Cocaine - also known as crack, charlie, and chang, among other street names - is a highly addictive substance known for its psychological dependence. Regular use of cocaine alters how the brain releases dopamine, a natural feel-good chemical produced by the body.
Although detoxing from cocaine does not produce some of the severely dangerous withdrawal symptoms that other substances do, it can be an extremely challenging process and cause psychological and physical distress.
When treatment is sought for cocaine and drug abuse, detox must be completed. Cocaine detox can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. However, it is vital if an individual is to recover.
Typically administered via American addiction centers, the timeline of cocaine detox consists of three phases:
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Unlike withdrawal from other substances, such as alcohol and amphetamines, which give rise to severe physical withdrawal symptoms, cocaine detox primarily produces psychological withdrawal symptoms, including:
When people commence cocaine detox, they often question how long cocaine withdrawal symptoms may last. Although many believe that the answer is straightforward, it is not. Many factors contribute to the length of the withdrawal and cocaine detox process.
One factor that contributes is the half-life of cocaine. As this is somewhat short, withdrawal symptoms can start as rapidly as ninety minutes after the last dose and continue for two weeks. However, factors that can affect this average timeline include:
Due to the uncertainty surrounding cocaine withdrawal symptoms, treatment should be completed via a rehab or detox center under the care of medical experts.
Some individuals can complete cocaine detox via an outpatient program. However, support from medical professionals is strongly advised. This is particularly true for individuals who have attempted to detox before and have relapsed. Comprehensive, round-the-clock care can be the difference between successfully recovering and relapsing.
One of the more severe risks associated with intense substance withdrawal is an increased risk of suicide. Individuals who embark on a detox process may experience mental health issues such as depression, fluctuating moods, and suicidal ideation. For this reason, if a cocaine user has a co-occurring mental health condition, detoxing alone can be dangerous. In this instance, a medical detox followed by holistic addiction treatment to address both the withdrawal symptoms and mental health needs is recommended.
Regular cocaine use causes the brain to adapt to the increased dopamine activity associated with cocaine use. After somebody has been using it for a considerable amount of time, the brain's reward system is interrupted and becomes desensitized to dopamine.
Individuals in this position often need increasingly large quantities of the substance to feel good. When they are sober, they may feel depressed and hopeless about life, causing them to once again turn to drugs. However, with professional addiction treatment, cocaine detox can be successfully completed, and many go on to secure a lifelong recovery.
Some of the most problematic cocaine withdrawal symptoms encountered when detoxing are anxiety, depression, and intense cravings. If these psychological symptoms are experienced, doctors may prescribe medication to help alleviate them.
Although withdrawal symptoms can seem overwhelming at times, healthy habits and coping strategies can be implemented to ease the process and prevent relapse. These include:
Additionally, community support groups, behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy are effective methods of progressing through recovery and maintaining sobriety.
Across the country, there are many treatment options available for cocaine detox. At NPAC, we offer flexible treatment options tailored to each client's needs.
With years of experience, our medical team understands the challenges those in recovery go through. Some also have lived experiences of addiction and are here to support those suffering.
Should an individual choose to recover at NPAC residential treatment center, we provide them with a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan aided by round-the-clock care, world-class nursing staff, outstanding treatment facilities, and addiction specialists.
Although dedicated professionals who possess clinical expertise and have a great passion and commitment for compassionate care are on hand to provide cocaine withdrawal treatment, our clients are encouraged to take an active role in their recovery process.
During an individual's time in our rehab center, treatment is tailored to their needs. To ensure that each person receives the treatment they need, we assess factors such as drug abuse history, co-occurring mental health disorders, previous treatment, and recovery goals. We will also ascertain the available level of care upon completing treatment to ensure that sobriety can be maintained.
Overcoming addiction requires more than just detox from cocaine. Though detox is vital, it is only the first step on the recovery journey. To secure a lifelong recovery, those who complete detox must identify the underlying cause of their addictive behavior and work on healthier coping strategies to manage these issues.
To support clients in doing so, we provide holistic healing. At NPAC, we believe this is the most successful method. It considers each person's well-being to help them recover from the addiction and any associated mental health issues. These underlying issues often perpetuate addiction, so by treating them and increasing inner strength, those in recovery find themselves better able to overcome any challenges ahead.
At NPAC, we recognize that every client is unique. We focus on personal growth and healing through our 12-step groups and alternative therapies to help those in our care re-center mindfully and creatively.
Our treatment approaches include:
With our medical expertise, compassionate care, and deep understanding, anyone who enters our center can find an alternative to addiction.
Addiction is a severe illness, and prolonged cocaine use can damage the mind and body, affecting many areas of life, such as work, relationships, and physical health. Untreated addiction can also lead to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. For this reason, anybody living with addiction must access either an outpatient or inpatient treatment program.
Cocaine abuse can have a serious impact on the mind and body. If left untreated, those who abuse drugs may find themselves in hazardous scenarios. However severe addiction may be, support is available. Although addictions to stimulants can be difficult to overcome, specialist treatment for cocaine misuse can help those in need regain control of their life.
At NPAC, we are committed to caring for our client's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Call or email us today to find out more about cocaine detox or to start treatment.
