Cocaine Detox: Symptoms to Expect

Cocaine addiction can be hard to overcome, even with professional help. The initial stage of recovery from cocaine addiction is detoxification – a process involving the removal of substances from your body.

Despite the benefits, detoxing from cocaine often comes with withdrawal symptoms, which can be difficult to manage without the right help and support. To learn more about cocaine withdrawal symptoms and what to expect, continue reading.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

If either you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction, detox is likely necessary. However, spotting an addiction can be tough without knowing what to look out for. Warning signs of cocaine addiction show in various ways:

• Dilated pupils
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nosebleeds
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Financial issues
• Relationship issues
• Social withdrawal
• Neglect of responsibilities
• Secretive behaviour

Last year, reports showed that crack cocaine use had decreased compared to the year prior. Despite this, cocaine addiction is still very much prevalent, causing harm to many across the UK. When signs of cocaine addiction occur, seeking help is essential.

What is a Cocaine Detox?

Cocaine detoxification is the first stage of any treatment programme for substance use. If you’ve spotted signs of cocaine addiction in yourself or someone you know, detoxing from the drug safely is the best and most effective option.

The process involves removing traces of cocaine from your body and managing the associated withdrawal symptoms. There are a few types of detox options to consider if you believe your addiction to cocaine is getting out of control:

1. Home detox
2. Medical detox
3. Inpatient detox

Detoxification isn’t a standalone treatment for cocaine addiction. Instead, it should be completed as one part of a full treatment programme. The detox stage addresses the physical aspect of addiction, laying the foundation for future therapeutic interventions (such as therapy or counselling).

What to Expect

Cocaine detox is no doubt a process that’s difficult to anticipate. Knowing what to expect is hard to pinpoint, as everyone’s detox is different. However, one aspect of the detox process that occurs depending on the duration of cocaine use, intensity, frequency, and method of consumption, is withdrawal symptoms.

The Most Common Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are simply your body’s response to the absence of cocaine. During detox, you will likely experience physical, psychological, and behavioural withdrawal symptoms – all of which range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of your addiction.

Physical

• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased appetite
• Muscle aches
• Body pain
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Toilet troubles

Psychological

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Agitation
• Paranoia
• Poor concentration
• Strong cravings

Behavioural

• Social withdrawal
• Lack of interest
• Emotional outbursts
• Aggressiveness
• Inability to follow routines
• Suspiciousness

Access to the right medical supervision and support is key while experiencing cocaine withdrawal symptoms – especially to prevent chances of relapse.

Is Cocaine Withdrawal Dangerous?

Most symptoms related to cocaine withdrawal aren’t typically classified as medically dangerous. However, everyone’s recovery journeys are different, and withdrawal symptoms can be more tedious for others.

With depression being a prominent cocaine withdrawal symptom, it wouldn’t be uncommon for those detoxing to experience ongoing suicidal thoughts. Due to such symptoms posing a risk, it’s recommended to detox and experience cocaine withdrawal symptoms through a medical home detox, or under close supervision.

How Long Does a Cocaine Detox Take?

The cocaine withdrawal timeline can vary, typically lasting around a week. During the initial stage of detox, the most intense withdrawal symptoms will occur, often peaking around the third day.

• Up to 3 hours after use – The general, more common withdrawal symptoms will begin
• 3 – 5 days after use – Cravings may occur as your body notices a difference without cocaine, and symptoms could begin to peak
• 1 – 2 weeks after use – Cravings may not be as demanding, but you’ll likely feel a lack of motivation and experience poor mental health
• 5 – 10 weeks after use – This timeframe is a great achievement, but although you’ll begin to fully heal, some minor symptoms are still possible (which is totally normal)

Detox From Cocaine with Home Detox UK

Begin your recovery from cocaine addiction with Home Detox UK. Our cocaine detox kits provide an accessible and convenient solution to detoxification. With us, you can detox from cocaine from the comfort of your own home, under the guidance of addiction specialists.

If you’re concerned about your drug abuse and don’t want to detox in a clinical setting, our home detox kits are the right choice for you. Before creating a personalised detox plan, we will discuss your health and substance use history. Our kits include detox medications that can help you to manage withdrawal symptoms.

To find out more about our services, please contact us today. Don’t struggle with cocaine addiction alone.