Freedom From Addiction
Cocaine Detox

Are you or your loved one considering a Cocaine detox? At CuraSouth a medically-monitored Cocaine detox is the first vital step toward recovery. We know cocaine withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, so we do everything we can to provide a pain-free and safe detox in a serene, homestyle environment. We believe, however, that detox should go beyond physical stabilization. We believe the most effective detox programs focus on paving the road for long-term sobriety. We have developed a cocaine detox program that is highly individualized and designed to help each client lay the foundation for a solid recovery.

Properties of Cocaine

Cocaine is a potent and habit-forming illicit drug, one that is currently considered a Schedule II chemical substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (meaning that it does have some known medical uses, but that it is rarely utilized in a medical setting and is predominantly used recreationally). When it comes to recovery from addiction, a medical cocaine detox is a necessary first step. While symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal are not generally life-threatening, they can be physically and psychologically torturous when left untreated. If you or someone you love has been suffering at the hands of a cocaine abuse disorder of any severity CuraSouth is available to help. Our team of dedicated professionals have combined decades of experience in the fields of medical detox, addiction recovery and mental health. To learn more about our unique and personalized program of cocaine detox or to begin the intake process, call us today.

Cocaine is typically used nasally (snorted) in its powdered form, though it can also be smoked or used intravenously. Cocaine works by increasing the amount of dopamine present within the brain, impacting the neural pathways that control reward, motivation and movement. This specific chemical substance prevents dopamine from being recycled, causing a great deal of the neurotransmitter to build up and preventing normal communication from occurring. The excessive amount of dopamine reinforces drug-seeking behavior, seeking as the brain quickly adapts and becomes less sensitive to the presence of cocaine over time. Eventually tolerance develops, and a physical and psychological takes hold.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the rates of cocaine abuse and addiction throughout the United States have been rising since 2015, and cocaine addiction is once again emerging as a major public health crisis. The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that roughly 968,000 men and women over the age of 12 used cocaine at least once over the course of the previous year. In 2018 there were an estimated 5.5 million active cocaine users throughout the country. If you or someone you love has been suffering from cocaine abuse or addiction, numerous effective treatment options are readily available. At CuraSouth we provide an integrated program of cocaine detox while preparing our clients for the next appropriate level of clinical care.

Cocaine Addictions
Signs & Symptoms

There are numerous signs and symptoms associated with cocaine abuse and addiction, which vary significantly depending on the severity of the substance abuse disorder.

Common signs of cocaine abuse and addiction include:

• Loss of smell, chronic runny nose or nosebleeds and issues swallowing (when it comes to nasal use)
• Engaging in erratic and uncharacteristic behavior
• An increase in risk-taking behavior, like combining cocaine with other chemical substances (like alcohol) or driving while under the influence
• Continuing to use cocaine despite personal consequences
• Attempting to cut back on the amount of cocaine being used on a regular basis, but being unable to do so
• Experiencing significant financial or legal issues as a direct result of cocaine use
• Interpersonal problems – problems with friends or family members
• Spending an ample amount of time seeking cocaine, using cocaine and recovering from its effects
• Experiencing psychological drug cravings, which can be overwhelming
• Mood swings, typically characterized by extreme agitation and irritability
• Prioritizing cocaine use over activities that were previously enjoyed or personal obligations
• Experiencing a decline in personal performance at work or at school
• Developing a physical tolerance over time (usually rapidly), meaning that more cocaine is required in order for the same effects to be produced
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when cocaine becomes unavailable or when use is stopped abruptly for any other reason

The symptoms vary dramatically, but when it comes to cocaine abuse and addiction it is always important to seek professional help sooner rather than later. Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease, and without long-term intervention the associated symptoms will only continue to get worse.

Cocaine Withdrawal
Signs & Symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal is unique in that symptoms are typically more psychological than physical in nature. Symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal also vary depending on the severity of the substance abuse disorder and generally include:

• Severely depressed mood
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Agitation and restlessness
• Fatigue, drowsiness and a slowing of physical movement
• Increased appetite, which can lead to temporary weight gain
• Insomnia and vivid nightmares
• Intense psychological cocaine cravings
• General feelings of physical discomfort

Is Medical Detox Necessary?

Even though the symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal are rarely life-threatening, medical detox is still a necessity. Psychological symptoms can be extremely unpredictable, and when not properly treated that can result in a range of serious complications – including panic attacks and suicidal ideation. In many cases, clients who were suffering from a severe cocaine abuse disorder require psychiatric intervention, which often includes an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. These medications are typically taken short-term until protracted withdrawal symptoms completely subside. At CuraSouth we focus on more than psychological stabilization and a pain-free withdrawal — we help prepare our clients for continued success in sobriety by offering a variety of recovery-related services and resources. Medical detox is also necessary for this reason.

Cocaine Withdrawal Treatment Options

When it comes to effective cocaine detox the most effective treatment method is generally a combination of rest and relaxation, medication assisted treatment, case management, therapeutic intervention and aftercare planning. At CuraSouth we utilize some medications for the treatment of symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal, but we rarely use anything more potent than a non-addictive sleep aid or an over-the-counter pain reliever. As previously mentioned, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are sometimes necessary. Clients are able to relax in their bedrooms, take advantage of group and individual therapy sessions and help themselves to snacks in our fully stocked kitchen, which they have access to 24/7.

Begin Your Personal Journey of Cocaine Addiction Recovery

If you or someone you love has been suffering from a cocaine abuse disorder of any severity, CuraSouth is available to help. We provide our clients with an integrated level of clinical care — one that tackles the physical, mental and emotional implications of cocaine addiction. Our medical team has combined decades of experience treating all symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal, however, we believe that adequate medical detox should cover more than physical stabilization. In addition to around-the-clock medical care we provide access to a range of supplemental recovery-related resources, including individual and group therapy sessions, a thorough introduction to the 12 step model of recovery and relapse prevention education. Upon admission to our detox program each client undergoes an in-depth evaluation and is paired with a case manager. This case manager helps the client along through every stage of the early recovery process, and helps the client develop a viable plan for long-term continuing care (which typically includes an immediate transition into inpatient treatment once physical stabilization has been achieved). If you or someone close to you has been suffering from a cocaine abuse disorder contact us today to get started. We look forward to speaking with you and offering you any additional insight and support you may need.