Cocaine is an extremely dangerous drug. One of the reasons it’s so dangerous is because it produces withdrawal symptoms. The person experiencing these symptoms will likely go back to using the drug to feel better again.
There is no way to get past cocaine withdrawal, but there are ways to reduce symptoms. What’s more, knowing what to expect will get you prepared to deal with detox. This article will review the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal so you understand what you could be dealing with.
How Does Cocaine Affect the Body?
Cocaine is a stimulant drug. When it enters the body, it increases dopamine levels in the parts of the brain responsible for reward and motivation. After the effects wear off, users crave the euphoric and rewarding feelings it produces. This is part of what makes it addictive.
If you continue taking cocaine, your body will develop a tolerance to it. You will need to take more of the drug to get the same euphoric effects.
Cocaine also produces its share of long- and short-term effects. These include the following:
Short Term Effects:
- Irritability
- Excessively energetic sometimes to the point where you are out of control
- Paranoia and distrustfulness
- Upset stomach
- Elevated body temperature and blood pressure
- Feelings of euphoria
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of appetite
- Elevated heartbeat
Long-Term Effects:
- Nosebleeds
- Loss of smell
- Difficulty swallowing
- Respiratory issues
- Deviated septum
Overdose Effects:
- Stroke
- Seizure
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Heart attack
Does Cocaine Cause Withdrawal?
Cocaine stimulates the rewards system in the brain and causes users to build a tolerance. But what makes it especially addictive is the withdrawal symptoms of cocaine.
After taking cocaine for a while, your body will get used to the drug. When your body is without the drug, it won’t be able to function properly. It will exhibit unpleasant cocaine withdrawal symptoms as it struggles to adjust to sobriety.
People realize the only way to get rid of withdrawal symptoms short-term is to do more of the drug. This results in an ugly cycle of addiction.
What are the Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?
Cocaine detox symptoms include the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Pain
- Tremors and shakiness
- Fatigue
- Intense drug cravings
- Excessive sweating
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body aches
- Inability to feel pleasure
Although the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are difficult to deal with, they do eventually go away. They peak after 24 to 48 and begin dissipating, typically disappearing completely within a week or two. The intensity of symptoms and how long they last will depend on how long you were using the drug and how much of it you were using.
An assisted detox can also make it easier to deal with withdrawal symptoms of cocaine.
Many rehab centers provide a medical staff that will oversee the detox process. They will keep you as comfortable as possible and provide medication to reduce cravings and treat symptoms. They will ensure that relapse doesn’t occur.
How to Find a Cocaine Detox Program in Spokane, WA
If you search for a cocaine detox program in Spokane, WA, it’s likely you will find quite a few results. But how can you tell which facility is best for you? You must consider the atmosphere, success rates, quality, type of treatment offered, and more.
You can spend hours researching to try and find the center best suited to your needs, or you can save yourself time by checking out Sequoia Recovery Centers first.
Sequoia Recovery Centers offers supervised medical detox treatment in Washington. We will work out a customized plan that weens you off the drug and addresses your needs with medication and a specialized diet. Our staff will work out a regime that reduces cocaine withdrawal symptoms in the most comfortable way possible.
After patients complete detox, they move on the Sequoia’s inpatient therapy program. This includes a mix of individual and group therapies. Patients have access to round-the-clock medical care while staying in a standard or superior room and enjoying the facility’s many onsite amenities.
The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal make addiction hard to fight. Sequoia Recovery Centers will be there for you every step of the way. We will give you the assistance you require in overcoming your dependency issues.
