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Cocaine Detox

Cocaine Detox in Port St. Lucie

Cocaine – also known as crack, girl, 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.

What Is a Cocaine Addiction?

Cocaine is usually found in the form of a fine, white powder. However, if the drug is cut with other substances, such as talcum powder or cornstarch, its appearance can vary. Typically, this happens when cocaine is bought from dealers hoping to increase profits by bulking the drug up.

More dangerously, cocaine is also commonly cut with other drugs such as amphetamine or synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. Combining these substances with cocaine comes hand-in-hand with significant risks, especially if the user is unaware of the combination. Unfortunately, the recent increase in the number of overdose deaths is thought to be related to this trend.

Like many other drugs, cocaine has a very rapid onset of symptoms. However, these symptoms vary depending on the way the drug is used. Typically snorted, injected, or smoked, the different methods of using cocaine produce slightly distinct feelings and intensities.

No matter how cocaine is administered, the immediate effects often include:

Euphoria

Increased levels of energy

Enhanced alertness

Increased use of the senses

Irritability

Paranoia

In addition to the above, some people believe that cocaine makes them function more efficiently. However, taking a large quantity of cocaine in one sitting can lead to strange, unpredictable, and violent behavior.

Cocaine dependency, or addiction, is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as when somebody displays three of the following criteria:

A tolerance to the effects of cocaine

Requiring higher quantities of cocaine to produce the same effects

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using

Using large amounts of cocaine whenever it is available

Being unable to reduce the amount of cocaine used

Preoccupation with acquiring and using cocaine

Engaging in dangerous or illegal behavior to obtain money to buy cocaine

Being unable to hold down a job

Neglecting work responsibilities

Continually using cocaine despite negative consequences

Cocaine Detox Timeline

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:

The crash phase – This is generally experienced very soon after stopping cocaine use. Individuals can initially feel irritable, anxious, and tired, and cravings may temporarily subside in this phase.

The withdrawal phase – In this phase, cravings may begin to increase again, and those completing cocaine detox may experience side effects such as difficulty concentrating and lethargy. Often longer than the crash phase, the withdrawal phase of detox increases the risk of relapse.

The extinction phase – An individual may experience sporadic urges to use cocaine during this phase. Generally, at this point, people are more attuned to their internal and external triggers and can use coping strategies to control them.

What Are the Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?

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:

Decreased alertness

Lack of concentration

Slowed movement

Exhaustion or fatigue

Restlessness

Decreased libido

Depression

Anxiety

Suicidal thoughts

Unpleasant dreams or nightmares

Muscle twitches and tremors

Body aches

Urges to use cocaine

Increased appetite

Vivid dreams

How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?

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:

Length of use – For individuals who have been using cocaine for a prolonged period, withdrawal symptoms may linger for weeks after the last use.

Quantity – People who use significant amounts of cocaine usually experience withdrawal symptoms for one week to ten days. In contrast, those who use smaller amounts may only experience symptoms for a few days.

Multiple substance abuse – The detox process can be more complicated and challenging for people with numerous substance addictions.

Environmental factors – If cocaine is used as an escape mechanism from stressful situations, staying within the stressful environment may trigger the use of the drug, interrupting the detox process and prolonging the withdrawal process.

Co-occurring physical or mental health issues – If somebody is suffering from a condition such as depression or an eating disorder, this can cause complications during the detox from cocaine.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding cocaine withdrawal symptoms, treatment should be completed via a rehab or detox center under the care of medical experts.

Is Medical Supervision Necessary?

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.

How To Manage Withdrawal Symptoms

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:

Drinking lots of water

Eating good food

Exercising

Getting adequate sleep

Joining a community support group

Additionally, community support groups, behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy are effective methods of progressing through recovery and maintaining sobriety.

Addiction Treatment Available for Cocaine Detox

Across the country, there are many treatment options available for cocaine detox. At NP Addiction Clinic, 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.

The NP Addiction Clinic Method

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 NP Addiction Clinic, 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 NP Addiction Clinic, 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:

Art therapy

Family counseling

Group therapy

Individual therapy

Medication

Music therapy

Support groups

Recreational therapy

With our medical expertise, compassionate care, and deep understanding, anyone who enters our center can find an alternative to addiction.

What Is the Outlook for Cocaine 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 NP Addiction Clinic, 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.

Why Choose NP Addiction Clinic?

Why our St. Lucie County rehab and mental health center is right for you and your loved ones.

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24-Hour Support

We are dedicated to helping people heal, recover and live better lives, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Count on us to be there when you need us most. 

