Cocaine Detox in Orlando
Cocaine withdrawal occurs when someone who has been using cocaine cuts down on their use or quits taking the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal can occur even if the person still has traces of cocaine in their blood.
Cocaine produces an extreme mood elevation by causing the brain to release higher than normal amounts of chemicals. However, cocaine’s effects on other parts of the body can be severe, and even deadly. When cocaine use stops, a “crash” follows almost right away. The person may experience strong cravings for more cocaine during this “crash.” Other symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:
- Fatigue
- Lack of pleasure
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sleepiness
- Agitation or extreme suspicion or paranoia
Cocaine withdrawal often has no visible physical symptoms, such as the vomiting and shaking, that accompany withdrawal from heroin or alcohol.
The length of time a person has used cocaine may determine the duration of withdrawal symptoms. People who have used cocaine for years may continue to experience lingering withdrawal symptoms for weeks, due to the accumulation of the drug in their bodies.
People who have used cocaine in large amounts may experience more intense withdrawal symptoms than someone who used lower doses.
Co-occurring mental health disorders may also affect the withdrawal process. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders or personality disorders can make the detox process more complicated.
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Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can include physical and psychological side effects. Common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:
- Agitation, irritability and restless behavior
- Vivid and unpleasant dreams
- Fatigue
- A general feeling of discomfort
- Increased appetite
- Slowing of activity
- Strong cravings to use
- Depression
- Hyperactivity
- Insomnia and erratic sleep
- Poor concentration
- Tremors
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Depression can last for months after stopping heavy cocaine usage. Withdrawal symptoms may also be associated thoughts of self-injury.
Even though the high experienced with ongoing cocaine use becomes less and less pleasurable over time, withdrawal comes with intense cravings for cocaine. It can produce fear and paranoia rather than euphoria.
Psychiatric disorders may develop as a result of cocaine abuse, and cocaine can intensify preexisting mental disorders. As the intensity and amount of cocaine withdrawal symptoms increase, someone addicted to cocaine may go to great lengths stop the symptoms, usually by buying and using more cocaine. For many people, the only way to end the cycle is with cocaine detox and treatment.
Cocaine Detox in Orlando
Any addiction recovery plan begins with detox and withdrawal. Cocaine detox focuses on stabilizing physical health while patients work through psychological withdrawal symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to help balance symptoms of cocaine withdrawal, but they may not be the first approach to cocaine addiction treatment.
During detox, cocaine is eliminated from the body. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin to decrease about seven days after starting detox and are typically gone by the tenth day. However, this could take longer depending on the severity of the addiction and the dosage the person had been taking. After detox, it is easier for the person to focus on other treatment options to support their recovery, like therapy and support groups.
It is possible only to experience minor effects of withdrawal.. However, there are some people who face extreme discomfort during detox, and their symptoms can turn aggressive quickly. For this reason, detox should be completed under medical care. Treatment specialists at Orlando Recovery Center help patients manage pain with medications for their specific treatment needs. Medication management plans allow patients to feel more at ease so that they may focus on their recovery.
Cocaine Detox Timeline
Withdrawal symptoms from cocaine typically resolve after about seven to ten days. However, cravings for cocaine can occur suddenly, even years after the person stops using the drug. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as 90 minutes after the last dose. The timeline for withdrawal symptoms varies depending on the individual. Some factors that may influence the timeline for cocaine withdrawal:
- The person’s height and weight
- The length of cocaine use
- A co-occurring mental disorder
- The person’s environment
- The amount of cocaine used
The timeline for withdrawal symptoms lasts around 10 days and sometimes two weeks. These are the expected withdrawal symptoms by the hour:
- Within the first 90 minutes to three hours: Cocaine exits the body very quickly compared to most drugs. This timeframe tends to consist of fatigue, slowed activity, discomfort, and possible depression.
- Within three hours to seven days: This can be the most unpleasant period, with acute physical symptoms peaking, including pain, impatience and tremors. Cravings also peak during this timeframe, making it difficult to avoid a setback without support. Nightmares are also most likely to occur during this period.
- Within the first week to 10 days: Symptoms will likely diminish after seven days, and they may be gone after 10 days. Strange dreams, depression and inability to feel pleasure may linger the longest. Physical symptoms should disappear by this point.
- After 10 days and beyond: In rare cases, depression and lack of pleasure can continue for several weeks after the last dose of cocaine was taken. Special treatment may be necessary for this situation. Cravings for cocaine can reappear due to certain triggers for months or years after getting clean.
If someone you know is currently using cocaine and needs help for cocaine addiction, Orlando Recovery Center can help. To learn more about wide-ranging treatment for cocaine addiction, call Orlando Recovery Center today to speak with a representative.
Medical Disclaimer: Orlando Recovery Center aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.