Cocaine is a highly powerful, highly addictive stimulant drug. While there are very few medical uses today for cocaine, it is a popular substance of abuse due in large part to its psychoactive components and the “high” it produces.
Because cocaine has a high rate of abuse, many people who use it become dependent or addicted to the drug. Substances such as cocaine are dangerous because not only are they tough to get off of once you have become addicted to them. Even if you are able to quit, stopping taking cocaine “cold turkey” can also be dangerous if not done under the proper medical care and monitoring.
That’s where medical cocaine detox comes in.
At First City Recovery Center in Kokomo, Indiana, our Indiana detox program allows you to wean yourself off of cocaine in a safe and medically monitored environment where you have access to around-the-clock medical care and supervision as well as medications to help treat withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine detox.
Detox is the process in which the body and brain rid themselves of any and all harmful substances so that they can begin the healing process. Without eliminating all the cocaine from your system, the healing and recovery process cannot truly begin.
When attempted in a non-monitored setting, self-detox can be incredibly dangerous. It can also lead to an increased risk of a relapse since the withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine detox are unpleasant and can be painful.
This is why it is strongly recommended that detox treatment be done under the care and supervision of trained medical professionals. Detox can be done at a local hospital, a dedicated detox facility, or a treatment center that also offers detox services, such as First City Recovery Center.
How Long Does Cocaine Detox Last?
- Overall health
- Existence of co-occurring disorders
- The severity of the addiction
- Length of time they have been taking cocaine
- How much cocaine do they take
What Happens During Cocaine Withdrawals?
When you stop taking cocaine after you have built up a dependency or addiction your brain is not going to be happy that it isn’t getting the increase in dopamine. As a result, it rebels in the form of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are not only unpleasant but they can be dangerous if they aren’t properly monitored and treated.
Unlike other substances of abuse, withdrawing from cocaine doesn’t come with many physical symptoms. Most cocaine withdrawal symptoms are psychological in nature.
Common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:
- Vivid dreams or hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Cognitive issues
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Suicidal thoughts
- Depression
- Muscle aches
- Intense cravings
- Hostility
- Irritability
- Changes in sleep patterns
Withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as 90 minutes after you used cocaine last and the symptoms can last up to 10 days.
Treating Withdrawal Symptoms
Medications that might be used to address withdrawal symptoms include:
- Baclofen – used to treat muscle aches and cut down on cravings
- Propranolol – used to relieve anxiety and also cut down on cravings
- Topiramate – used to cut down on cravings
- Disulfiram – used to help prevent relapse
- Modafinil – used to treat insomnia
- Anti-depressants
Cocaine Explained
Cocaine typically comes in the form of a white powder that is snorted. It can also be smoked and injected. Over the years, dealers have started “cutting” cocaine with other substances such as cornstarch and flour to turn a bigger profit.
Common street names for cocaine include:
- Coke
- Crank
- Flake
- Coca
- Crack
- Rocks
- Snow
Why Is Cocaine Addictive?
Cocaine is a very fast-acting substance, but that also means that it wears off quickly. As a result, someone taking cocaine has to keep taking it regularly in order to achieve that “high” they are looking for. This can lead to an increase in tolerance which requires the person to take more and more in order to reach their desired effect.
While this is happening, every time cocaine is ingested more and more dopamine is released. Cocaine not only produces increased dopamine levels but also prevents that extra dopamine from being recycled. As a result, the brain becomes reliant on and dependent on these elevated dopamine levels.
Over time, the brain begins to think that these dopamine levels are normal and requires it. This is a sign that dependency and addiction have formed.
Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
- Intense mood swings
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Rapid heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Breathing issues
- Nosebleeds
- Overdose
- Depression
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Changes in body temperature
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Loss of appetite
If you fear that a friend or a loved one might be struggling with cocaine abuse, there are certain warning signs to be on the lookout for including:
- Lying about their cocaine use
- Pulling away or becoming more isolated
- Getting into financial trouble as a result of their cocaine use
- Noticeable changes in their personal hygiene
- Getting into legal trouble
- Hiding drug paraphernalia or empty bags of cocaine
- Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Struggling at work or school
- Bizzare or even violent behvaior
- Changes in social groups
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
After detox has been completed, the next step is to enter into one of First City Recovery Center’s treatment programs. We offer inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs.
During inpatient treatment, you live at the facility for the duration of your treatment program. Living at the facility allows you to focus 100% of your time and energy on getting clean and sober. It also eliminates the possibility of temptations or relapse during treatment.
For those who are unable, unwilling, or simply don’t need inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment allows you to come to the facility for your scheduled therapy appointments and other commitments and then return home when you are done. With outpatient treatment, you don’t have to put your life on hold in order to get the help that you need.
For those who may not want to live at the facility but also need access to additional medical care, attention, and other services that are often provided to those in inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization might be the perfect fit for you.
Regardless of the treatment plan you go with, therapy is a major component of cocaine addiction recovery. At First City Recovery Center, we offer the following therapy options:
- Psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Individual and group therapy
- Family therapy
- Experiential therapy such as music, art, and adventure therapy
Are You Looking For Cocaine Detox in Indiana?
At First City Recovery in Kokomo, Illinois we understand that getting the proper medical detox care is just as important in the recovery process as treatment and therapy. That’s why, in addition to our various therapy and treatment programs we also offer detox.
For more information about our various treatment options, contact us today.
MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vahid Osman, MD is a psychiatry specialist in Indianapolis, IN.
Dr. Osman completed a residency at Austin State Hospital. He has over 32 years of experience in Psychiatry & Behavioral Health. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
