If you or someone you know is struggling, the road to recovery starts with detox. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. Recent studies show that over 5 million Americans used cocaine in the past year. The good news? Professional help is available. Whether you need a drug detox center, residential treatment, or a dual diagnosis program, there are options. At Evoke Wellness, we’ve got your back with evidence-based cocaine addiction treatment programs. Ready to take that first step? Let’s dive into what cocaine detox really looks like and how it can kickstart your journey to a healthier, happier you.
Cocaine Detox: What Happens To Your Body and Mind When You Detox from Cocaine?
The Cocaine Withdrawal Rollercoaster
Quitting cocaine isn’t easy. Your body and mind have become reliant on this powerful stimulant drug. So when you stop using, get ready for a rough ride. The withdrawal symptoms can feel like an intense rollercoaster of physical and psychological turbulence.
Within hours of your last hit, the cravings kick in. You may feel irritable, depressed, anxious and fatigued. Your sleep patterns are all over the place. Restlessness, tremors and paranoia are common too.
Buckle Up for Severe Withdrawal
Things can really escalate in that first 1-3 day period when withdrawal peaks. Dangerous symptoms like increased heart rate, high blood pressure and body temperature are possible due to cocaine’s stimulant effects wearing off.
Some experience hallucinations, violent behavior or even seizures. It’s a critical time where medical supervision is essential to ensure your safety as the cocaine leaves your system.
The Long Road to Recovery
Even after acute withdrawal, getting your brain’s neurotransmitters back in balance takes time. Cocaine disrupts this delicate chemistry, leading to dependence. So symptoms like depression, fatigue and drug cravings can persist for weeks or months.
But detox is just the first, crucial step.Intensive inpatient rehab with therapy and holistic care helps you develop healthy coping strategies for long-term recovery. Especially if you’re struggling with co-occurring mental health issues alongside addiction.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Intense Cravings & Mood Swings
The first few days after quitting cocaine are usually the hardest. Intense cravings for the drug can hit hard, accompanied by severe mood swings. One study found that over 90% of people detoxing from cocaine experience dysphoria – feelings of anxiety, agitation, depression and general unhappiness. You may feel extremely irritable and on-edge one minute, then lethargic and unmotivated the next.
These effects are part of the detox process as your brain’s dopamine levels start to re-balance after being artificially stimulated by cocaine for so long.
Psychological Distress
Cocaine withdrawal also takes a toll psychologically. Many report experiencing:
- Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Paranoia and psychosis in some cases
- Intense drug cravings and dreams about using
According to a study, these psychological symptoms can persist for weeks or even months after quitting cocaine due to the drug’s effects on the brain’s reward system.
Getting Support Is Key
While cocaine withdrawal isn’t life-threatening, it can be extremely challenging both physically and mentally. Having support from addiction professionals at a drug detox center or residential treatment program is crucial for managing withdrawal safely and preventing relapse. With the right help, you can get through this first difficult stage and begin your journey to recovery.
What Causes Cocaine Withdrawal?
Binge and Crash Cycle
Cocaine directly interacts with the brain to enhance euphoria and alertness. But the high is extremely short-lived, leading to a cycle of binging and crashing as you chase that fleeting pleasure. Over time, higher doses are needed to get the same effects as your body develops tolerance.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When you stop using cocaine after becoming dependent, withdrawal symptoms begin within hours. These include intense cravings, fatigue, depression, irritability, sleep disturbances, increased appetite and vivid drug dreams. Essentially, your brain is thrown off balance as it readjusts to producing its own “feel good” chemicals.
Withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable – both physically and psychologically. Many find the depression so severe that they relapse to escape it, trapped in addiction’s vicious cycle. Medical detox provides a crucial first step by managing these symptoms in a safe, supportive environment.
How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?
Quitting cocaine isn’t easy – the drug is incredibly addictive and the withdrawal process can be brutal. When you stop using coke, your body and mind go through intense upheaval as they try to readjust to life without the drug.
The First Few Days
According to research cited on our cocaine withdrawal blog, withdrawal symptoms usually kick in within hours after your last use. The first 72 hours are the roughest – this is when you’ll experience the worst of the physical symptoms like fatigue, increased appetite, muscle aches, and vivid dreams or nightmares.
Your emotions will be a roller coaster, with intense cravings, anxiety, depression and irritability all making an appearance. Just getting through each day without relapsing will feel like a major victory.
After the First Week
Once you get past that first hellish week, the physical withdrawal symptoms start becoming more manageable. But don’t breathe that sigh of relief just yet – as noted here, the psychological side of withdrawal can linger for weeks or even months.
Mood swings, difficulty feeling pleasure, concentration issues, and most of all, intense cravings for cocaine can stick around and ambush you when you least expect it. This post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is one of the biggest reasons why relapses are so common.
Getting the Right Help
Trying to white-knuckle your way through cocaine withdrawal alone is extremely difficult and risky. Your best chance at getting through withdrawal and achieving long-term recovery is by checking into an inpatient drug detox center with a specialized cocaine addiction treatment program.
