Cocaine detoxification
Cocaine detoxification. What is Cocaine detoxification? Detoxification refers to a methodical and safe approach to help individuals withdraw from addictive substances like cocaine, typically under medical supervision. This process aims to address the immediate physical effects of ceasing cocaine use and eliminate the toxins that remain in the body due to the drug’s chemicals.
Cocaine activates the brain’s dopamine-producing area. Dopamine is a natural neurotransmitter released during enjoyable experiences such as orgasm, laughter, and other joyful moments. When someone consumes cocaine, it triggers an excessive release of dopamine in the brain, resulting in a rapid and euphoric feeling. Consequently, the ‘come down’ from cocaine can lead to significant depressive episodes. Sadly, these can be quite intense and may even provoke suicidal thoughts. This is a primary reason why healthcare professionals recommend conducting a cocaine detox in a secure and monitored setting.
Cocaine detoxification: what to expect
When contemplating how to detox from cocaine, many individuals may feel uncertain about what to anticipate during the withdrawal process. To assist with this, Port of Call has detailed below what most people can expect while undergoing a cocaine detox on their path to overcoming cocaine addiction.
Days 1-3:
Within 24 to 72 hours after your last cocaine use, you might begin to experience feelings of regret and sadness. Sleep may be elusive, and you could wake up feeling unwell in the mornings. Increased hunger is typical at this stage of the cocaine detox, along with irritability. You may also experience confusion and disorientation.
Days 4-7:
During this phase of the cocaine withdrawal process, you may experience alternating periods of low and high drug cravings. Intense cravings usually start to diminish after 3-4 days. You might require longer sleep durations, along with the need to stay hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet.
Other withdrawal symptoms can include:
anxiety
apathy
depression
Dysphoria (a general sense of dissatisfaction with life)
Irritability
Paranoia
Week 1:
After completing one week of cocaine detox, you’re likely to start feeling significantly better. This improvement may boost your confidence, leading you to believe that managing your cocaine addiction is within your reach. However, depressive symptoms, mood disorders, and sleep issues might still linger and can appear in cycles. Cravings can vanish and then unexpectedly return. Following your first week of withdrawal, you may still experience symptoms such as agitation, disturbing dreams, and an increased appetite.
Week 2:
In the second week following acute cocaine detox, cravings for the substance may begin to resurface, and you might continue to feel hunger, anger, and depression. During this week, vivid dreams may occur, and thoughts of using cocaine again may arise.
How to detox from Cocaine at home
While it is indeed possible for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction to detox at home without medical intervention, it is generally not advisable. The primary reason is that the urge to abandon the detox process and the mental challenges involved can be overwhelming. Most healthcare professionals recommend that if you or someone you care about is battling cocaine addiction, seeking professional assistance for the detox process is crucial, particularly for mental health support.
Currently, there is no established pharmacological treatment for cocaine addiction, but various medications have been utilised to aid in the detoxification of cocaine users. Withdrawal from long-term cocaine use can lead to anxiety, depression, and strong cravings for the drug. Different types of medications tackle these challenges in various ways. Please consult your doctor for further guidance, or reach out to one of our addiction specialists for free expert advice on your cocaine detox at 07811 606 606.
How long does Cocaine detoxification take?
Acute withdrawal symptoms from cocaine typically persist for 1 to 3 weeks. After using cocaine, it remains in your system for about 72 hours. During this period, it can also be found in your urine, and traces may linger for up to 12 weeks, especially in habitual users.
The duration for cocaine to exit a person’s body varies based on the frequency and intensity of their use. Individuals with a severe dependency on cocaine often face more severe withdrawal symptoms compared to those who only use it occasionally during binges. For instance, after a standard binge, the ‘crash’ can last anywhere from 9 hours to 4 days. However, long-term users may experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms that could take several weeks or even months to fully resolve.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, seeking professional help is crucial. Rehab Spain is here to provide the addiction advice and support tailored to your needs. Our team of confidential addiction specialists has personal experience with addiction and can assist you in finding the right resources to help you break free from it.
Start your journey to recovery today by reaching out to one of our advisers at 07811 606 606 for more guidance.