Also known as coke or crack, cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that’s illegally made and sold on the streets. When used recreationally, cocaine creates a rush of euphoria and sensations of increased self-confidence by activating the release of the “feel-good” chemical dopamine. Rather than allowing the brain to reabsorb the remainder of this chemical, cocaine blocks receptors from putting the excess dopamine away for later use, flooding the person’s system and creating a high. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to coke, our cocaine detox in Pennsylvania can help them take that first step towards recovery.
What Is Cocaine Withdrawal Like?
Although cocaine withdrawal symptoms aren’t as severe as opioid or alcohol withdrawal, it can be an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous process if the person does not receive the right kind of assistance. As with other drugs, cocaine or coke withdrawal occurs in people who are physically dependent on the drug.
The longer someone uses cocaine, the more their brain and body adjust to it, eventually requiring it to function normally. At this point, when the person suddenly stops using cocaine or doesn’t use it for a while, their body begins to react to this change suddenly, which are withdrawals.
Coming off cocaine can be anxiety-inducing and is characterized by feelings of restlessness. A person who is physically dependent on this drug and suddenly chooses to stop using it may experience coke detox symptoms like:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slowed thinking
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Restlessness
- Inability to experience sexual arousal
- Anhedonia, or the inability to feel pleasure
- Depression or anxiety
- Vivid, unpleasant dreams or nightmares
- Chills
- Tremors
- Muscle aches
- Nerve pain
- Increased craving for cocaine
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal usually last from 7 to 10 days and range in severity depending on the person’s addiction. The longer someone uses cocaine, the lengthier and more difficult the cocaine withdrawal timeline will be.
Additionally, because cocaine has a short half-life compared to other drugs, withdrawal symptoms can occur as soon as 90 minutes after the person’s last use. To avoid further cocaine abuse and put an end to addiction, the person should undergo cocaine withdrawal treatment.
Cocaine Detox and Treatment in PA
As a Northeast addictions treatment center that offers medically monitored detox for all kinds of addictions, we believe the best detox for cocaine is one that is led by a medical team. Fortunately, we offer just that at our facility.
Clearbrook Treatment Centers offers cocaine detox in Pennsylvania to help clients withdraw from this potent stimulant in a safe and comfortable environment, which is conducive to their overall recovery. Although a patient’s treatment plan varies depending on their disorder, most patients with severe addictions usually begin their treatment with medical detox.
Medical detox is especially important for patients who have relapsed during withdrawal in past attempts. In this case, the 24-hour supervision and care offered by our medical staff prove invaluable in keeping patients accountable and ensuring they get through this difficult phase of cocaine addiction treatment.
Additionally, if the individual suffers from a co-occurring mental health disorder, medical detox followed by our inpatient drug treatment in Pennsylvania can effectively address the side effects of quitting cocaine. What’s more, one of the more problematic symptoms of cocaine withdrawal is acute stimulant withdrawal, which comes with an increased risk of suicide.
Because cocaine keeps dopamine levels consistently elevated, the brain becomes accustomed to always being in a particularly elevated mood. During withdrawal, these levels suddenly drop, which can lead to side effects like depression, mood swings, and suicidal thoughts.
Especially if the individual has any history of depression or mental illness, medically assisted detox for cocaine is recommended to ensure their safety through the cocaine addiction withdrawal process.
Contact Us Today
Many people continue to use drugs simply to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, a pattern of behavior that often ends in addiction. If you’re struggling with cocaine abuse or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Northeast recovery center for help.
We offer drug and alcohol treatment in PA for people with all types of substance use disorders, ensuring that every patient has all the recovery resources they need to achieve long-term sobriety. From therapy to alumni support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
For more information about our cocaine detox in Pennsylvania, contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today.
Related Reading:
Is Cocaine a Stimulant or Depressant?