With 24/7 medical care and support, you can detox safely while medications help manage the worst withdrawal effects. Counseling, therapy, and holistic care treat the psychological aspects too. While withdrawal timelines vary, these programs give you the best shot at lasting recovery.
Cocaine Detox and Withdrawal Management
The Detox Process
Quitting cocaine isn’t easy, but it’s a crucial first step towards recovery. When you stop using, your body goes through withdrawal as it rids itself of the drug. This process is called detox and it can be intensely uncomfortable without proper medical support.
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms typically set in within hours after your last use. You may experience depression, anxiety, fatigue, paranoia, and intense cravings that make it nearly impossible to stay clean on your own. That’s where a supervised detox program comes in.
Around-the-Clock Support
At a residential treatment center, you’ll have access to 24/7 medical care to help ease the discomfort of withdrawal. Medications can be provided to alleviate symptoms like agitation and drug cravings. You’ll also receive therapy and counseling to develop coping strategies for when cravings hit.
The acute detox phase is tough, but it’s a vital first step. With proper care and support, most people start feeling better within 1-3 weeks as the cocaine clears their system. Once you’ve completed detox, you can transition into comprehensive addiction treatment.
Relapse Prevention
Safely managing withdrawal in a controlled environment dramatically reduces your risk of relapse during early recovery. You’ll work closely with therapists to identify your personal triggers and develop strategies for coping with cravings long-term.
Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help reframe your thinking around cocaine use. Dialectical behavior therapy equips you with mindfulness skills. Family support is also pivotal – your loved ones can attend counseling to better understand addiction and your recovery needs.
Cocaine Detox: How Long Does It Take To Detox from Cocaine?
The Detox Timeline
The timeline for detoxing from cocaine can vary significantly from person to person. However, most individuals experience the onset of withdrawal symptoms within 4-72 hours after their last use of cocaine. According to Evoke Wellness, there are typically five main stages of the detox process:
- Pre-detox preparation
- Withdrawal symptom onset
- Acute withdrawal
- Post-acute withdrawal
- Resolution/stabilization
Acute Withdrawal
The acute withdrawal stage is often the most intense and challenging phase. This is when the body is actively ridding itself of the cocaine and compensating for the abrupt absence of the drug. Common symptoms during this time include irritability, fatigue, anxiety, depression, paranoia, and intense cravings.
Due to the potential severity of symptoms, medical supervision in an inpatient detox facility is highly recommended to ensure safety and provide appropriate care. This stage can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
After the initial acute phase subsides, some individuals may experience a condition known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). This involves managing lingering psychological symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and drug cravings.
PAWS can persist for several weeks or even months after stopping cocaine use. Proper medical guidance and a comprehensive treatment plan are crucial during this stage to prevent relapse.
Cocaine Detox Treatment Center
Professional Support
When it comes to overcoming a cocaine addiction, attempting to detox on your own can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. That’s why seeking professional help at a reputable cocaine detox treatment center is crucial for a safe and successful recovery. At a qualified facility, you’ll have access to 24/7 medical supervision to monitor your vitals and manage withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine withdrawal can cause severe depression, fatigue, anxiety, and intense cravings – having an experienced team by your side makes all the difference.
Personalized Treatment Plans
No two addictions are exactly alike, which is why top-tier detox centers offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Their multidisciplinary teams work closely with you to develop a comprehensive strategy, addressing not just the physical aspects of dependency but also any co-occurring mental health issues through dual diagnosis treatment. This holistic approach gives you the best chance at achieving long-term sobriety.
Supportive Environment
One of the biggest advantages of inpatient cocaine detox is the supportive, trigger-free environment it provides. You’ll be surrounded by others on similar journeys, fostering a sense of community and accountability that can be invaluable during the intense early stages of recovery. Counseling, group therapy, and a range of amenities further create an atmosphere conducive to healing – mind, body, and spirit.
Continuum of Care
But detox is just the first step. Quality treatment centers understand that recovery is an ongoing process, which is why they offer a full continuum of care. After successfully completing detox, you can seamlessly transition into their residential treatment program for more intensive therapy and life skills development. From there, outpatient programs and sober living options provide a crucial step-down approach to prevent relapse as you reintegrate into daily life.
Conclusion
As you can see, cocaine detox is just the beginning of your journey to recovery. Remember, professional help at a drug detox center can make all the difference. Whether you need a residential treatment program, intensive inpatient care, or dual diagnosis treatment, there are options tailored to your needs. Don’t forget about rehab aftercare programs to keep you on track long-term. The road ahead might seem long, but take it one step at a time.
Begin Your Journey with Evoke Wellness at Hilliard
If you or a loved one is considering treatment, Evoke Wellness at Hilliard invites you to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. In Hilliard, you’ll find more than just a treatment program – you’ll discover a community dedicated to your wellness and success. Together, let’s embrace the journey to recovery and the promise of a new beginning. Call us at (833) 949-1347 today or reach out online.
