a man struggles with the symptoms of cocaine detox on his own

Symptoms of Cocaine Detox

Symptoms of cocaine detox can range from mild to severe, depending on many factors. Even with a thorough medical evaluation, it is impossible to predict which withdrawal symptoms a client will experience when they go through the stages of cocaine detox. The cocaine detox center at Promises Behavioral Health helps all of our clients stay healthy and comfortable through withdrawal. Contact Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn more about our addiction treatment services.

What Is Detox?

Detoxing is the process of flushing toxins from the body. As soon as the effects of a drug wear off, the body starts to detox. The more severe and prolonged a cocaine habit is, the more uncomfortable the symptoms become.

It can take several days or months for the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal to completely subside. The length and severity of symptoms are affected by:

  • Family history
  • Underlying physical or mental health conditions
  • Duration of addiction
  • Method of ingestion (snorting, injecting, etc.)
  • Dose and frequency of use

Detoxing from cocaine alone at home is not recommended. Detoxing with medical supervision protects people from potentially life-threatening detox symptoms and keeps them as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

The Stages of Cocaine Detox

Whether mild or severe, the symptoms of cocaine detox typically come and go in a predictable pattern. First, there is the “crash,” then withdrawal, and finally, extinction.

The crash can begin within a few hours after the last use of cocaine. During this coming-down stage, individuals may feel tired and complain of having no energy. Cocaine suppresses the appetite, so people may also feel hungry during the crash.

The withdrawal stage can last for a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the addiction. 

During the extinction stage, the severity of symptoms begins to ease and gradually stop. Some symptoms, like intense cravings, can remain for many weeks.

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

The physical symptoms of cocaine detox are generally mild but can occasionally be serious. They include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Excessive sweating
  • Difficulty with focus and concentration
  • Increased appetite
  • Vivid dreaming, nightmares, and night terrors
  • Cardiac problems
  • Seizures

The mental health symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are more difficult for most people. Along with strong cravings for the drug, emotional/psychological detox symptoms include:

  • Mood swings
  • Irritability, anger, violence
  • Depression
  • Paranoia
  • Dysphoria
  • Hallucinations
  • Suicidal ideation

Medically supervised detox is especially recommended for people with co-occurring mental health conditions. Experiencing detox may exacerbate other mental health concerns. 

What to Expect from Cocaine Detox

Clients with a long history of drug use are more likely to experience severe symptoms, while those with a mild addiction are more likely to have an easier time. However, cocaine withdrawal can affect everyone differently. 

Whether a client uses outpatient services or residential services, medical supervision is the best way to avoid symptoms that may be uncomfortable or unsafe. Clients receive medications to treat their withdrawal symptoms as well as any underlying mental health concerns that may have gone undiagnosed or untreated.

During detox, you will also begin participating in counseling and other therapies to assist in the recovery process. Receiving medications and other care during detox helps clients feel more positive and enthusiastic about undergoing addiction treatment.

Promises Behavioral Health Provides Medically Supervised Cocaine Detox

If you or someone you love is in need of treatment for cocaine use disorder but worry about detox, the compassionate team at Promises Behavioral Health understands. Fears about detox often prevent people from taking that first step into a treatment center. 

Medically supervised detox alleviates those concerns and makes it possible to detox safely with less discomfort. Call Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn more about cocaine detox and all of our treatment services. 

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