Cocaine is a serious drug that should not be underestimated. Many people start out trying it recreationally but find that it’s easy to fall into dependence and addiction. It affects everyone a little differently, though many signs and symptoms are largely universal.
It can be hard to spot in someone else, and many don’t even recognize addiction in themselves until it’s very serious. This is why it’s important to pay attention and educate yourself. If you think a loved one is struggling with addiction, you should arm yourself with information about the drug as well as some local resources.
One crucial aspect is the detox process. This is the time immediately after one quit using a substance and the body reacts to the sudden withdrawal. Depending on the severity of the addiction, detoxing can be anywhere from mild to extremely severe and even dangerous.
Cocaine rehab looks different for everyone, with many benefitting most from a comprehensive inpatient program. This can include the detox period, though some wonder if they can do this at home. Read on to learn more about cocaine detox and the safety around doing so on your own.
Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant, offering a boost in dopamine, pleasure, alertness, energy, and more. This is what makes it highly addictive – the temporary effects are desirable. However, the damage it does to the mind and body is severe.
Many things can point to a possible addiction. You can watch for these most common symptoms in yourself or those around you:
- Agitation
- Mood swings
- Dilated pupils
- Nosebleeds, sniffling, and nasal symptoms
- Twitching and tics
- Poor performance at work and school
- Restlessness and insomnia
- Financial trouble
- Lack of interest in hobbies, friends, favourite activities, etc
These things may not point to an addiction if noticed in isolation, but if several of these signs are present, it’s worth noting.
Detox and Withdrawal
Once you stop using cocaine, you’ll start feeling the cocaine detox symptoms pretty quickly. Some things you can expect include:
- Sweating
- Exhaustion
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Shaking
- Shivering
- Irritability
- Anxiety and depression
- Intense cravings
- Suicidal thoughts
These are some of the common symptoms, however everyone is different. A longer-standing and more severe addiction can present more serious symptoms, including heart trouble, seizures, and more.
Once the detox period is over, some symptoms can continue for days or even weeks as you go through withdrawal. This is a dangerous period where many become weak and feel tempted to return to the substance – hence why a treatment program is important.
Some withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Depression and anxiety
- Excessive sleeping
- Increased appetite
- Muscle aches
- Cravings
- Poor concentration
- Fatigue
- Paranoia
Detoxing Safely
Detoxing is a necessary step in recovering from any addiction. However, it’s not always an easy process. It can be uncomfortable, painful, and even dangerous. Detoxing at home can sound like a good option since you’re comfortable there and familiar with everything. However, the risk is higher as you have little to no access to medical resources and attention.
Regardless of where you choose to detox, there are a few steps you can take to ensure a better and safer experience:
- Pain relief. Even over-the-counter painkillers can help immensely with headaches, muscle pain, body aches, and even irregular temperature.
- Comfortable clothing. Both sweating and chills are common during a detox. Loose and comfortable clothing that can be easily added and removed is ideal to ensure comfort.
- Reduce gut discomfort. Anti-nausea medication can be a good idea, along with ginger products such as tea or chews to soothe GI stress and aid digestion.
- Hydration and electrolytes. Especially if excessive sweating occurs, lots of bodily fluids may be lost. Adequate hydration and electrolyte support can help the body replenish lost fluids and maintain function.
- You’ll want to take it slow, but things like walks, yoga, tai chi, etc can help move toxins through the body while also centring and calming the mind. Walking outside can also increase vitamin D.
- Supplements and herbal remedies. There are plenty of natural remedies out there and it’s important to consult a medical professional before starting them. That said, things like St. John’s wort for stress and melatonin for sleep may be helpful.
While all of these can help reduce pain, discomfort, stress, and more, none of them guarantee a smooth and easy detox. You mustn’t be alone during a detox period, and if you’re not in a medical setting, have a doctor and/or an emergency number on hand just in case.
Inpatient Detox
Regardless of your addiction level, the best and safest way to detox is in a professional clinic. Our cocaine rehab for women offers a safe and comfortable place to detox. Once you’re through this period, you can transition seamlessly into our intensive rehab program.
There are many benefits to an inpatient detox at our rehab facility:
- A private and quiet facility.
- 24/7 access to professional medical staff.
- Our staff can provide prescription-only medication if deemed necessary for additional help and pain relief.
- Immediate help and attention in the event of a medical emergency.
- Measures taken to prevent severe and life-threatening reactions.
- No access to substances, so no chance of giving in to intense cravings.
- Move right into our inpatient rehab program which includes multiple forms of therapy, holistic healing methods, and so much more.
Ultimately, detoxing in a properly staffed and equipped facility is the safest option. Please feel free to reach out with any questions regarding detoxing and safety measures.
Detox Safely and Recover in Peace
Our inpatient cocaine rehab program is second to none; we have taken every measure we can to ensure a safe, comfortable, and effective treatment plan. Our program accepts only ten women at a time and our staff is entirely female as well, to ensure maximum comfort and safety during this extremely vulnerable time.
While the average stay is around 30-45 days, you’re welcome here until you’re fully and properly recovered. Whether you’re looking for yourself or a loved one, please feel free to contact us today with your questions and concerns, we’ll offer as much guidance as we can.
