you have medical staff on hand in case things take a turn for the worst.

This gives you more efficient options and immediate solutions for any discomfort or challenges that may arise. Otherwise, your only option is typically an emergency room visit, leaving you with limited options.

The benefits of medically supervised detox outweigh the disadvantages of not participating.

The Benefits of Medically Supervised Detox

Clients have access to several critical services and medication options during medically supervised detox. Consider the following advantages to participating in medical detox.

Medically Supervised Detox

Access to Medical Professionals

Constant access to medical professionals means your vitals are constantly monitored, keeping you stable. It’s possible for your heart rate or blood pressure to spike during detox, and physicians can provide medication to reverse these effects if they become severe.

IV Administration

It’s not uncommon for someone going through detox to experience dehydration and malnourishment. The availability of IV fluids and vitamins ensures that clients don’t suffer further challenges or health risks from either of these two challenges.

Direct Transfer to Inpatient Rehab

Many detox facilities are either a part of the inpatient rehab or work with them closely. In either situation, once clients are finished with the detox portion of recovery, an immediate transfer to inpatient rehab is usually the next step. This presents the highest odds for success and preventing relapse.

Individuals detoxing at home will probably relapse after detoxing. They believe sobriety has been achieved, and they’re “clean” and usually rationalize with the “I’ll only use once” line of thinking. This is an almost certain recipe for long-term relapse.

Another benefit of medically assisted detox that’s often overlooked is the mental aspect. Even though inpatient treatment includes most substance abuse therapy, mental health and substance abuse counselors are usually on hand during the detox for specific situations.

This proves valuable during cocaine detox, especially when you specifically consider the mental health risks of this type of detox.

Mental Health Risks of Cocaine Detox

Cocaine withdrawal can bring on various psychological side effects during the detox period. Some of the most prevalent mental symptoms present during cocaine detox include:

  • Difficulty concentrating – Users may have difficulty focusing and putting together full thoughts
  • Slowed thinking and reaction times are present, most likely because of the lack of certain chemicals in the brain.
  • Hostility persists because of anger associated with cravings for cocaine.
  • Depression is another common side effect that occurs from a lack of dopamine and serotonin in the brain.
  • Anxiety is another frequent mental side effect during cocaine detox. This is most likely triggered because of stress associated with cravings.
  • Vivid nightmares – The cause of vivid nightmares is unknown during cocaine detox.
  • Paranoia is present in many people going through cocaine detox. This is more prevalent in crack cocaine users.

Despite the severity of the mental risks of cocaine detox, evidence-based cocaine treatment methods can eliminate most or all these symptoms during therapy.

Experience True Healing

Our deeply-caring staff and the surrounding natural beauty offer an unparalleled healing experience.

Evidence-Based Cocaine Treatment Methods

Several evidence-based cocaine treatment methods exist for helping individuals secure long-term recovery. The following list is compiled of these specific treatment methods:

In your search for an effective treatment facility, it’s essential that one or all of these methods are available to any client enrolled. Additional elements also factor into the success of recovery, such as your external environment.

Why Choose Cocaine Detox in Hawaii?

Cocaine Detox in Hawaii

 

The Hawaiian Islands are a magical place full of natural beauty and mysticism. Many people believe that the water and land here contain healing properties conducive to recovery.

Regardless of personal beliefs, Hawaii is a beautiful place to spend recovery. Studies have proven that tranquility and being surrounded by motivating, scenic, and naturally beautiful environments positively affect the mind. There’s no doubting the benefits a place like Hawaii can have on manifesting a positive attitude – this is precisely the type of attitude it takes to be successful in treatment.

Long Term Recovery from Cocaine Is Possible

At Exclusive Hawaii Recovery, we take a holistic approach to treatment. Our clients have access to our beautiful, private water-side facility with only the best in mental health and substance abuse treatment specialists.

With the combined healing properties of the beautiful landscape and a top-notch treatment team, we believe long-term recovery from cocaine is possible. For more information about treatment, contact a member of our admissions team today.