According to 2024 data from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, over 5 million Americans reported repeated cocaine abuse in the past year. The US is home to one of the highest rates of cocaine use in the world. Many use it alongside alcohol to party, or increase their productivity in a high-stress work culture [1].
Cocaine causes a quick spike in dopamine levels, leading to heightened energy, better concentration, and feelings of euphoria. Although cocaine can make users feel these effects in the short term, chronic use of cocaine leads to addiction, increased risk of heart disease, and cognitive decline.
Recovery from cocaine addiction requires a comprehensive approach that helps users get physically stabilized and addresses all underlying factors of cocaine addiction, such as mental health, stress, work-life balance, peer influence, and other lifestyle factors.
The first step in overcoming cocaine addiction is enrolling in a detox program. Cocaine withdrawal can cause several distressing symptoms that affect both mental and physical health. However, medical intervention, medication assistance, and knowing what to expect can help you or a loved one have a more comfortable detox process.
Understanding Cocaine Withdrawal and Detox
Cocaine withdrawal causes several changes and imbalances in essential neurotransmitters.
Quick fluctuations in dopamine can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and, in severe cases, cocaine-induced psychosis. Spikes and drops in serotonin can cause mood swings, changes in appetite, or sleep difficulties. Cocaine use also increases norepinephrine, inducing the body’s “fight or flight” system, and causing symptoms of physical stress [2].
If you or a loved one struggles with a heart condition, high blood pressure, or respiratory issues, it is especially important to detox under medical supervision. Cocaine use can nearly triple the rate of severe medical events such as heart attack, seizures, or stroke [3].
Cocaine Detox Timeline
Typical cocaine detox programs last for about 5 to 7 days. However, the timeline can vary based on several individual factors, including:
- Frequency and duration of use, method of use, and whether cocaine was mixed with other drugs or alcohol
- Presence of co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or trauma
- Individuals who are taking prescription medication, vitamins, or supplements
- Underlying medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or autoimmune disease
- Overall physical health, such as age, gender, genetics, metabolism, liver, and kidney function
What to Expect During Cocaine Detox
There are several things to expect when you enter a cocaine detox program. Withdrawal symptoms cannot be entirely avoided. However, professional interventions can reduce associated pain, discomfort, and emotional distress.
Effective detox programs also offer mental health therapies, psychiatric care, and transitional services to connect patients to a different level of care after detox ends.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When entering detox, cocaine withdrawal is associated with several physical and mental health symptoms that can benefit from medically supervised detox. These include:
- Depression, anxiety, paranoia
- Fatigue, muscle tension, lack of motivation
- Agitation, restlessness, or aggressive behavior
- Inability to focus or feel pleasure
- Emotional deregulation (overly reactive or apathetic)
- Increased appetite, trouble sleeping, drug cravings
Medical Supervision and Medication Management
Professional detox programs provide 24/7 care to ensure patients withdrawing from cocaine are stable, comfortable, and supported. Although there is currently no drug that exists specifically for cocaine withdrawal, medical staff can provide anti-anxiety medications or tranquilizers as needed. A detox treatment team typically includes a licensed medical doctor or nurse practitioner, nursing staff, addiction counselors, and therapists.
Patients who are already taking prescription medication can continue taking their medication as prescribed under the clinical supervision of the detox team. The goal of detox is not to take away helpful and effective medication, but rather to create a comfortable environment to rid the body of cocaine and other addictive substances.
Case Management and Transitional Services
Effective detox centers understand that recovery doesn’t just end after detox. It’s recommended that after detox, you enter a residential rehab program to focus on building the skills needed for long-term recovery. Here, patients participate in individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, trauma recovery, life skills training, and recreational activities.
If one cannot commit to a full-time residential program, case managers can help patients transition to the level of care that meets their individual health needs, flexibility, and schedules, and insurance.
How to Prepare for Detox At a Treatment Center
Detox and residential rehab programs provide a safe space, housing, accommodations, and meals so you can focus fully on recovery. However, there are several ways to prepare yourself before entering a detox or rehab program for addiction.
- Let your family, friends, and inner circle know what is happening. Transparent communication can strengthen relationships, and loved ones may offer support as you enter treatment.
- If you are able, take medical leave from work. Some companies provide time off for circumstances like mental health or addiction crises. If you cannot take time off work, see if the treatment center provides flexible options such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
- Take care of bills, subscriptions, and other financial obligations. Consider making them auto-pay, or turning off certain subscriptions or utilities until you get back from treatment. If you have a trusted friend or family member, consider asking them to help you manage finances while you receive detox treatment.
- Lounge clothing and basics: Underwear, pants, shorts, t-shirts, loungewear, and pajamas. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes, maybe a pair of slippers or a few pairs of fuzzy socks. Detox is focused on resting and physical stabilization.
- A comfort object: A blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow can help ease discomfort during the detox process.
- If you are going to a residential rehab after detox: Pack extra clothes for however long the program is. Think about the weather and location. Do you need a sweatshirt? Jacket? Coat? Bathing Suit? Bring 1 to 2 comfortable pairs of shoes such as sneakers, sandals (if near a beach), or hiking boots (some programs offer recreational activities such as hiking).
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving cream, razor, deodorant, contact case and solution, glasses. Most programs allow makeup and some general toiletries, but it’s best to check to make sure these aren’t alcohol-based solutions. You may be asked to store your razor with the facility for safety reasons.
- Photos, books, or other personal items that motivate you to recover. Most programs provide a journal to their patients, but if you already keep a journal or diary, feel free to bring that.
- Don’t pack any drugs or alcohol. Only prescription medications that have a label with your name and the prescribing doctor. Some centers allow natural medicines like vitamins or supplements.
- Check the electronic policy of each individual rehab. Some centers allow cellphones, while others don’t.
- Create a list of personal goals: Give yourself flexible expectations, achievable goals, or challenges you would like to focus on. These don’t necessarily have to be related to addiction.
Take The First Step Towards Recovery
Restorations HealthCare is committed to addressing underlying factors that cause cocaine abuse. We offer several levels of care and a range of treatment services, including detox, residential, PHP, and intensive outpatient.
Our evidence-based therapies, like CBT, DBT, and EMDR, help address underlying thoughts that drive substance abuse and build positive coping strategies to prevent relapse. Group therapy and peer support offer opportunities for connection. And life skills workshops help patients develop the necessary skills to get back on their feet as they transition back home and to their community.
Restorations HealthCare is focused on saving lives and providing people with the tools to reclaim their lives from addiction. Our dedicated team of trained addiction counselors and licensed mental health professionals uses evidence-based treatments, involves family in the recovery process, provides patients with a strong alumni network for long-term support, and offers psychoeducation about addiction and mental health.
Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Cocaine. 2024. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
[2] The Neurobiology of Cocaine Addiction. 2005. National Library of Medicine.
[3] Recent recreational drug use triples risk of repeat serious cardiovascular event. 2024. European Society of Cardiology.
