The initial step on every journey of addiction recovery is admission to a medically assisted detoxification center. Those who have been abusing drugs or alcohol for any period of time almost always undergo some degree of withdrawal upon abrupt cessation of use. More often than not, the symptoms of withdrawal will lead a person back to substance use before the detoxification process is over. This is part of the reason why entering into an inpatient detox program is so important. At Immersion Recovery Center we provide a comprehensive cocaine detox program; one that focuses on more than a safe, pain-free drug and alcohol withdrawal. In addition to providing around the clock medical care, we actively prepare our clients for the next appropriate stage of their personal recovery journeys. During detox, we conduct an individualized, in-depth evaluation, which helps us determine the length of our clients stay, what kind of medical intervention is necessary, and the next step for each client once they become physically stabilized.

If you or someone you love has been suffering from a cocaine use disorder, detox is an important initial step, and we are available to help. At Immersion Recovery Center we effectively treat the physical and psychological symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal, making the entire detox process as comfortable as possible from start to finish. We utilize a combination of evidence-based medications, therapeutic practices and holistic treatment methods to provide the most integrated and effective care available. To learn more about our program of cocaine detox or to learn more about our multi-staged addiction treatment program as a whole, contact us today.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug, one that is both widely used and highly addictive. In the early 1900s, cocaine was used for a variety of medical conditions and physical ailments, revered as a curative “miracle drug.” Before synthetic anesthetics were developed, doctors and surgeons used the chemical substance to help block and alleviate pain. It was soon discovered, however, that cocaine changed the physical chemistry of the brain, leading to physical and psychological dependence.

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II chemical substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it can be administered by a licensed professional for legitimate medical reasons, but it also has a high potential for abuse. Cocaine is often used recreationally, and is frequently combined with other chemical substances like alcohol or opioids. If you or someone close to you has been suffering from a cocaine use disorder of any severity, there is help available and recovery is possible. Contact Immersion Recovery Center today to learn more.

Cocaine Addiction Facts & Statistics

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 5.2 million people over the age of 12 have used cocaine at least one time within the past year. Of these people, around 1.3 million suffer from a diagnosable cocaine use disorder. Cocaine can be ingested in several different ways. NIDA states, “People snort cocaine powder through the nose, or they rub it into their gums. Others dissolve the powder and inject it into the bloodstream. Another popular method of use is to smoke cocaine that has been processed to make a rock crystal. The crystal is heated to produce vapors that are inhaled into the lungs. This form of cocaine is called Crack, which refers to the crackling sound of the rock as it’s heated. Some people also smoke Crack by sprinkling it on marijuana or tobacco, and smoke it like a cigarette. People who use cocaine often take it in binges—taking the drug repeatedly within a short time, at increasingly higher doses—to maintain their high.”

Excessive cocaine use is extremely dangerous and can lead to a host of serious issues, including the development of a cocaine use disorder and an increased risk of overdose. NIDA reports that in 2019, there were 15,883 cocaine overdose deaths in the U.S. If you or someone you love has been suffering from cocaine addiction and has had a difficult time quitting on their own, there is help available. At Immersion Recovery Center we treat people of all ages and walks of life who have been struggling with cocaine use disorders of any severity. We provide a multi-staged curriculum of care, allowing us to treat addiction on a physical, mental and emotional basis. Contact us today to learn more.

Signs & Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

If you believe you or someone you love has been suffering from a diagnosable cocaine use disorder, there are several signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) outlines a list of diagnostic criteria used to identify the presence of a cocaine use disorder. If you answer “yes” to two or more of the following questions, seeking professional help from a medical detox center is likely a good idea.

1. Do you sometimes end up using more cocaine than you originally intended, or do you use cocaine more frequently than you intend to?
2. Have you wanted to cut back on the amount of cocaine you use or quit entirely, only to find you were unable to do so for any significant period of time?
3. Do you spend a significant amount of time obtaining cocaine, using cocaine and recovering from its effects?
4. Do you often think of using cocaine/do you ever experience intense drug cravings or feel anxious when cocaine is not readily available?
5. Has your drug use interfered with your ability to fulfill personal obligations or negatively impacted your performance at work or at school?
6. Have you experienced interpersonal problems as a direct result of your cocaine use?
7. Have you given up activities which were once interesting or important to you in order to engage in cocaine use more frequently?
8. Have you been engaging in risk-taking activities more often than normal, like driving while under the influence of cocaine, engaging in promiscuous sex or combining cocaine with other substances like alcohol or opioid narcotics?
9. Do you continue to use cocaine despite physical or psychological health concerns directly related to the drug?
10. Have you developed a physical tolerance, meaning a larger quantity of cocaine is required in order for the desired effects to be achieved?
11. Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when cocaine use is stopped abruptly?

Cocaine Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal occurs when a person who has been using cocaine regularly stops use suddenly, or cuts back on the amount they are using significantly. Symptoms of withdrawal typically develop when a person still has a small amount of cocaine in their bloodstream. This is why checking into a medical detox center immediately following the final use is so important.

Cocaine withdrawal rarely results in the obvious physical symptoms one might see in opioid withdrawal or alcohol withdrawal. While a person might experience some uncomfortable physical symptoms, these symptoms can typically be treated with a combination of bedrest and over-the-counter medications. In the vast majority of cases, the psychological symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are more severe and disruptive.

The Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

The most common physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are:

• General feelings of physical discomfort.
• Increased appetite, which might lead to temporary weight gain.
• Cravings for food high in fat or carbohydrates.
• Tiredness and fatigue.
• A lack of motivation and slowing of physical activity.

