Recovering from a cocaine addiction can be a complicated process due to the intense withdrawal symptoms that can occur during this time. While people may wonder “How long does cocaine detox take?” the process of recovery is a long-term journey. With that being said, to safely and successfully recover from this substance use disorder, it is important to undergo a medical detox process.
Knowing what to expect during cocaine detox and where to find treatment can help you comfortably navigate the detox period and achieve lasting sobriety. Below, we discuss how long the cocaine detox period can be and how to find the right treatment program for you.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a highly powerful and dangerous stimulant drug commonly abused for its ability to provide energy-boosting and euphoric effects. It is most commonly abused as a powder, as well as in a crystallized rock form known as “crack” cocaine.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, as of 2021, an estimated 4.8 million people in the U.S. ages 12 and older reported using meth. Within that same year, approximately 24,486 people died from a cocaine-related overdose.
Unfortunately, many people continue to experiment with and abuse cocaine despite its potential to cause lethal side effects. This can be attributed both to a lack of awareness surrounding the dangers this drug presents, as well as its addictive nature that can make it feel impossible for people to stop using once they are hooked.
Is Cocaine Addictive?
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can lead to serious health problems, including death. It is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and causes a brief but intense euphoric high. However, this sense of euphoria is quickly followed by a crash, which can lead to cravings for more cocaine.
Cocaine is addictive because it changes the way the brain works by increasing the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects the pleasure and reward systems in the brain. This can lead to a cycle of addiction, where people use cocaine to feel good but then need more and more of the drug to continue achieving the same effect.
How Long Does Cocaine Detox Take?
If you are recovering from cocaine addiction, it is important to know how long the detox process can be. The length of time it takes to detox from cocaine can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The amount of cocaine used
- The frequency of use
- The length of addiction
- Your metabolism
- The presence of any underlying medical conditions
Generally, though, cocaine detox typically takes anywhere from 7-10 days. During this time, the body will gradually eliminate the drug from the system and begin to return to its normal state. Within 12-24 hours of your last dose, withdrawal symptoms will typically begin and can include the following:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Increased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Slowed thinking
- Difficulty concentrating
These symptoms are usually most severe during the first 3-4 days before gradually subsiding. However, some people may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms, most commonly anxiety and depression, which can last for weeks or even months.
Because of how serious the withdrawal process can be, it is important to seek help from a medical detox facility. These treatment centers can provide you with support from a team of professionally licensed and trained medical providers who will help you manage your withdrawal symptoms and safely stop using cocaine.
Reach Out for Help With Cocaine Abuse
Are you struggling with an addiction to Cocaine?
Royal Life Centers at Seaglass is here to help you recover. Because we care.
What To Look For in a Cocaine Detox Center
When looking for a cocaine detox center, it is important to know what qualities make a treatment facility a good fit for you. Some of the most important characteristics you should look for when looking for the right detox and rehabilitation center include:
- Accreditation: Your detox center should be accredited by a reputable organization, such as the Joint Commission, as this shows that the center has met certain standards of quality and safety.
- Medical supervision: Your detox facility should have a team of diverse, qualified medical professionals on staff to monitor your withdrawal symptoms and provide any necessary medical care.
- Individualized treatment plans: Your detox center should develop an individualized treatment plan for you based on your specific needs. This plan should include medication, therapy, and other support services.
- Length of stay: The length of stay at a cocaine detox center can vary depending on the severity of your addiction and your individual response to treatment, and your facility should be willing to adjust this schedule based on your needs.
- Aftercare planning: Your detox center should help you develop an aftercare plan to help you stay sober after you leave the program. This plan may include referrals to outpatient treatment programs, support groups, and other resources.
At Royal Life Centers, we offer all of this and more to make sure you are receiving the highest possible quality of care. Our detox program and treatment team strive to make sure you are able to recover from your cocaine abuse safely and comfortably.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment at RLC
While the cocaine detox period is an important part of your recovery, it is not the only form of treatment you will need to receive to achieve long-term sobriety. At Royal Life Centers, our comprehensive approach to cocaine addiction treatment incorporates a wide variety of treatment services, including:
- Medical interventions
- Evidence-based and holistic therapies
- Residential and outpatient treatment
- Peer support groups
- Aftercare services
No matter how severe your addiction is or whether you have any co-occurring conditions, we are equipped to meet all of your recovery needs. To learn more about how our program can help you and get started on your path to sobriety, call us at 877-RECOVERY today!