Cocaine Detox

Cocaine detox is the first step to recovery from cocaine addiction. While detoxing from cocaine is not as dangerous as other substances, like alcohol and opioids, someone can still benefit from inpatient detox with professional support. The Retreat of Atlanta, Georgia offers medical-assisted cocaine detox services to begin their recovery from cocaine addiction.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug derived from coca plants growing in South America. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies cocaine as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. The Schedule II classification means that cocaine “has a high potential for abuse and has an accepted medical use for treatment in the United States” as a topical anesthetic for the upper respiratory tract.

As an illegal drug, cocaine comes in either a white powder or small chunks when used as “crack.” Furthermore, as a powder, users either snort cocaine or dissolve it into water to inject cocaine into the veins. When used as crack, cocaine is smoked, sometimes with marijuana or tobacco. Cocaine is also abused along with heroin or other opioids, which is known as “speed-balling.” Cocaine is abused for the euphoric sensations users get while on the drug. As a stimulant, cocaine speeds up brain activity causing a “rush” of energy and intense focus. Additionally, like other stimulants, cocaine also suppresses their appetite and decreases fatigue. 

The rush experienced on cocaine is fleeting and depletes the brain’s feel-good chemicals, leading to an unpleasant “crash” after the high. This “crash” after cocaine and other stimulant drug abuse can cause fatigue, low energy, and feelings of depression. The high on cocaine only lasts anywhere from five to 30 minutes, depending on how the drug is used and the amount. However, the crash can last for hours and even days as the body recovers from the effects of cocaine use.

There are 2 main ways to consume cocaine. A common way is to inject or snort if it is in powder form. Another way is to smoke if it is in crystal form (commonly referred to as crack cocaine). According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 3.5 million people over the age of 26 use cocaine every month. This means every year, about 15,000 people die as a result of a cocaine overdose. If you are dealing with cocaine addiction, seek therapy at a drug rehab facility.

Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction can occur quickly, as users attempt to avoid the unpleasant crash with more cocaine. In fact, using more cocaine to combat the unpleasant after-effects of the drug further leads to increased tolerance and physical dependency. 

Cocaine addiction can display itself with several physical and mental health symptoms, including:

• Dilated pupils
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness / Insomnia
• Irritability
• Increased sensitivity to lights and sounds
• Mood swings
• Elevated blood pressure
• High body temperature

Addiction to cocaine and other drugs also causes significant behavioral changes. For example, someone can experience negative consequences in their life, yet continue to use cocaine. When they cannot seem to stop using cocaine despite these consequences, at this point, they are likely addicted to the drug.

Behavioral symptoms of cocaine addiction include:

• Problems at work or school, including absenteeism, frequent call-outs, poor performance, or conflicts with others
• Poor hygiene or sloppy appearance
• Risky behaviors, like unsafe sex and reckless driving
• Change of primary friend group
• Secretive behaviors
• Sudden financial issues
• Intense cravings and urges to use cocaine
• Spending most of the time thinking about using, obtaining cocaine, or recovering from a cocaine crash
• Loss of interest in social activities or hobbies
• Unable to cut back or quit using cocaine alone

When someone cannot stop using cocaine on their own, professional cocaine detox can help them begin their recovery.

What Happens During Cocaine Detox in Atlanta?

During our Atlanta cocaine detox, the body rids itself of the harmful chemicals caused by cocaine addiction. In addition, someone’s body and mind adjusts to functioning with cocaine in their system. Medically-assisted cocaine detox helps to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, medical staff and therapeutic support will be on-hand throughout professional cocaine detox. Moreover, medical professionals ensure people detox safely due to cardiovascular issues caused by excessive cocaine use. Patients can also begin peer support and counseling to deal with psychological withdrawal symptoms.

Cocaine Detox Symptoms

Detoxing from any drug will cause symptoms of withdrawal. Most of these symptoms will be similar to the crash that users experience after a high from cocaine. The difficulty of detox lies in how the body reacts when it begins to taper off drug use. Moreover, cocaine and other substances have a huge effect on the chemical composition of the brain, which may lead to issues with judgment. Therefore, people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are likely to take chances that they would not otherwise take.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms during detox include:

• Restlessness or feeling “on-edge”
• Depression and anxiety
• Fatigue
• Agitation and irritability
• Poor concentration
• Increased appetite
• Lack of motivation
• Excessive sleepiness
• Intense cravings for cocaine

While experiencing these symptoms, users are at a high risk of relapse. Moreover, many people become addicted to cocaine to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms associated with the after-effects of cocaine abuse.

Can I Detox From Cocaine at Home?

Detoxing from cocaine at home increases your risk of physical health issues and relapse. In addition, stimulant drugs can severely impact your heart and circulatory system. It is crucial that you detox under the care of medical professionals to ensure your safety. In addition, detoxing at home puts you at a higher risk of relapsing. For instance, you may begin using cocaine again to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. An inpatient detox facility can keep you safe from temptation, offer guidance when understanding what happens during detox, and provide access to drugs that you could have in your home environment.

How Long Does it Take to Detox From Cocaine?

The time it takes to detox from cocaine can vary due to several factors. Some of these factors include the length of the addiction, frequency of use, amount of cocaine per use, and mixing cocaine with other substances. The overall state of physical health can also impact how long it takes to detox. However, most people detox from cocaine in about 5 to 7 days. Symptoms of withdrawal should appear within 8 to 12 hours after someone stops using cocaine. Usually, withdrawal symptoms peak in intensity by the third day of detox. 

Most physical withdrawal symptoms will dissipate over the course of 1 week. Unfortunately, however, mental health symptoms can linger for months after detox. Individuals with a substance use disorder often have underlying mental health issues at the root of their addiction. As a result, cocaine use could have been a way of self-medicating mental health symptoms. After detox, people will need to learn healthy coping mechanisms to replace the unhealthy habit of self-medicating.

Does Insurance Cover Cocaine Detox in Atlanta?

Substance abuse treatment is considered an essential health benefit by most insurance companies. Therefore, coverage might vary depending on the carrier. However, most insurances like PHCS and TRICARE will cover some or all of the cost of substance abuse treatment. Furthermore, insurance coverage generally depends on the medical necessity of treatment.

Cocaine addiction can have adverse effects on one’s physical health—especially the cardiovascular system. Cocaine detox could be an essential part of preventing worsening heart and circulatory issues. If one don’t have insurance, or the insurance doesn’t cover all of the cost of cocaine detox, many treatment facilities offer flexible payment options. Luckily, treatment facilities like the Retreat of Atlanta can discuss payment options to get the help that you or your loved one needs.

Begin Cocaine Detox in Atlanta, GA

Cocaine detox is a critical step in the recovery process. Sadly, due to the severity and unpleasantness of withdrawal symptoms, many people relapse when they attempt to quit cocaine on their own at home. The Retreat of Atlanta, Georgia offers inpatient drug and alcohol detox services for those addicted to cocaine and other substances. Visit our admissions page today to begin your recovery from cocaine addiction.