People often ask “how long does cocaine detox take?” and that question is best answered by understanding the drug, its dangers, and the symptoms of withdrawal from it. Detox is the process by which the body removes harmful toxins that have been introduced. It can be an unpleasant experience to undergo, however detox is the beginning stages of finding recovery from addiction to drugs like cocaine.
What is Cocaine, Exactly?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that was first created as an ingredient in different medications that were used to treat a variety of illnesses. Surgeons used cocaine as a way to block pain before modern medications were created. For a long time, people in South American countries would ingest coca leaves in order to feel the stimulation effects they caused. These leaves are the source from which cocaine is produced.
Since its inception, studies have shown cocaine to be highly addictive, and is now classified as a Schedule II drug. This means that it has some medical use but that cocaine also has a high potential of being abused by its users. The drug can be smoked, injected, or snorted in order to achieve the stimulant effects that are desired.
The Dangers of Cocaine Use
Like many drugs, cocaine use can be detrimental to brain functionality. It can alter the chemical make up in the brain, and lead its users to experience some adverse side effects. Glutamate, which is a vital neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible for excitement of the cells in the body. However, when cocaine is used, the production and release of glutamate is altered. Continued use of this drug can cause the brain to become dependent on it for the effects on the glutamate production.
Other dangers of cocaine use can include:
- High blood pressure
- Loss of sense of smell
- Nosebleeds
- Problems swallowing
- Lung damage
- Organ damage
- Stroke
- Seizure
- Heart attack
Ending cocaine use is possible. Recovery is possible. How long does cocaine detox take? That can be answered by knowing what drug detox really is.
What are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Cocaine?
Detox is an essential component to beginning recovery from cocaine addiction. Allowing the body to return to normal functionality, and get rid of the toxins that cocaine contains is a necessary step for recovery to begin. The withdrawal symptoms experienced as a result of cocaine use can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Having medical professionals there to monitor you as you undergo these symptoms can be beneficial as opposed to trying to undergo the detox from cocaine on your own. The severity and the number of symptoms that can be experienced usually varies from person to person. Some symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can include:
- Spikes in blood pressure
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Irritability
- Excess sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Cravings for cocaine
- Anger and hostility
- Anxiety
- Impaired cognitive and physical functions
These symptoms can best be managed under the care of medical professionals. How long cocaine detox takes can be impacted by having the proper care as it occurs, managing symptoms can make detox less unpleasant and uncomfortable. Seeking professional help is highly suggested.
How Long Does Cocaine Detox Take?
As previously stated, the process of cocaine detox can take varying amounts of time. There are different factors that can impact the length of cocaine detox and the severity of symptoms. Overall general health and well-being can be one of them. Having underlying or co-occurring health concerns can affect the length of time detox symptoms are experienced.
During cocaine detox, there are generally three phases that someone goes through: the crash phase, the withdrawal phase, and the extinction phase.
Crash
This phase of cocaine detox is usually within a few hours to a few days after last using the drug. The user may feel extreme fatigue, or a “crash” from using the stimulant for so long and then stopping use. Moreover, symptoms experienced at this point can include severe anxiety as well as depression.
Withdrawal
This phase usually occurs after one to ten weeks from last use. In fact, someone can begin to feel intense cravings for the drug and this can sometimes lead someone who has decided to stop using the drug to return to it to alleviate these symptoms.
Extinction
Extinction occurs after ten weeks. During this phase, the cravings may lessen and the symptoms of withdrawal can be gone. In conclusion, putting recovery first, and living a healthy lifestyle can ensure that these cravings won’t lead someone back to cocaine abuse.
Safely Detox from Cocaine in Columbus, OH
If you or a loved one are suffering from cocaine abuse and looking to end the drug use, we at Ohio Addiction Recovery center can help. We have a team of professionals that can help to guide you along the road to recovery. Ending cocaine abuse can be a tough undertaking, however with the proper care and plan, it can be highly successful. Contact us today and begin your journey to a better life.
