When undergoing a cocaine detox, it is important to practice healthy habits to help the body deal with the challenges it faces. Keeping yourself healthy and busy will keep your mind occupied and pass the time. Finding entertainment that you enjoy is also beneficial as it serves as a distraction from the symptoms. Also, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol.
Medically supervised detox
Cocaine detox is an extremely challenging process, both physically and psychologically. It can cause the addict to lose concentration, lose the ability to feel sexual arousal, experience anxiety, and have suicidal thoughts. It can also cause the addict to have cravings for cocaine and other drugs. While a medical detox is not a cure-all, it can help break the cycle of drug use and help the addict enter rehab treatment.
While cocaine detox can be done in an outpatient facility, medical supervision is crucial, especially if the addict has a history of relapses. Whether the addiction is to cocaine, alcohol, or prescription opiates, a medical detox program can address withdrawal management and mental health treatment.
The withdrawal symptoms caused by cocaine are a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Cocaine activates a center in the brain that produces dopamine, which creates feelings of euphoria. Without dopamine, cocaine users will suffer from major bouts of depression, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
Side effects
Withdrawal symptoms from cocaine can cause depression, agitation, and other symptoms. Some people even report suicidal thoughts. It is extremely important for a person going through detox to have support and guidance. Studies have shown that half of cocaine users have some form of depression prior to detox, and cocaine withdrawal can make depression symptoms even worse. These symptoms can be very dangerous for the person who is detoxing and their family and friends.
The physical withdrawal symptoms are not always the most severe. However, a person who is severely addicted to cocaine may experience severe depression and even psychosis. A person who has undergone a cocaine detox may also experience an accidental overdose. This is because their tolerance levels will decrease, making even a small amount of cocaine potentially deadly. In addition to physical effects, chronic cocaine use and addiction leave permanent damage to the brain and body.
Withdrawal symptoms are most noticeable in the first few days. Depending on the dosage and the duration of cocaine use, the effects can last from three days to two weeks. These symptoms will likely decrease over time, but the psychological side effects may linger for weeks or months. The best way to cope with cocaine withdrawal symptoms is to go through a medical detox program that focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the drug abuse.
Inpatient treatment
Cocaine detox is a critical part of treatment for those with an addiction to cocaine. The withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine abuse are very serious. In most cases, the user will experience a physical crash, intense drug cravings, and depression if they suddenly stop taking the drug. Fortunately, a reputable cocaine rehab will help the patient safely withdraw from cocaine, reducing the risk of relapse.
During the detoxification process, patients may receive medical attention, nutritious food, and plenty of rest. They will also participate in group and individual therapy. The goal of therapy is to teach the patient how to live a new and healthier life. Patients will be encouraged to attend group sessions, participate in recreational activities, and learn how to improve their overall health and happiness.
The duration of cocaine detox inpatient treatment varies, but typically lasts for 30 days, 90 days, or even more. The length of stay is dependent on the severity of the addiction, but an extended stay can be beneficial for those who are more difficult to treat. Many centers offer a discount if patients want to extend their stay.
Duration
The duration of cocaine detox depends on a number of factors, including the type of drug used, the amount consumed, purity, strength, and physiology. It can also depend on the concurrent diagnosis of a patient's underlying health issues. After 10 to 12 weeks of detox, physical cravings and emotional attachment to the drug should be gone. However, intermittent urges may still surface. In such situations, therapy is often helpful.
Physical withdrawal from cocaine starts a few hours after the last dose and can last for a few days. Psychological withdrawal symptoms, on the other hand, can last for weeks or months. While these symptoms may not be life-threatening, they can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. Therefore, cocaine detox should be conducted under medical supervision.
When a person is addicted to cocaine, the withdrawal symptoms begin about 20 minutes to one hour after the last dose. These include a severe craving for coke, restlessness, and clenching of the jaw. As time passes and the user is not using coke anymore, these symptoms get more intense and last longer. Depending on the degree of dependence, these symptoms can last for weeks.