Detoxing from cocaine can be scary, and many who are addicted might fear beginning the process of detox whether they’re planning to go through it alone or under the care of an inpatient or medical program. 

If you or a loved one are planning on beginning a cocaine detox, here are five things that you should know before (and during) your journey into sobriety. 

1. Withdrawal Symptoms are Mostly Psychological 

Unlike benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, withdrawing from cocaine results in mostly psychological symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Difficulty concentrating
• Slowed ability 
• Slowed thinking
• Hostility 
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Vivid dreams and nightmares
• Paranoia 
• Suicidal thoughts/actions
• Intense cravings for cocaine

Cocaine withdrawal affects everyone differently based on their body and how much/how frequently they were using. Those who used frequently and in large doses will likely experience more severe withdrawals, while those who used moderately are more likely to experience more moderate withdrawal symptoms. 

Anyone using cocaine in combination with another drug will likely experience severe withdrawal symptoms, as they’ll have to deal with withdrawal from more than one drug at a time. In these cases, it’s highly recommended that patients detox under the care of a medical professional. 

If a patient is nervous about detoxing from cocaine on their own, they may benefit from an inpatient treatment center or detoxification program to help them feel more secure. 

2. Withdrawl Symptoms Can Start Immediately 

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can start immediately after the last dose, which is why addicts use so frequently. Withdrawal symptoms may start as soon as 90 minutes and can last for ten days or longer. The more the patient has used (and the longer they’ve used), the longer their symptoms will likely last. 

If patients are afraid of relapsing, inpatient and detox treatment centers can also help with this, as they won’t have access to the medication while in these programs. 

3. You Might Relapse

Cocaine relapse is very common, specifically because of how quickly the withdrawal symptoms set in. Some may relapse multiple times before having a long period of sobriety. If an addict relapses, they shouldn’t think of it as a failure, but instead motivation to try harder and to keep working on their sobriety. 

In the addiction community, relapse is common and should only motivate people to move forward and to work harder toward their goal of staying clean. Healing and sobriety are not linear, and patients must work toward their goals every single day in order to stay clean. 

4. Detoxing Under Medical Supervision is a Good Idea

Whether a patient is afraid of withdrawal symptoms or they’re unsure that they’ll be able to keep from using, they should consider medical detox. By detoxing under the supervision of a medical professional, patients often feel less anxiety about the process. The support that they’re given is unmatched, and they’re often able to stay clean for longer after their detox when compared to those who detox by themselves. 

On top of that, detox centers often work hand in hand with inpatient and outpatient treatment centers and therapy groups, meaning those who go through detox are often connected to resources that can help them continue treatment. 

5. There are Many Options for Treatment

If medical detox doesn’t sound right for you or your loved one, there are plenty of other options out there for you. Beating addiction is all about finding the strategy that works best for you, whether that’s inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, sober living facilities, or support groups. 

To learn more about Knoxville Recovery Center and what we have to offer, contact us today. We’re ready to help you get and stay sober.