Cocaine detox is the essential first step in treating cocaine addiction. It’s the process of eliminating cocaine and its metabolites from your body. There are unavoidable withdrawal symptoms, many of which are psychological and challenging to handle on your own. Professional help is what makes all the difference, and together with support from experienced healthcare providers, it leads to the success of the cocaine detox program. 

Getting cocaine out of the system can be uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous for some people, mainly if their cocaine use has been heavy and chaotic. Accessing a residential or inpatient cocaine detoxification program where you are under medical supervision can ensure the process remains as safe as possible. The length and intensity of your withdrawal will depend on how much of the drug you’re consuming and how long you’ve abused it.

If you or someone you care about is having a hard time with the decision to stop using cocaine, contact We Level Up Treatment Centers to get help. Our experts will explain what to expect when you detox from cocaine, what are the signs you are going through a withdrawal, and how our program can support your determination to stay clean. Call today and start the detoxification and rehab process to enjoy your life away from the impact of cocaine.

What is Cocaine Detox?

To put it simply, cocaine detox is the process of eliminating cocaine (and/or crack cocaine) from your body. Cocaine and crack cocaine are virtually identical in chemical and pharmacological makeup. As such, both cause the same side effects, and there is no difference between cocaine addiction and crack addiction or how long cocaine stays in your system.

Although cocaine and crack cocaine detox practically start with ceasing the use, for many, this only happens with the assistance of detox facilities. This is the safest and most efficient way to do it, as ceasing use implies withdrawal symptoms, many of which are unpleasant and difficult to manage and, therefore, require professional assistance. 

Cocaine Addiction Treatment Statistics

Studies have found that rehab addiction treatment can be effective in helping individuals overcome cocaine addiction, with success rates varying based on the type and length of treatment. A study found that a combination of behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, along with medication-assisted treatment, was effective in reducing cocaine use and promoting abstinence among individuals with cocaine addiction.

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Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Depending on the length of time and the amount used, cocaine detox may bring on various physical and physiological withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from certain substances, like alcohol and benzodiazepines, can involve severe physical withdrawal symptoms. However, cocaine detox symptoms tend to be more mentally intense.

Most users will experience a level of decreased energy as well as increased anxiety and irritability. Unlike substances such as alcohol and heroin, withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting and tremors are not expected. However, a combination of alcohol and cocaine abuse is common and can trigger these more severe symptoms.

As mentioned before, due to the chemical makeup, crack withdrawal symptoms will be the same as cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Not everyone will experience all these symptoms, though, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary widely. If you or someone you care about is experiencing cocaine withdrawal symptoms, seeking professional help and support as soon as possible is critical to managing symptoms and preventing relapse.  

Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for cocaine withdrawal can vary from person to person. It depends on factors such as the frequency and amount of cocaine use and individual differences in physiology and psychology. Not only the degree of addiction but also the method of cocaine use (snorting, smoking, or injecting) can all have an impact on it.

Here’s a general timeline of what to expect during cocaine withdrawal:

• 1-3 days: The first few days after stopping cocaine use can be the most intense regarding withdrawal symptoms. Common symptoms during this period may include agitation, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and intense cravings for cocaine.
• 4-7 days: During this period, withdrawal symptoms may decrease in intensity. However, symptoms such as depression, irritability, and cravings may persist.
• 1-2 weeks: By this point, many of the physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal have subsided. Nevertheless, psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cravings may continue.
• 3–4 weeks: Most physical withdrawal symptoms have subsided, but some individuals may still experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and cravings.

Seeking professional help for cocaine detox is irreplaceable when it comes to making the withdrawal stage of addressing addiction as safe and comfortable as possible. 

Safe Methods for Cocaine Detox

Long-term, continued cocaine abuse quickly leads to late-stage addiction. In this stage, the user’s risks are significant and critical to be aware of. The most severe of the possible bets are overdose and death. Moreover, polydrug use, which includes cocaine, is becoming an increasing concern.

