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Cocaine Rehab: When It’s Time to Get Help

Cocaine addiction is a devastating affliction that can trap you in a constant cycle of euphoria and despair. As the drug rewires your brain, it becomes more and more difficult to break free from its grip. The emotional, physical, and social toll affects your relationships, career, and health. Professional treatment can offer a lifeline, providing the support and medical expertise necessary to address the complexities of addiction and start you on the path toward recovery.

  • Cocaine is a stimulant derived from coca plant leaves and is available as powder or crack.
  • Cocaine rewires the brain, leading to severe emotional, physical, and social consequences, including cardiovascular issues and mental health problems.
  • Symptoms of cocaine abuse include dilated pupils, increased energy, euphoria, paranoia, rapid heartbeat, decreased appetite, insomnia, and nasal issues.
  • Withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, depression, increased appetite, sleep disturbances, irritability, cravings, anxiety, and physical discomfort.
  • Professional treatment options, such as medical detox, therapy, and residential or outpatient programs, are crucial for overcoming cocaine addiction and achieving long-term recovery.
Drug Category
Stimulant
Commercial & Street Names
Coke, blow, white, snow, powder, yeyo, crack, rock, charlie
DEA Schedule
Schedule II
Administration
Snorting, injecting, smoking

Withdrawal from cocaine is very difficult but achievable. Professional help can provide the necessary support for a safe and effective recovery. Here are some of the common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal:[4]

Fatigue and lethargy

You may experience extreme tiredness and lack of energy, making it difficult to stay active or motivated throughout the day.

Sleep disturbances

Problems with sleep may arise. You could find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, or you might sleep much more than usual.

Anxiety

You could experience heightened feelings of anxiety or nervousness. This might manifest as restlessness or a sense of impending doom.

Depression

Feelings of depression might become more pronounced. You could feel hopeless, downhearted, or disinterested in activities you once enjoyed.

Irritability and mood swings

You may become easily irritated or experience frequent mood swings. These emotional changes can make it difficult for you to interact with others or maintain stable relationships.

Difficulty concentrating

You may need help focusing and concentrating, making it difficult to complete tasks or make decisions.

Increased appetite

You might notice a significant increase in your appetite. This can result in noticeable weight gain.

Cravings for cocaine

Intense cravings for cocaine are likely to occur. This makes it challenging to resist the urge to use the drug again.

Physical symptoms

You might experience physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, or nausea. These discomforts can add to your overall feeling of unwellness and make it difficult to continue on the path toward quitting the drug.

Is It Time To Get Help?

What detox and therapy treatment for cocaine addiction is beneficial?

How addictive is cocaine?

Does insurance cover cocaine rehab?

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, April 4). Cocaine. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine

[2]Drug scheduling. DEA. (n.d.). https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

[3]Bravo, R. R., Faria, A. C., Brito-Da-Costa, A. M., Carmo, H., Mladěnka, P., Da Silva, D. D., Remião, F., & Researchers, O. B. O. O. (2022). Cocaine: An Updated Overview on Chemistry, Detection, Biokinetics, and Pharmacotoxicological Aspects including Abuse Pattern. Toxins, 14(4), 278. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14040278

[4]U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-a). Cocaine withdrawal: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000947.htm

[5]Nestler, E. J. (2005, December). The Neurobiology of Cocaine Addiction. Science & practice perspectives. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851032/