On-Site Detox

Unlike most facilities, we provide a complete, in-house safe and comfortable medical detox.We care for you from start to finish.
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Mental Health Treatment Pros

We are experts in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction and much more. Our mental health expertise is above and beyond the norm.
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Aftercare and Alumni Support

Our aftercare, alumni support and MAT programs are second to none. We’re invested in your recovery and wellness for the long haul. 

Let’s Talk Today

The Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic is committed to delivering the best mental health and addiction treatment available. We can help you or the one you love too, but you need to make the first move. Call us now at (888) 574-3506 or send us a message using this form.

Kim L. Buckner

Facilitator

As a Substance Abuse Motivational Speaker, Pastor, Peer Advocate, and Facilitator. Kim helps clients avoid relapse by understanding their triggers. Those people, places and things that can cause craving, as well as internal triggers like feelings, thoughts, or emotions. Kim also clients with identifying and building healthy relationships now that they’re clean and sober.

Kim’s background includes extensive experience as a motivational speaker and work in faith-based organizations helping youth and adults alike. She says she is motivated by giving back to the community, understanding, and not judging who she comes into contact with. Kim’s favorite quote is by Dr. Raymond Johnson: “The respect given to others rebounds to the giver to deny the scared in the Other is to deny it in oneself.”

Caty Burns

Clinician

Caty graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Counseling and History. Throughout her undergrad, she worked at the local CASA program, supporting volunteers advocating for children who had experienced abuse and neglect. Caty worked for seven years at a community mental health center (CMHC), partnering with children, adults, and families.

During those seven years, she taught life and coping skills as well as behavior management, provided case management and peer recovery services, and facilitated treatment teams that included the client, family, providers, and community members. I have also worked at an IOP providing group therapy services. She is currently working towards my Master of Social Work.

In her free time, Caty enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, spending time outdoors and having movie nights with her family. Disney World is her happy place, and she dreams of living among the elephants.

Madison Knowles

Mental Health Therapist

My name is Madison Knowles, I am a Mental health therapist at NPAC. I am a single-mother of two and I have a daughter who is globally delayed and has been diagnosed with autism. I have been in this industry since I was 16 years old, as I was fascinated with human behavior. I obtained my masters in applied behavioral analysis and started off working with people with disabilities. I then found my love for counseling when I worked with juveniles who had mental health and substance use issues. I then decided to go back for my mental health therapy license after that and working in a forensic treatment center. I went on to obtain my therapy credentials and since 2017, I have also been working on my PhD in forensic psychology in which I am currently working on my dissertation. I am inspired by change and how resilient people can be. My favorite inspirational quote is “Some will, Some won’t, So what, NEXT!!!” This quote has inspired me to try, try, and try again no matter how hard life gets, someone will give you a chance eventually. As a therapist at NPAC, I have been given the opportunity to work with diverse populations such as in substance use and mental health and I am known for my work with people on the schizophrenic spectrum as well as with other clients with other severe conditions including personality disorders.

Megan Carmona, LMHC

Lead Therapist

Our Lead Therapist, Megan, is a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with adults who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. As Lead Therapist, she provides individual, family, and group therapy sessions to our clients.  Megan says “I am very passionate about therapy, especially about supporting my clients in exploring their strengths and identity. My goal is to provide individuals with the tools that can help them achieve independence in coping with their challenges and facilitating personal development.” In her free time, Megan enjoys watching docu-series and playing video games with her family. Her dream is to own acres of land so she can care for vulnerable animals, especially old dogs, cats, and horses. 

Kristen Bensley

Primary Clinician

As Primary Clinician, Kristen works with all aspects of our clinical team, from case management to primary therapy.  She has broad experience working in the mental health field. Prior to joining our team at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic, Kristen was part of the team awarded the Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Designation by Cigna. She says her motivation is to help people rediscover who they are and become excited about the future and all the possibilities life offers. Kristen’s favorite quote is: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

Ronn Daigle, MSW

Therapist, Utilization Review Clinician

Ronn Daigle services as a Therapist and Utilization Review Clinician at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has been working in the field of substance use disorder treatment since 2011, with experience in all facility-based levels of care. Ronn earned, both an Associate of Arts in Psychology (2013) and Bachelor of Science in Human Services, with an Addiction Studies Concentration (2015) from Indian River State College. 

Ronn additionally earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2021 and is a current Registered Clinical Social Work Intern working toward licensure (LCSW). He describes himself as detail oriented, and solution focused.

