Deciding to give up any drug can come with its own set of detox symptoms. What to expect when detoxing from cocaine can vary from mild to symptoms that can be more severe. The symptoms that are felt and the severity of these symptoms can be different in everyone, depending on amounts used, for how often and for how long, as well as things like general overall health and wellness of the individual. Regardless of the severity, cocaine withdrawal can be uncomfortable for the individual experiencing it.
What is Detox?
Cocaine detoxification, or cocaine detox, is simply put as the process the body goes through to expel, or “flush†things the drug from its system. Also used as a common diet routine, detox can also refer to general flushing of toxins from the body.
Detox from drugs and alcohol can be uncomfortable and dangerous. For this reason it is often done under medical supervision. This lets medical professionals monitor the symptoms, and help alleviate some of the uncomfortable feelings. When detoxing from cocaine, this process is no different.
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
What to expect when detoxing from cocaine can be similar to any other drug. Cocaine is a stimulant drug which causes feelings of extreme energy, happiness and the feeling of being more alert. However, it comes with its own set of side effects including the constriction of blood vessels, raising of blood pressure and body temperature, and tremors. It can also lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Below is the general timeline of cocaine detox.
Crash
This is the first stage to be expected when detoxing from cocaine. Crashing usually occurs within hours of last use. The term “crash†refers to the fact that in this stage, users tend to feel depleted of energy and extreme tiredness. This usually results in long periods of sleep. Other symptoms felt during this phase are increase in appetite, extreme dehydration, cravings, cardiac issues, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms can usually be felt one to three days after last use.
Withdrawal
During this stage, symptoms experienced during the first stage of cocaine withdrawal tend to increase in magnitude. This can start a few days after last use and a week up to a month. With the symptoms of this stage being more intense and uncomfortable, it is vital in this stage to be under the care of medical professionals to prevent potentially fatal complications or relapse.
Extinction
At this point, the symptoms being experienced have deteriorated and almost gone away. Cravings can and tend to be the last symptom to disappear, making this portion of cocaine detox just as dangerous as the others. While the physical symptoms have seemingly disappeared, cravings can be thought of as a main culprit for relapse during this stage.
Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
When detoxing from cocaine, there are symptoms to be expected, just as with any other drug. These symptoms can vary in severity, strength, and length of time they are felt. Some symptoms can be fatal. Here are a few examples of possible things that can be experienced:
- Vivid dreams
- Irritability
- Cravings
- Increased blood pressure and/or heart rate
- Tiredness
- Trouble concentrating
- Anxiety
- Increased appetite
- Muscle aches and pains
What to Expect When Detoxing From Cocaine
When detoxing from cocaine, it can be expected that it will be an uncomfortable experience. With the body being cleansed of the toxins in cocaine, and trying to revert back to normal functionality, it can seem almost unbearable. It can also be a dangerous detox. The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include increased blood pressure and heart rate. These symptoms can lead to cardiac arrest and stroke. It can be expected to need sleep to recuperate, and have trouble getting the sleep needed.
Because cocaine suppresses appetite, an increase can be noticed once the drug is stopped. Any and all of these symptoms can lead to relapse and possible worse consequences, so when detoxing from cocaine it is best to have professional help to manage these symptoms.
Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Treatment for cocaine addiction consists of treating the physical withdrawal symptoms as well as the underlying causes for the cocaine use. The first step is detox. Removing the drug from the system, as well as addressing and monitoring the symptoms is vital. Because of the dangers associated with detox, being medically monitored is recommended. Inpatient detoxification can provide round-the-clock medical supervision to alleviate the mild symptoms and monitor any possibly more severe symptoms. This also allows for therapies to help address the underlying causes of the addiction. This is crucial to a positive and successful recovery from cocaine addiction.
Safely Detox From Cocaine in Nashville, TN
If you or a loved one suffer from cocaine addiction, there is help. There is hope, there is help. The pain and uncomfortable feelings associated with detoxing from cocaine can be dangerous. And you don’t have to go through it alone, because our team of medical professionals is ready to help when you’re ready to receive help. Contact us today and begin your journey of recovery from cocaine addiction!