Unlike addiction to other addictive substances, the effects can be life-altering. This includes job loss, relationship strains, financial decline, health problems, and mental instability. Increased health problems may include stroke, seizures, heart disease, and cardiovascular and respiratory complications. Moreover, users who share paraphernalia, especially needles, are at increased risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

All of this showcases the importance of a safe cocaine detox. If you are looking into how to get cocaine out of your system, you should seek an expert help to do so. You will need professional support from staff who can make the cocaine detox process less uncomfortable because it can last anywhere between 12 hours and 4 or more days. Trained and licensed staff can easily spot signs of cocaine overdose and react to prevent deadly consequences. 

The We Level Up Treatment Centers highly recommend that you look at detoxing within a well-monitored and medically-assisted environment to be kept safe and comfortable throughout the process.

Cocaine Detox and Treatment at We Level Up

Cocaine detox promotes healing in a safe, comfortable environment and provides resources for withdrawal that minimize negative symptoms. With a staff of trained practitioners and caretakers, We Level Up delivers the ability to detox under the watchful eye of professionals. Moreover, we work to maximize comfort, offering medication-assisted treatment as needed, psychological care, and personal support to encourage abstinence from cocaine and other drugs, both today and for years to come.

The process of detoxifying from cocaine at We Level Up Treatment Centers typically involves several steps, which may vary based on the individual’s level of addiction, general health, and other factors. Here are some of the usual steps that may be involved in cocaine detox:

• Assessment: The first step in cocaine detox is typically an assessment by a medical or addiction specialist. This assessment will typically include a physical exam, a medical history, and other tests to determine the individual’s overall health and level of addiction.
• Medical Detox: For individuals with severe or chronic cocaine addiction, medical detox may be necessary to manage cocaine withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. Medical detox typically involves medications and other interventions to manage anxiety, depression, and insomnia. 
• Support and Therapy: After completing medical detox, individuals will generally participate in therapy and support groups to address the underlying issues that led to drug use and develop coping skills to prevent relapse. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and other behavioral therapies may be used to help individuals overcome addiction.
• Healthy Habits: As part of the detox process, individuals may be encouraged to adopt healthy habits such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress-management techniques to promote overall health and well-being.
• Aftercare: After completing a detox program, individuals may continue participating in aftercare programs or support groups to help prevent relapse and maintain sobriety.

Medical Cocaine Detox

The medical detox is the safest way to detoxify from any drug. It implies relying on medications to manage withdrawal symptoms. Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medications specifically for the treatment of cocaine withdrawal. However, some medications may be used off-label or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to manage specific withdrawal symptoms or reduce cravings. 

Here are some of the medications that may be used for cocaine detox:

• Antidepressants: Antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be used to manage cocaine and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.
• Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) may manage symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia during cocaine withdrawal. However, benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional.
• Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsant medications may be used to manage symptoms such as seizures when someone withdraws from cocaine.
• Dopamine Agonists: Dopamine agonists may be used to manage symptoms such as fatigue and anhedonia (lack of pleasure) during cocaine withdrawal. These medications work by increasing dopamine activity in the brain.

These medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for cocaine addiction, which may also include therapy, support groups, and other interventions. Additionally, only licensed staff members working in an inpatient setting should prescribe, administer, and control the medications used for cocaine detox. 

Post-Detox Treatments

Following the completion of a cocaine detox program, several different treatment options help individuals who have been struggling with addiction. Care can be provided on an inpatient or residential basis and at various levels of care. The levels of care for cocaine addiction treatment following a cocaine detox include:

• Residential Rehab for Cocaine Addiction.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).
• Aftercare Treatment Programs.

These programs are to ensure lifelong recovery. Cocaine detox is setting the base for it, but it is not enough on its own. Prolonged care, which includes psychotherapeutic work, skills development, rehab coaching, and continuous support, is an approach that ensures you stay clean and live to your full potential.

Seek Professional Cocaine Detox

Cocaine addiction, like many addictions, can be overwhelming to face on your own. Yet, the process of addressing it ought to happen for you to live a drug-free life and reach your full potential. The first step in treating your addiction is the cocaine detox process and it’s highly advisable for you to seek professional support for detoxification. 

We Level Up Treatment Centers professional support implies 24/7 care and assistance, skills and mechanism development, and continuous support even after leaving our facilities. We not only help your body get rid of cocaine, but we also help you develop ways to maintain sobriety and live a fulfilling life.

Contact us and let us help you make informed decisions about your health and future. All calls are strictly confidential and there is never any obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions