Detoxing off cocaine is no easy task. The symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal are extremely uncomfortable, and could potentially lead to severe health complications. The cocaine detox process can be a difficult undertaking for anyone who is going through it. Understanding how cocaine can affect someone, and how cocaine detox can affect someone, can be a catalyst to getting help in order to prevent severe complications.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a drug derived from the coca plant. It is synthetically produced and was originally used in bronchial inhalers and as a pain blocker during surgery. However, it has no real medical purpose anymore. Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is highly addictive. Because it is so addictive it can result in dependence on the drug. With continued use of cocaine, the body can become dependent on the substance in order to properly function on a daily basis. Addiction to cocaine can result in drastic changes in a person. From personality to physical health, someone who is struggling with cocaine can exhibit some severe and potentially dangerous changes in their life.
Effects of Cocaine
The effects of cocaine can be short and long-term. In the short term, the effects of cocaine can include a feeling of euphoria, altered sense of self, exaggerated confidence levels, increased energy, increased levels of alertness, increased talkativeness, and a lack of need for sleep or food. Long term, the effects of cocaine can lead to devastating results. Increased anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, paranoia, sleep issues, heart problems, addiction, and overdose can all impact a person’s overall well-being drastically. Detoxing off cocaine can prove to be a difficult undertaking if not done under the proper medical supervision.
Cocaine Detox Symptoms
The symptoms associated with detoxing off cocaine can be extremely uncomfortable for anyone who is experiencing it. When a person decides to try to get off cocaine alone, or “cold turkey”, these symptoms often lead them back to using the drug in order to alleviate the symptoms. This not only starts the cycle all over again, but it can also be extremely dangerous. This can result in overdose or other health complications as a result of going any amount of time without the substance and then using it again. The symptoms of detoxing off cocaine can include:
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Increased appetite
- Nausea
- Increased need for sleep
- Cognitive delays
- Slowed motor movements
- Paranoia
- Problems concentrating
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes in heart rate
- Muscle spasms
- cravings
Going through cocaine detox is not an easy undertaking. There are options available for people who are struggling to find help and get better. Taking advantage of these options for drug rehab can result in safely and successfully detoxing from the drug, and finding recovery.
How Long Does Cocaine Detox Last?
Detoxing off cocaine is different for everyone. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms at the same level of intensity every time. Each body heals differently, and there are a number of factors that play a part in the process of cocaine detox. A person’s mental health, length of use, level of use, age, and overall well-being all play a part in how detox from cocaine will last. There is a general timeline of what a person can expect and how detoxing off cocaine could affect them.
Cocaine detox symptoms can begin to present themselves as little as 12 hours from the last use. Within 24-48 hours, the symptoms may peak, and within three to four days, the symptoms begin to subside. However, the cocaine withdrawal timeline could last as long as 3-4 weeks for some. The mental cravings associated with detoxing off cocaine can be intense. This symptom often leads people back to using the substance. It is vital to learn positive and healthy coping skills when someone is seeking recovery from cocaine addiction. Positive and healthy coping skills can help a person combat the cravings and desires to use cocaine and can implement some healthier alternatives to turning to this drug to cope. Learning these skills and leaning on them can prevent relapse and help a person along the road to recovery from cocaine addiction.
Detox Safely With The Healing Center
Cocaine detox can be a dangerous and uncomfortable experience. The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal often lead people to pick the drug up again and use it as a means of alleviating the symptoms they are going through. Using this dangerous drug again after any length of not using it can lead to severe consequences in a person’s life. If you or a loved one are struggling with cocaine, we can help. At The Healing Center, we strive to provide the best care that can help to ensure not only a successful start to recovery but also ensure someone’s safety as they are trying to end cocaine use. Call us today and begin your journey to recovery.
