Cocaine Detox

Cocaine detox can be an important tool for those trying to kick a cocaine addiction. For some, cocaine detox is essential in being able to start on the road to recovery. Many residential treatment centers will offer cocaine detox methods, which can help those addicted to the drug.

Call 800-481-9412 TO SPEAK WITH AN ALCOHOL OR DRUG ABUSE COUNSELOR


Cocaine is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs in the United States. This is why so many millions of Americans struggle with this addiction each year. Cocaine detox is a method of getting clean for some drug abusers. The body first must be purged of the substance through detoxification. Unfortunately cocaine detox and other methods of drug detoxification are unreliable toward leading into a successful and life-long recovery for many users. However, for some cocaine detox procedures are a good stepping stone toward to the drug rehabilitation process. 

What is cocaine and how is it abused?

Cocaine can be administered in a variety of ways, primarily through snorting, injecting and smoking. The snorting involved inhaling the cocaine powder through the nose. The drug is then absorbed into the bloodstream to start the effects of the drug after it is absorbed into the nasal tissue. Injecting involves using a needle to inject a liquid version of the cocaine drug into the bloodstream. Smoking generally involves inhaling the smoke or vapor of cocaine in through the lungs where it is then absorbed into the bloodstream. Injection and inhaling are two of the fastest ways to feel the effects of cocaine.  Cocaine or crack, or many of the other street names given to the drug, is processed to be made into a rock crystal. When heated, it produces vapors that are used during the smoking process. The term crack is used to describe the crackling sound that is produced by the rock when it is heated. 

How does cocaine affect the brain?

Cocaine is one of the most popular types of drugs to begin trying for teens and adults because of the stimulant it is for the strong central nervous system in a person's brain. This stimulant works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. This is a chemical that is also naturally produced in the brain and is associated with pleasure. However, the problem with cocaine is that is overtakes the natural production of dopamine in the brain, so if a person uses cocaine enough or long enough, they cannot achieve that level of pleasure without it anymore. The mental and physical addiction portion of the drug use with cocaine comes about when the drug fails to produce the same level of high or dopamine release each time, which is why users have to use more and more of the drug and more frequently to achieve that same high. However, cocaine users who have recovered from their time doing drugs are able to recover their own dopamine production in the brain. 

Treatment options and cocaine detox:

Most treatment options for cocaine users must start with help from a health care professional. Cocaine detox programs are mostly only available in some version of a residential treatment center. This is the best way to alleviate the severe cravings for the drug while being supervised by a doctor or physician. This is helpful because many of the withdrawal symptoms can be devastating for a person going through the cocaine detox treatment. At this time there are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of cocaine abuse like there are for other controlled substances. However, continuing advances in this field remain a top priority for many researchers. Remember, cocaine detox might be an imperative part in working toward a recovery, but it won't be an easy road. Many of the withdrawal symptoms include, headache, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, hallucinations, insomnia, weight loss, weight gain, anxiety and depression. Because of the severity of many of these withdrawal symptoms, it is recommended to go through the cocaine detox program under medical supervision. From that point, it is a lot easier to successfully go through therapy, support groups and other types of recovery treatments. The road to recovery is not only difficult, but it can take time with possible relapses. Being prepared for the journey ahead is the best way to prepare and strive for a successful recovery.

Sources: nida.nih.gov, cocaine-effects.com

Related Article: Long-term Effects of Cocaine Use >>