Risks of At-Home Cocaine Detox
The risks of cocaine detox at home far outweigh any misconceptions of viability and safety. Cocaine withdrawal can be very uncomfortable and physically and mentally dangerous. At-home detox presents a high probability of relapse, which also increases the opportunity for overdose.
Detoxing any substance use disorder requires 24/7 medical monitoring in a professional treatment facility, with the option of medication-assisted treatment for a successful detox with the least amount of problems.
Dangers of Cocaine Addiction
Acute cocaine toxicity can result in emergent treatment for tachycardia, dysrhythmia, hypertension, and coronary vasospasm. Without treatment, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and even death can occur.
People with cocaine addiction can also experience acute myocardial and renal failure, seizures, hyperthermia, and cocaine-induced rhabdomyolysis. Also called rhabdo; this condition can be fatal or result in permanent disability when damaged muscle tissues release proteins and electrolytes into the blood and fetal/maternal mortality.
The National Institute of Health offers this information in their National Library of Medicine. Those using cocaine with alcohol have a higher risk of suicidal tendencies and often choose a violent cause of death. Pregnant women who are also using cocaine bring risks to the unborn child and themselves.
A psychological issue associated with cocaine addiction is excited delirium, which is often associated with the following symptoms:
- Aggression, restlessness, and confusion
- Hyperactivity
- Extreme paranoia
- Hyperthermia
- Incoherent screaming
- Unusual strength
- Altered mental status
- Paranoia
The physical effects are extreme and dangerous. Unfortunately, many cardiac problems can result from cocaine addiction. Cocaine users can inject, snort, and smoke cocaine, so the effects adversely affect many body areas.
Cocaine toxicity can also cause the following physical symptoms:
- Chest pain, dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
- Headaches
- Neurological deficits
- Vascular spasm and loss of distal pulses (radial artery)
- Extreme sweating
- Extreme itching
- Blurring of vision and vision loss
- Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Corneal ulceration
At-Home Cocaine Detox
Detoxing from a substance can be uncomfortable and dangerous and increases the chance of relapse before detox is complete. It is never a recommendation to detox at home without a medical professional to monitor the withdrawal process and physical and psychological symptoms and prevent the possibility of relapse.
These symptoms can be manageable with detox in a professional treatment facility and increase safety. Without medical supervision, cocaine detox at home can lead to complications, relapse, and possible overdose.
Lack of Support for Detox
The lack of medical and psychological support for cocaine detox at home is a sound reason for choosing to use a professional detox center instead. Therapeutic support from trained medical personnel can manage withdrawal with medication to provide less discomfort.
The lack of support for at-home detox presents is often the primary reason for ending detox midway, and the user immediately reaches out for more cocaine, risking overdose. Without medical support, cocaine withdrawals can be unbearable, and the result is typically unsuccessful.
Relapse and At-Home Cocaine Detox
Cocaine detox in a professional detox center has an average timeline of 5 to 7 days. The timeframe for an at-home cocaine detox could be longer, more complicated, and uncomfortable. With a longer timeline and the possibility of substances being present in the home bringing additional temptations, relapse risk is very high.
Relapse occurring mid-detox period has an increased risk of resulting in overdose. Uncomfortable and in distress, without essential medical support, the user will go back to the usual dosage, which is dangerous after detoxing.
Benefits of Professional Cocaine Detox
The benefits of professional cocaine detox far outweigh the decision to do cocaine detox at home. The professional cocaine detox program in a treatment center offers a professionally trained medical staff who can monitor the patient throughout detox.
Therapeutic support services are integral in helping patients begin to understand the roots of their addiction. Professional support offers comforting measures to help prevent relapse, including medication-assisted treatment options when cravings for cocaine are challenging.
Cocaine Withdrawal
Dealing with distressing symptoms alone is complex, and without professional help, cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to endure. Stimulant withdrawal can involve problematic psychological symptoms.
While there are some physical symptoms, debilitating dysphoria (depression, negative thoughts, and feelings) causes a high risk of relapse. This severe dysphoria could lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts, which are also life-threatening, which is another reason cocaine detox at home may be dangerous.
The following symptoms can occur in cocaine withdrawal:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Depression
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Slowed movements and delay in thoughts
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Increased appetite
- Extreme cocaine cravings
- Paranoia
Cocaine Detox and its Impact on the Body
Extreme fatigue, increased appetite, and changes in sleep patterns are impactful considerations during cocaine detox. The best option is therapeutic support in a professional detox facility.
Rest, a healthy diet, and exercise are beneficial to addressing the body’s needs. While there are no medications to help with cocaine withdrawal, there are medications to address headaches and insomnia.
Psychological Effects of Cocaine Detox
Withdrawal is a challenge psychologically in cocaine detox. Because cocaine affects the levels of dopamine in the brain, withdrawal takes a toll psychologically.
Many people who undergo cocaine withdrawal experience a protracted withdrawal weeks to months down the road. Without critical education and support in cocaine detox concerning this dilemma, not understanding how to deal with prolonged withdrawal symptoms could lead to relapse.
Weighing the Options for Professional vs. At-Home Cocaine Detox in Georgia
Making life-changing decisions can be challenging, but when cocaine addiction takes a brain hostage, it’s almost impossible to make crucial decisions. The Retreat of Atlanta, in Georgia, offers the peace of mind people yearn for by explaining all the details to eliminate fears and doubts. Seeking treatment for cocaine addiction is a step in the right direction.
Contact The Retreat of Atlanta today to receive the information that will secure a decision to attend cocaine detox in their professional facility.