Cocaine is a highly addictive and illegal stimulant drug. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), 874,000 people try cocaine for the first time each year and 5.5 million people use it annually.[1]
Regular use of cocaine can lead to physical dependence and addiction, causing individuals to experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. Although not life-threatening, cocaine withdrawal can be mentally and physically challenging, so it’s always best to detox under medical supervision.
This article discusses cocaine detox programs. You will learn:
- What happens during cocaine withdrawal
- Why medical detox is necessary
- What to expect during detox
- How to find a cocaine detox center in Pompano Beach
If you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, please contact First Step Behavioral Health now to explore our detox and treatment programs.
What Happens During Cocaine Withdrawal?
Cocaine withdrawal occurs when someone who has been using cocaine regularly stops taking the drug.[2] Unlike other substances, cocaine withdrawal doesn’t typically involve severe physical symptoms, but it does have significant psychological effects.
Here’s what typically happens during cocaine withdrawal:[3]
- Initial crash – Shortly after the last use, individuals often experience a “crash,” characterized by extreme fatigue, depression, and an overwhelming sense of discomfort. Intense cravings for cocaine may also begin, and users might feel irritable, anxious, and restless.
- Mood-related symptoms – As the initial crash subsides, mood changes become more pronounced. People often experience depression, anxiety, and sometimes paranoia. They may also feel hopeless, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and have trouble feeling pleasure, a condition known as anhedonia. Sleep disturbances and unpleasant dreams are also common.
- Physical symptoms – Physical symptoms include headaches, increased appetite, fatigue, and muscle aches. Some people may also experience tremors or chills.
- Drug cravings – Cravings for cocaine can be intense, often being one of the most difficult parts of cocaine withdrawal. During this time, individuals are at a high risk of relapse because the brain’s reward system is still highly sensitive to the drug.
Due to the potential for relapse and psychological distress, it’s important to have the support of a medical detox program.
Understanding the Need for Medical Detox
Medical detox is often necessary in order for individuals to have a successful detox. The psychological aspects of withdrawal can be intense and difficult to manage without proper support.
Medical detox is especially important for those who have been using cocaine heavily or for a long time may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms, including intense cravings, severe depression, and anxiety. In these cases, medical detox can provide a safe environment where symptoms can be monitored and managed.
It’s also essential in cases of polysubstance abuse in which someone has been using alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids alongside cocaine. In these cases, medical detox is recommended to address the withdrawal symptoms from all substances simultaneously.
Medical detox is required for those with underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, as these conditions can worsen during cocaine withdrawal. In severe cases, there is a risk of self-harm which can be mitigated with the help of medical professionals.
What to Expect During Cocaine Detox in Pompano Beach, Florida
Cocaine withdrawal doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. With the right support, you can detox safely and comfortably while also minimizing your risk for relapse.
In Pompano Beach, Florida, cocaine detox programs are designed to provide comprehensive care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of withdrawal. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during the detox process.
Intake and Assessment
Detox begins with the intake and assessment process. Upon arrival, you will meet with medical and mental health professionals who will evaluate your overall health, addiction history, and any co-occurring mental health disorders.
The team will also gather information about any other substances you may have been using, as well as your medical history, to ensure that all potential complications are anticipated and managed effectively.
The information gathered during the assessment is used to create an individually tailored treatment plan.
Medical Stabilization
During this phase, you will be closely monitored by medical professionals to ensure that your physical health is stable. The medical team may provide medications to help ease these symptoms and keep you comfortable.
Holistic Support
Cocaine detox centers in Pompano Beach often incorporate holistic therapies to support the mind, body, and spirit during the detox process. They also offer individual and group therapy sessions as well as peer support groups. These approaches aim to reduce stress and isolation while beginning to treat the root causes of the substance use disorder.
Treatment Planning
As your withdrawal symptoms begin to subside, the focus will shift to planning for the next steps in your recovery journey. During the treatment planning phase, you will work with a team of addiction specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan may include recommendations for inpatient or outpatient rehab, therapy options, support groups, and aftercare services.
Find a Cocaine Detox Center in Pompano Beach Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with cocaine addiction, our drug and alcohol rehab center has many treatments offered that can help you throughout each phase of the recovery process.
First Step Behavioral Health is a licensed dual-diagnosis long-term addiction treatment facility that is accredited by the Joint Commission. We focus on the physiological rebalancing of the individual through medical, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual care. With a state-of-the-art detox facility and an expert medical team, we can help you detox safely and take the first steps toward recovery.
To learn more about your treatment options or get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.
References:
- National Center of Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS): Drug Abuse Statistics
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cocaine
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Examining predictors of cocaine withdrawal syndrome at the end of detoxification treatment in women with cocaine use disorder
