Clinical cocaine detox is a process that helps you safely withdrawal from cocaine after discontinuing use. If you are struggling with cocaine addiction, we highly recommend a period of safe medical observation at Briarwood Detox Center before beginning a comprehensive rehab program after detox.
Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug made from the leaves of the Coca plant. It is made in the form of a fine, white powder and dealers often mix it with cornstarch or flour to maximize profits. Sometimes people also mix it with amphetamine, another stimulant drug.
Cocaine is an extremely powerful and addictive drug. When a person ingests it, it causes an excessive buildup of dopamine between nerve cells in the brain which disrupts normal brain communication. This is what causes the “high” that users feel after taking it. The effects of cocaine can be felt almost immediately and last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.
Cocaine is known to “speed up” the body, so initially after using users may feel excited and full of energy but they are also prone to rapid mood swings and may suddenly become angry, nervous, or paranoid. After the high wears off, users typically feel depressed and tired for days.
Long-term abuse of cocaine can result in serious health problems, such as:
Mixing cocaine with alcohol is particularly dangerous and can result in overdose. Cocaine overdoses often lead to heart attacks, strokes, or seizures.
If you are physically dependent on cocaine, a full medical detox program is usually not necessary but we do recommend a period of safe medical observation in a clinical environment while you are discontinuing all use of the substance.
Most often, detox from cocaine and other stimulants like meth or Adderall results in extreme exhaustion. Because of this, we provide consistent medical support and treat any uncomfortable symptoms that arise so clients can rest comfortably.
The intense cocaine cravings that occur after a crash is often the most difficult time for people in cocaine detox. Many times this is also coupled with extreme anxiety or depression, which puts them at risk for self-harming behaviors.
Medical observation at Briarwood Detox Center provides the support you need to get through the initial binge and crash cycle and break your physical dependence. Treatment for withdrawal is absolutely necessary for a safe detox from cocaine. Our medical and clinical team will provide essential medical services by monitoring your vitals and heart rate, treating related symptoms, answering questions and offering therapeutic support for improved mental health with individual and group counseling sessions.
The effects of cocaine abuse are felt very quickly, within just a few seconds to 20-90 minutes, depending on the method of use. Although the cocaine itself only remains in the body for about 30 minutes, with long-term use, it can accumulate in the body tissues and may be detectable in saliva, blood, urine, and hair for much longer.
| How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System? | |
| Saliva | 12-48 hours |
| Blood | 12-48 hours |
| Urine | 2-4 days |
| Hair | Several months or years |
Although withdrawal is different for everyone, some common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
A multidisciplinary treatment team will work together as a cohesive unit to address any physical and emotional needs you may have and provide 24/7 medical monitoring during this time.
The staff at Briarwood is fully prepared to recognize and treat the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal. We will administer medication to treat unpleasant physical symptoms of withdrawal so you can remain comfortable throughout your stay. Cocaine detox can be dangerous if attempted at home, so we highly recommend that you detox in a medical detox center such as Briarwood.
Completing this process under medical supervision is the safest and most comfortable way to endure cocaine withdrawal.
When you arrive at Briarwood Detox Center on your first day of detox, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your resident advocate and detox counselor. We will give you a tour of the property and help you fill out your intake documents. Within your first hour on-site, you’ll meet with our medical staff for a comprehensive medical assessment to address your current health status and any coexisting mental or medical disorders. After this, a period of safe medical observation will begin.
Your medical treatment team will provide around-the-clock medical observation to ensure your vitals, heart rate and any other related symptoms are under control. Our nurses will check on you every four hours to provide the most consistent, well-rounded care. We may also provide treatment for related physical symptoms to alleviate discomfort and help you get the rest you need to recover.
Your detox counselor will also be available for psychological support as you begin to experience the emotional side effects of cocaine withdrawal and adjust to a lifestyle without substance abuse. This counseling will also help prepare you for ongoing substance abuse treatment, should you decide to continue with our recommended care plan.
| 1-3 hours after the last dose: | You will probably begin to experience withdrawal symptoms very shortly after your last dose. These may include irritability, exhaustion, and anxiety. |
| 1-7 days after the last dose: | During the first week of withdrawal, you will likely experience intense cravings, insomnia, depression, and mood swings. |
| 2-4 weeks after the last dose: | You will likely still experience strong cravings for cocaine and you may also feel very irritable and easily agitated. Many people also have extremely vivid dreams during this time. |
| 5-10 weeks after the last dose: | Cravings will ease up during this time and so will any other lingering withdrawal symptoms, although you may still feel anxious or depressed. |
Cocaine detox is a very individualized process, but cocaine withdrawal symptoms can last up to a week. Medical observation for cocaine usually requires a stay of 24 to 72 hours at Briarwood Detox Center. This timeframe will vary depending on your circumstances and your treatment team will work with you to determine an appropriate timeframe for your observation.
Even after detox, some people experience cravings for cocaine that last weeks or months. Attending an outpatient or residential rehab program after detox can give you the tools and strategies to manage your cravings without relapsing.
Our medical cocaine detox facilities in Austin and Houston are safe and supportive places to begin your addiction recovery. The experienced and friendly staff at Briarwood will ensure that your cocaine detox experience is as comfortable as possible and that you are treated with the utmost care and respect. From the moment you enter either of our facilities, you’ll receive nothing less than the highest quality medical and therapeutic care available.
During cocaine detox, our treatment staff will treat uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and help you manage cravings with one-on-one counseling, support, and a positive sober environment.
After detox, relapse is always a risk, so it’s very important to continue your addiction treatment.
Many people do this by enrolling in a rehab or sober living program after detox.
Getting professional treatment after detox is an important part of maintaining your sobriety and our treatment team will provide professional recommendations for ongoing care after you complete detox.
Cocaine addiction will always be a part of your history, but it doesn’t have to define who you are and how you live now. If you’re ready to get your life back, the compassionate staff at Briarwood can help. Call today to get started.
Call (888) 857-0557 or fill out our online form for a free and confidential personal consultation with an admissions specialist.
Complete our fast, free, and easy verification process over the phone to determine the extent of your insurance coverage.
We will provide personalized placement recommendations based on your insurance, treatment needs, financial situation, and schedule.