The Psychological Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

The most common psychological symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are:

• Insomnia and other sleep-related issues, like vivid or unpleasant dreams.
• Depressed mood, which can lead to suicidal ideation if left untreated.
• Intense drug cravings, which can lead to overdose (unless the withdrawal process is monitored and treated in an inpatient detox center).
• Mood swings, often characterized by agitation and irritability.

Cocaine withdrawal can be broken down into three distinct stages:

• Stage 1 – The initial crash can begin in as little as three or four hours after the final dose is taken. During the beginning stage of the withdrawal process, a person might experience intense cravings for cocaine and feel tired and irritable.
• Stage 2 – The second stage of the withdrawal process, also known as “acute withdrawal,” begins within 24 hours of the final dose and generally lasts for up to two full weeks. The symptoms peak in severity during this stage, and include drug cravings, restlessness and irritability, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
• Stage 3 – The final stage of cocaine withdrawal, known as post-acute withdrawal, can last for several months up to an entire year depending on the severity of the cocaine use disorder. At this point, psychiatric symptoms might require medical attention, and might include prolonged anxiety or depression.

Is Cocaine Detox Always Necessary?

Even though the physical symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal are rarely severe, the psychological symptoms should be closely monitored in order to prevent complications. There are numerous benefits which go hand-in-hand with inpatient detox, including:

• Clients have access to professional, around the clock medical care.
• Clients are able to relax in comfortable, private bedrooms.
• In addition to medical care, clients can take advantage of professional therapeutic care by way of individual, group and family therapy sessions.
• Clients have 24/7 access to a fully stocked kitchen and daily, chef-prepared meals, including highly nutritious foods geared towards physical healing.
• Clients work directly with a case manager who helps them develop a personalized aftercare plan, including an immediate transition into the next appropriate level of care.
• If a potentially dangerous symptom develops, clients have access to medication assisted treatment options.

What Causes Cocaine Withdrawal?

What causes the symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal? Is there any way to prevent these symptoms from developing? While there is no way to completely prevent drug withdrawal, there are ways to minimize associated symptoms, making the process as comfortable as possible. Cocaine withdrawal develops once use has stopped or once a binge comes to an end. When a person uses cocaine, the drug produces an intense sense of euphoria by releasing large amounts of dopamine and serotonin into the brain at once. When the drug starts to leave the system, the person experiences an intense crash. Dopamine and serotonin are depleted, and withdrawal symptoms only subside once the natural store of these vital neurotransmitters is replenished. Drug cravings are particularly intense during this crash, and they often lead to more use — which sets a vicious cycle in motion unless associated symptoms are adequately treated.

Treatment Options for Cocaine Withdrawal

The best treatment options for cocaine withdrawal depend on the individual case. In most cases, mild and moderate symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers and ample bed rest. Because one of the most common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal is increased appetite, clients are encouraged to listen to their bodies and take advantage of daily, chef-prepared meals. Individuals who use cocaine regularly for a prolonged period of time often become malnourished, and one of the best ways to facilitate healing is by replenishing vital nutrients. In severe cases of cocaine withdrawal, medication assisted treatment might become necessary.

Medications Used to Treat Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

There is currently no FDA-approved medication to treat the symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal. However, if psychological symptoms are particularly severe, a short course of an antidepressant medication or anti-anxiety medication might be prescribed. A non-narcotic sleep aid might be prescribed to help alleviate sleeplessness or insomnia, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen might be used to alleviate general feelings of physical discomfort. Contact us today to learn more.

Long-Term Cocaine Addiction Recovery

At Immersion Recovery Center we break our medical detox program down into three distinct stages: evaluation, stabilization and preparation. Upon admission to our detox program each client undergoes a detailed and in-depth addiction assessment, or evaluation. We ask a series of pertinent questions, including:

• What type of substance/substances were being used, and for how long?
• Have you ever been diagnosed or treated for an underlying mental or physical condition, such as a mental illness or chronic health concern?
• Have you undergone treatment for a substance use disorder in the past?
• How much cocaine were you using on a daily basis?

The questions we ask during the initial assessment help our clinical and medical team determine which detox methods are the most appropriate for each unique case. Next, we focus our attention on physical stabilization. Clients are able to relax in their private or semi-private bedrooms, and they have the opportunity to participate in group workshops and behavioral therapy sessions if they are feeling up to doing so. The physical and psychological symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are treated as soon as they develop, seeing as our team of licensed medical professionals are available 24-hours a day. Our main priority is making the cocaine detox process as comfortable as possible. Once physical stabilization has been achieved, clients make a smooth transition into the next appropriate level of clinical care. In most cases, this means transitioning into a residential inpatient treatment center. At Immersion Recovery Center we offer a multi-staged program of recovery, which includes:

• Medically Monitored Detox
• Residential Inpatient Treatment
• Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
• Aftercare

Long-term cocaine addiction recovery is possible. With an individualized and effective treatment program in place, even the most severe cases of cocaine addiction can be overcome. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with our simple and straightforward admissions process.

Contact Us to Get Started

Immersion Recovery Center provides a licensed, individualized and integrated detox program to people of all ages who have been struggling with addictive disorders of all types and severities. We offer a step-down curriculum of clinical care, designed to help our clients make a smooth and seamless transition from medical detox into the next level of care, and eventually back into independent living. We understand how difficult it might seem to choose the best drug and alcohol detox in Florida for your unique personal needs. Fortunately, we are available to help make the decision easier. The moment you contact us, either directly through our website or over the phone, you are put in touch with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors. They ask a short series of questions, ultimately helping you determine which level of care is the most appropriate for your unique case. If we believe our program is a good fit we conduct a free, no obligation insurance benefit check and facilitate local travel to our Delray Beach, Florida treatment center. Contact us today to begin.