Ronn says: “There is nothing more fulfilling than working with someone who doesn’t believe in himself or herself, and being there in the moment with them when the belief begins. We work with individuals who come to us at a point and time in their respective lives where they do not believe that change for others is possible; let alone for themselves…throughout the process they eventually come to a point where they realize that change is not only possible, but achievable.”

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI

Assistant Clinical Director

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI is the Assistant Clinical Director at Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic who specializes in the treatment of LGBTQ, addiction, as well as mental health disorders ranging from depression and anxiety, to Bipolar Disorder, trauma, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. Erika utilizes a number of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness amongst others. Erika has been in practice for close to a decade and has earned her license in Mental Health Counseling, as well as being a Master’s Certified Addiction Professional. Erika has worked with many individuals including couples counseling and family therapy, and is fluent in Spanish.
 
Throughout my years of practice, one of the things I enjoy helping people find is inner peace. Whether you are in the deepest parts of depression, overrun by your anxiety, controlled by your addiction, or there are certain issues in your life that are negatively impacting your ability to function, and have a happy, healthy life, maybe now is the time to talk about it. I am a big believer in empowerment, working hard in therapy, and utilizing different techniques to help you regain that inner peace that may have been lost along the way. I want to work with you as a team because with two people, absolutely everything is possible. I want to be there as a therapist, to help build you up, support you, but also help you be honest with yourself and accountable. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, my biggest goal for you is going to be simple….for you to no longer need my services. Why? Because if you no longer need my services, it means that you have regained your peace, you have regained your strength, you have regained your confidence. It means that you now have the tools to address any issues that try to derail you, and best of all, you will have the insight to overcome and thrive. So let’s begin this journey together, and get you to the place you want to be, emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and in your sobriety.

Aurelio Ayuso, MSW, LCSW, CAP, ICADC

Clinical Director

Aurelio has worked with those that suffer from the disease of addiction in adults and juveniles alike for over 10 years, beginning in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 20 years, working with those that were succumbed by addiction due to trauma and continuing his passion for helping those in need locally in Central Florida.

He specializes in both Addictions and Trauma, he has worked first as a therapist then as the clinical supervisor to both the Juvenile and Adult Drug Court programs in Brevard County. Aurelio has been instrumental in developing substance abuse treatment programs directly tailored to help those that also suffer from complex trauma due to their addiction. He has been recognized by several organizations for his forward thinking and ability to tailor treatment to individuals in the most restrictive environments.

Mr. Ayuso received his Graduate Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as Certified Addictions Professional in the State of Florida, and Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. Aurelio specializes in the treatment of Addiction, Trauma, and Abandonment using strength based strategies deeply rooted in Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Therapies. At the Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic he passionately develops holistic curriculums that foster the belief that through addressing the mind, body, and spirit together, the Disease of Addiction can be addressed successfully.

Robert Lehmann, MHSA

Chief Operating Officer

Bob Lehmann is the Chief Operating Officer at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has a Master’s Degree in Human Services Administration with a concentration in Mental Health Administration and over twenty-five years of experience as a senior executive at addiction and mental health treatment facilities.

One of the reasons for his commitment to excellence in addiction treatment was his experience related to family members who suffered from the disease of addiction. Bob has been actively involved in community organizations throughout his career. Recently he was one of the founders of the Florida Addiction Treatment Coalition (FATC) and is its present Vice President. FATC was designed to bring together treatment executives in Florida to advocate on behalf of treatment facilities and the clients they serve adhering to a foundation of integrity and service excellence.

Jose R. Toledo, M.D.

Medical Director

A well-rounded and accomplished individual, Jose R. Toledo, M.D., is the Medical Director of Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a neurologist with 25 years of experience and has been in private practice since 1991 on the Treasure Coast of Florida. He completed his neurology training at the State University of New York and his Fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology.

He also completed 24 months of acute inpatient psychiatry at the Western Missouri Mental Health Center, University of Missouri in Kansas City. In 2008, Dr. Toledo participated in and was certified in the continuing medical education activity entitled “Buprenorphine and Office-Based Treatment of Opioid Dependence” from The Medical University of South Carolina during which began his quest to found and head Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a brain specialist with particular competence in addiction medicine and out-patient detoxification treatment and integrates the fields seamlessly. He is certified to prescribe Buprenorphine (Suboxone). He incorporates his background in neurology into the addiction field. Dr. Toledo is member/fellow of The American Medical Association, The Florida Medical Association and The American Society of Addiction Medicine