Cocaine Detox

Developing a Tolerance

A tolerance to cocaine sets in after just a few uses where you will requires larger doses of cocaine to achieve the desired effects. This can be dangerous because cocaine is cut with other products (commonly baking soda, or something worse) so that strength of the drug is unknown. Cocaine overdose is a risk taken each time cocaine is used.

Risk Of Dependency

As the dose of the drug is increased and its use is more frequent there is at great risk of developing a physical and psychological dependency to cocaine. Your thoughts and actions will begin to revolve around cocaine use. When abruptly stopping its use you will be overwhelmed by symptoms of withdrawal and cravings. Without the proper treatment the you may return to cocaine for relief.

What Are The Symptoms Of Cocaine Withdrawal?

If you have been using cocaine on a regular basis or on binges you may be faced with symptoms of withdrawal when stopping its use. If you are physically dependent on cocaine when stopping its use abruptly you will experience symptoms of withdrawal that vary in severity. Common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:

• Cravings
• Dysphoric mood; depressed, anxious or irritable
• Fatigue

• vivid and unpleasant dreams
• hypersomnia or insomnia
• increased appetite

• Agitation
• Psychomotor retardation (physical slowing down)

How Long Does It Last?

Cocaine withdrawal often lasts 24 hours, however this varies with each individual person. Factors such as how much cocaine is used, how often, as well as the size and age of the person using will determine how long cocaine withdrawal will last. Some people will experience post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) where cocaine withdrawal symptoms last week, even months after stopping its use.
Where can I get help / what can I take?

Unfortunately there is no magic pill that will take away symptoms of cocaine withdrawal and control cravings. While scientist are busy at work trying to find a way of controlling these symptoms during cocaine withdrawal for now it is important to enter into an inpatient or outpatient treatment program during the beginning stages of recovery to withdrawal safely and work through your dependency to cocaine.

When entering into a treatment facility you will undergo the detoxification process to cleanse your body from the chemicals and toxins related to cocaine use. This will allow you to overcome your physical addiction to cocaine in a controlled environment, free of temptation.

While cocaine is physically addicting, most battle with the psychological addiction much longer. The cognitive therapy process will help you to understand your addiction and identify the dysfunctional thoughts, behaviors and routines associated with its use. Your will be taught the key tools needed to change them to ones that promote sober living and ways to deal with temptation in your day to day life.