Our programs
Cocaine Detox Centers
Admissions answered 24 hours a day · Most major insurance accepted
Includes reviews of Flourishing Foundations Recovery, now part of Briarwood
The short answer
Cocaine withdrawal usually starts within one to three hours of the last dose. The first week brings intense cravings, insomnia, depression and mood swings; cravings and irritability often continue for two to four weeks, easing between weeks five and ten. Medical observation here usually means a stay of 24 to 72 hours.
If you are deciding whether to detox at home or with medical supervision, admissions can talk it through with you now on (866) 710-7710. Free, confidential, and answered around the clock.
The cocaine withdrawal timeline
The general pattern this page describes, not a prediction. Cocaine detox is an individual process and the record says so explicitly.
| When | What commonly happens |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 hours after the last dose | Symptoms usually begin very shortly after the last dose — irritability, exhaustion and anxiety. |
| 1 to 7 days after the last dose | Intense cravings, insomnia, depression and mood swings through the first week. |
| 2 to 4 weeks after the last dose | Strong cravings continue, often with irritability and easy agitation. Many people have extremely vivid dreams during this time. |
| 5 to 10 weeks after the last dose | Cravings ease, along with other lingering symptoms, though anxiety or low mood may remain. |
Withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines can become medically dangerous. If you are unsure whether it is safe to stop on your own, call (866) 710-7710 before you do.
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Freedom from addiction with clinical cocaine detox
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.
About Cocaine
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:
- Bowel decay (from reduced blood flow)
- Loss of smell
- Problems swallowing
- Higher risk for HIV and Hepatitis C
- Malnourishment
- Parkinson’s disease
- Severe paranoia
- Hallucinations
Mixing cocaine with alcohol is particularly dangerous and can result in overdose. Cocaine overdoses often lead to heart attacks, strokes, or seizures.
Crack use carries a serious risk of overdose — learn the signs of a crack overdose and when to get emergency help.
Do I Need Cocaine Detox?
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.
How to Detox From Cocaine
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.
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?
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 |
What Are Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms?
Although withdrawal is different for everyone, some common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Overall discomfort
- Increased appetite
- Vivid nightmares
- Suicidal ideation
- Exhaustion
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Strong cravings
- Chills
- Body aches
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.
How Does Briarwood Detox Manage Withdrawal Symptoms?
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.
Straight answers
Common questions
How long does cocaine withdrawal last?
Withdrawal symptoms can last up to a week, with the first signs arriving one to three hours after the last dose. Cravings commonly continue well beyond that — through weeks two to four, easing between weeks five and ten.
What are cocaine withdrawal symptoms?
Restlessness, fatigue, general discomfort, increased appetite, vivid nightmares, suicidal ideation, exhaustion, agitation, anxiety, depression, strong cravings, chills and body aches. Withdrawal is different for everyone.
How long does cocaine detox take at Briarwood?
Medical observation for cocaine usually requires a stay of 24 to 72 hours, varying with your circumstances. Some people experience cravings for weeks or months afterward, which is why an outpatient or residential program after detox matters.
What Is The Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline?
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.
How Long Does It Take to Detox From Cocaine?
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.
Where to Detox From Cocaine?
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.
What is the Recommended Treatment Plan After Cocaine Detox?
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. Cocaine inpatient rehab : During inpatient rehab, you will learn essential skills and make positive behavioral changes that will empower you to stay sober. Cocaine outpatient rehab : outpatient rehab offers flexible structured treatment in an outpatient setting that you’ll attend several times a week. Whether you enroll in in-person or online rehab , you’ll receive comprehensive, individualized treatment for cocaine addiction. We offer outpatient programs in Austin , Houston and Dallas . Sober living : After rehab, a sober living program can provide ongoing long-term support and peer recovery services. This will help you gradually assimilate back into society as a sober person and establish a stable support system. Getting professional treatment after detox is an important part of maintaining your sobriety and our treatm…
Before you arrive: what to expect from our detox covers the medical assessment, how long a stay usually runs, the privacy options and the rooms themselves.
Coverage
Our center is in-network with many insurances
Type your plan below to check it, or call and we will verify your benefits with your insurer directly. Free, and with no obligation to admit.
Takes about two minutes · Or call (866) 710-7710
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Admissions is staffed 24 hours a day. One call tells you what your insurance covers and whether detox is the right first step.