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What Is Cocaine Detox Like?

Cocaine is a stimulant frequently abused by people from all backgrounds. The drug prevents the reuptake of dopamine neurotransmitters, which creates a sense of euphoria for the person using the drug. Over time, the body tries to combat the dopamine flood.

People with cocaine use disorder end up increasing the quantity and potency of the drug to continue getting high. 

What Is Cocaine Detox Like?

While not quite as intense as opioid or benzo detox, cocaine detox can still be challenging.

The addictive properties of cocaine make it hard for a person to seek out sobriety. If an individual is considering cocaine detox, it is helpful for them to understand what cocaine detox looks like.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

As with all substance use, the withdrawal symptoms will depend on the types of substances, the potency, the history of substance use, and the duration of use. Despite this, there are some consistencies in cocaine detox. 

Cocaine detox largely impacts patients mentally. They will experience some physical discomfort, usually akin to body aches from the flu. The psychological symptoms can result in people attempting self-harm if not monitored closely. Additionally, for anyone prone to relapsing, the urge to use will feel unbearable. Cocaine is known for increasing cravings during acute withdrawal.

This list includes the most common cocaine detox symptoms:

  • Depression 
  • Irritability and restlessness
  • Severe fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Vivid nightmares or dreams
  • Anxiety
  • Achiness and physical muscle pain
  • Chills
  • Insomnia
  • Paranoia
  • Increased appetite resulting in weight gain
  • Increased cocaine cravings
  • Suicidal thoughts

Medication Detox Assistance for Cocaine

Unlike other substances, the FDA has not currently approved any medications for the use of cocaine withdrawal. This does not mean there are not any options for medically assisted detoxification. Many medications indicate usefulness when administered off-label or for the treatment of symptoms.

It is up to the doctors and psychiatrists to decide the best course of action. Patients can collaborate in the decision-making process; however, it is wisest to follow the guidance of the medical team.

Off-Label Prescribing

Research may indicate a medication's effectiveness for different conditions than what the FDA currently approved. When it is used in this way, it is considered "off-label." Doctors use their best judgment in deciding whether to prescribe a medication off-label. Considerations include risks, side effects, practice guidelines, and the number of scientific studies supporting the use. Additionally, a doctor must be able to justify the medical need for the prescription to any insurance companies.

Since there are no approved cocaine detox medications, all prescriptions for this purpose are off label. Some meds with support for cocaine detox include the following: 

  • Gabapentin and Vigabatrin: These anticonvulsants release the neurotransmitter called GABA. This helps reduce the cravings for cocaine and the negative psychological symptoms of withdrawal.
  • Modafinil: This medication is intended to treat narcolepsy. It can assist in decreasing severe fatigue for patients experiencing cocaine withdrawal. It can allow them to sleep consistently, decreasing symptoms of insomnia. Additionally, it can prevent the high that comes with cocaine consumption.
  • Propranolol: Research on this blood pressure medication shows effectiveness for treating people with severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms.

Symptom Treatment With Medications

Cocaine withdrawal largely impacts mood, anxiety, and cognitive functions. This can cause difficulties for patients. As a result, SSRIs and anti-anxiety medications are frequently prescribed to patients going through medical detox for cocaine use. This is especially true for patients whose detox plan lasts longer than the typical period. Doctors also prescribe a whole host of sleep medications meant to help with fatigue and vivid nightmares. The treatment of withdrawal symptoms helps patients manage their mental symptoms.

Psychological Support During Detox

One of the primary tenets of the detox process is stabilization. This includes stabilizing the mental symptoms as much as the physical symptoms. A person's medical team will evaluate their mental needs throughout the detox stay. Often, therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing are offered to patients. 

If a person experiences comorbid mental health diagnoses while going through detox, this will also be treated to the best of the facility's abilities. With its high rates of overlap, many detox centers use trauma-informed treatment methods. It is important for anyone entering detox to be honest with their team about their physical and mental state. The doctors will only be able to assist if they have all the relevant information.

Is At-Home Detox Safe?

Though cocaine withdrawal may appear less severe than other substances, it still is not the safest choice to detox at home. The symptoms of acute withdrawal from cocaine are not usually lethal. This is good news. Many people still find cocaine detox difficult due to the intense cravings. When detoxing at home, a person has few barriers preventing them from obtaining cocaine. This can influence even the strongest-willed patients to relapse.

Additionally, a person's tolerance for substances decreases when they are not continually consuming them. A person in the middle of cocaine detox would not be capable of consuming the same quantity or potency of the drug. In severe situations, this can lead to overdose and death.

These factors make it wiser to detox in a drug rehab or addiction center. A person in withdrawal will have 24-hour care to support them physically and emotionally. They will not have easy access to cocaine, so addiction relapse is nearly impossible while in the facility.

Plus, the detox facility will help their patient set up aftercare in the form of residential care, intensive outpatient care, or therapy. The continued support after finishing detox can determine whether a person maintains their sobriety.

Breaking a Cocaine Addiction Starts With Drug Detox

Breaking a cocaine addiction is no easy feat. It is, however, the path to a happier, more fulfilling life. As someone goes through cocaine withdrawal, they will need a lot of support. They will cope with psychologically distressing symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. They may experience extreme depression, anxiety, and nightmares. Meanwhile, they will feel intense cravings for cocaine.

People with cocaine use disorder need the benefits offered by 24-hour care to ensure they will not endanger themselves. Finding that kind of care early in treatment can be hard, however.

That’s why we created DetoxNearMe.com, the largest collection of professional detox center listings on the web. With our site, you’ll be able to find a detox center near you, for your budget, needs, and history.

Cocaine addiction can be deadly. Start the journey towards recovery today with DetoxNearMe.com.

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