Recovering from an addiction is never a straight and easy path, but no situation is beyond hope or healing. Among the many substances that cause addiction, cocaine is one of the most common and prolific. Many start using it recreationally, but dependence and addiction are quick to set in.

Addiction affects the one struggling, but it also impacts those around them. Family and friends will notice changes, and relationships become strained, but none of it is beyond repair – it often just takes time.

There are many stages to cocaine addiction recovery. The beginning is often the hardest, especially for those trying to do it without help. Everyone and every situation is different, so there is no strict timeline. Read on to learn more about recovering from cocaine addiction and how long it may take.

Cocaine Addiction Recovery Process

Recognizing that you have a problem is the first big step in any recovery process. The next step is asking for and seeking help. Once you’ve surpassed these hurdles, you’re well on your way to recovery already.

Help comes in many forms, but it’s almost always necessary for a proper, lasting recovery from cocaine addiction. Many choose inpatient recovery programs, though outpatient options can also be effective.

Regardless of the route you choose, a few things will happen:

Detox

The first step is always a detox from the drug. Regardless of how long you’ve been addicted, your body and brain have grown accustomed to the substance. Suddenly depriving it of a regular supply will have some effects, none of them pleasant. The detox period can last anywhere from a week, to a month, or more depending on the individual and the severity of the addiction.

Some of the things you’ll experience during a detox include:

• Agitation and irritability
• Anxiety and depression
• Brain fog/difficulty concentrating
• Nerve pain
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Vivid dreams
• Slow speech
• Decreased movement
• Fatigue

While some symptoms are physical, many people experience psychological symptoms more heavily during a detox, such as anxiety, anger, paranoia, and even suicidal thoughts. This is why it’s crucial that a detox be supervised, and ideally, have a medical team on hand.

Withdrawal

Once you’re through the detox phase, you’ll move on to withdrawal. At this stage, your body is rid of the substance, but you’re still dealing with the aftermath. Withdrawal hits everyone a little differently and the severity of your addiction will come into play, as well.

That said, withdrawal symptoms typically last a few weeks but can extend to several months in some circumstances.

Some withdrawal symptoms are similar to what you felt during detox but may be less severe. Additional symptoms may also set in as the body adjusts and you begin recovering. These symptoms can include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Irritability
• Slowed thought and movement
• Poor concentration
• Fatigue
• Sleep changes such as insomnia, oversleeping, etc.
• Increased appetite
• Paranoia
• Intense cravings
• Negative thoughts and feelings
• Vivid nightmares
• Low energy
• Poor memory

Although detox tends to be more severe and dangerous, withdrawal can be just as hard on the body. This is why an inpatient program or an intensive outpatient program is highly recommended.

A proper inpatient rehab program offers around-the-clock supervision and care. This includes prescribing medication as necessary and medical intervention in case of an emergency. The professionals can also help you stay more comfortable overall.

Perhaps most importantly, a proper rehab program also prevents you from relapsing during this period. Part of the detox and withdrawal process will include intense cravings. This is a big reason why many people struggle to fully recover without help. These cravings are incredibly hard to resist and many become desperate to escape the pain and discomfort they’re feeling.

Cocaine Addiction Recovery Timeline

Unfortunately, it’s hard to predict exactly how long recovery will take. Many people are at least well on their way within a month or two, but there are many factors to consider.

The following can all contribute to the length of a cocaine addiction recovery:

• How long you’ve been using the substance
• How frequently you’ve taken it
• How much is taken each time
• How long you’ve been addicted and dependent
• How your body reacts to detox
• How much damage has already been done

While the first few weeks and months following your initial detox are crucial, recovery is an ongoing process. You’ll have good days and bad days, and you must have a strong foundation in place and a strong support network to fall back on.

Lily Recovery offers a top-notch inpatient program with everything you’ll need to get on the right track. Our facility is quiet, private, and entirely female-only. We accept only ten women at any given time in hopes of creating a safe and quiet space while still fostering a sense of community and support.

We offer many methods and avenues of treatment and helpful amenities:

• Comprehensive individual therapy spanning various methods and techniques
• Multiple group therapy sessions each week
• Holistic therapies and activities, including yoga, meditation, art, journaling, and more
• Access to nature while maintaining privacy
• Healthy, freshly cooked meals each day
• Access to workout equipment
• Access to additional programs
• Aftercare planning
• And more

While the average stay at our facility is around 30-45 days, you are welcome to remain in our program for as long as you need. We’re also a self-referring facility which means you can check yourself in at any time, no referral or recommendation is needed.

Recover on Your Own Time

There is no one way that a recovery journey will go, but there are milestones you can expect to experience, such as the detox period transitioning into withdrawal. While our average stay is just over a month, many people require longer, and that’s okay.

The important thing about our program is that you have 24/7 monitoring, instant access to medical care, and no access to any substances. Our qualified, professional, and compassionate therapists and counsellors work closely with all patients to ensure an individualized plan for recovery and success.

We also help you plan for the future and help you set up aftercare once you’re ready to leave. We’re committed to your long-term recovery, and we’re with you for every step of the journey. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today with any questions or concerns.