Cocaine Detox in Indiana

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.

What Is Cocaine Detox?

Cocaine is such an addictive substance that when you try and stop taking it, it can not only be difficult to do but it can also be dangerous if you aren’t being properly monitored. While tapering can be done, the safest way to get off of cocaine is by undergoing 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?

The typical length of time for a detox program is seven days. That being said, the length of time someone spends detoxing can vary from person to person based on a variety of factors such as:

• 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?

One of the biggest reasons why it is important to detox from cocaine under medical care and supervision is because of the withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine detox.

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
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Paranoia
• Intense cravings
• Cognitive issues
• Hostility
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Suicidal thoughts

Withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as 90 minutes after you used cocaine last and the symptoms can last up to 10 days.

Treating Withdrawl Symptoms

While there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically designed for treating cocaine withdrawal, during medical detox you might be administered medications designed to alleviate and treat some of the specific withdrawal symptoms that you are experiencing.

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 is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that is made from the leaves of the coca plant. It is a Schedule II substance meaning that it has very few legitimate medical uses. Cocaine is, however, a very popular street drug and is commonly used and abused recreationally due to its psychoactive effects.

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
• Crack
• Crank
• Rocks
• Flake
• Snow
• Coca

Why Is Cocaine Addictive?

When you ingest cocaine, it releases a jolt of dopamine into the body. Dopamine is the feel-good chemical that the body naturally produces that leads to feelings of pleasure and euphoria. The rush of dopamine is why someone feels “high” after ingesting cocaine.

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

Symptoms of cocaine addiction can vary from person to person based on a variety of factors. Some common signs of cocaine addiction include:

• Intense mood swings
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Rapid heart rate
• Changes in body temperature
• Dilated pupils
• Insomnia
• Breathing issues
• Runny nose
• Nosebleeds
• Loss of appetite
• Overdose

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
• Hiding drug paraphernalia or empty bags of cocaine
• Pulling away or becoming more isolated
• Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Getting into financial trouble as a result of their cocaine use
• Struggling at work or school
• Noticeable changes in their personal hygiene
• Bizzare or even violent behvaior
• Getting into legal trouble
• Changes in social groups