Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. Using cocaine regularly can cause changes in your brain and body that make it hard to quit. Most people require professional treatment, beginning with a cocaine detox program.

Going through cocaine detox can be mentally and physically challenging. Knowing what to expect from a cocaine addiction treatment center can help you stay focused during detox and recovery.

This article will explore what cocaine detox is like. You’ll learn about common withdrawal symptoms, treatment during detox, and how long each stage of detox may last.

If you or a loved one needs a cocaine detox in North Carolina, help is available. Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery team to explore our treatment programs. You may also verify your insurance or schedule an intake assessment.

Cocaine Addiction: An Overview

Cocaine is a potent, illicit stimulant. Cocaine comes from the leaves of a South American coca plant. Cocaine increases activity in the central nervous system (CNS).

People use cocaine for its stimulant side effects, which include:

• More energy
• Heightened senses
• Euphoria
• Elevated heart rate

People use it by snorting, smoking, or injecting cocaine. Dealers may combine cocaine with baking soda or other chemicals. This process creates a solid form of the drug called “crack.”

The effects of cocaine only last for a short period. This can make people want to use it frequently. Cocaine abuse can cause serious, long-term problems, including an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

Repeated or heavy cocaine use can cause changes in how your body and brain work. Over time, you may need to use more cocaine to get the effects you want. Taking higher and more frequent doses of cocaine can cause physical dependence.

People with a physical dependence on cocaine need to use it to function. If you develop an addiction to cocaine, you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop taking it.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can make it very difficult to avoid relapse. Most people who attempt to quit using cocaine on their own are unsuccessful. If you develop a cocaine use disorder, you must seek professional treatment.

What to Expect at a Cocaine Detox Center

For most people with cocaine addiction, detox is the first step of recovery. During treatment for cocaine addiction, you will receive treatment to manage the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Poor concentration
• Excessive sleeping
• Fatigue
• Nightmares
• Chills
• Mood swings
• Depression with suicidal thoughts
• Paranoia
• Muscle aches
• Nerve pain
• Tremors
• Intense cravings for cocaine

During a cocaine detox, you will receive treatment to reduce cocaine withdrawal symptoms. This treatment can help you have a safe, complete detox.

Your cocaine detox treatment plan may include:

• Medications to reduce physical and psychological discomfort–although there aren’t any FDA-approved medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence, symptom-specific medications can be prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms
• Emotional support, including individual and group counseling
• 24/7 access to mental health and medical professionals
• Supervision
• Holistic treatments, including exercise, nutrition support, and mindfulness

Having professional guidance, care, and support can ensure that you avoid relapse during detox. Then, you will be ready to begin a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program.

How Long Does Cocaine Detox Last?

Everyone has their own experiences during detox. Many factors can affect how long it takes to detox completely. These factors include:

• How long you’ve been using cocaine
• How much cocaine you have been using
• Your environment
• Your overall physical health
• Co-occurring mental health conditions
• Other substances you’ve been using at the same time

Typically, cocaine withdrawal follows a timeline. Here is an overview of what to expect.

First 90 minutes

You may begin to have withdrawal symptoms as soon as 90 minutes after the last time you use cocaine. Symptoms may include:

• Poor concentration
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Depression

You may have cravings for cocaine or want to use it again to get rid of your discomfort.

The first week

Your withdrawal symptoms will likely get worse for the next week to 10 days. You may have:

• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Nightmares
• Increased appetite
• Nerve pain

The support of a cocaine detox center can help you manage your discomfort and stay on track. People typically spend 5-7 days in a detox program.

Day 10 to 10 weeks

After about ten days, you may have fewer withdrawal symptoms. You may begin to feel better. However, many people continue to experience intense cravings for many weeks after their last use of cocaine. It’s important to continue drug addiction treatment after detox.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

After completing a detox program, you must continue to work toward long-term recovery. Attending a comprehensive substance use disorder treatment program can help. A counselor will meet with you before you leave detox to discuss your treatment options and ensure a seamless transition to treatment.

Your cocaine addiction treatment plan may include:

• Individual counseling and behavioral therapies
• Group therapy
• Counseling and education for family members
• Medications
• Mental health treatment
• Relapse prevention education
• Exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture, yoga, and other holistic treatments
• Aftercare planning

Start Your Recovery at our North Carolina Cocaine Detox Center

If you or someone you love requires cocaine addiction treatment, you are not alone. Reach out to the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists now to explore your treatment options.