Although cocaine use has been declining in recent years, it is still a major problem in the US. Cocaine detox is an incredibly helpful tool for allowing people struggling with cocaine addiction to get on the road to recovery.
What is cocaine?
Cocaine is a stimulant, derived from the coca plant. It is most commonly used in its powdered form, or crystallized (after being dissolved in ammonia and other solvents) and melted for freebasing-where it’s referred to as “crack.” Many users also dissolve the powder an inject it, or mix it with opiates in a dangerous practice known as “speedballing”.
What immediate effects does cocaine have on the user?
Cocaine has immediate and serious physical and psychological effects on users. Initially, users will feel a mild to extreme sense of euphoria. They’ll also experience increased energy and a heightened sense of alertness. Users may also experience an increased desire to connect socially, and many people under the influence of cocaine find it hard to stop talking.
From a physical standpoint, users experience increased hear rate, dilated pupils, suppressed appetite and an increase in both blood pressure and body temperature immediatey after use.
What are the long-term effects does cocaine have on the user?
The effects of cocaine are typically short-lived, and the “crash” can be devastating, which often leads users to compulsively continue use.
Cocaine users may experience insomnia, paranoia, aggression, irritability and depression.
Frequent cocaine users also suffer from nasal problems as a result of sniffing cocaine, include deterioration of the nasal cartilage, chronic sniffling and deviated septums.
What are the potential dangers of using cocaine?
Cocaine is an extremely dangerous drug. Users with heart defects, high blood pressure or thyroid problems are at an extremely high risk of overdose that may result in heart failure.
Similar to other drugs, users begin to develop a tolerance for cocaine, leading them to ingest higher quantities of the drug in search of their original “high”. This increase in quantity can often lead to addiction and overdose.
Cocaine is also extremely dangerous when mixed with other drugs. Mixing cocaine with other drugs, like alcohol, opiates, or benzodiazepines, greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.
Symptoms of cocaine overdose include hallucinations, convulsions, hyperthermia (spike in body temperature), stroke, heart attack and potentially, death.
What is cocaine detox?
For those who struggle with cocaine addiction, the painful “crash” can deter them from stopping or seeking treatment. Many users experience severe depression, anxiety, apathy and suicidal thoughts when they stop using cocaine.
At Turning Point Treatment Center, we offer a 3 day cocaine detox program prior to treatment. This allows us to rid the client’s body of all cocaine and avoid potentially problematic withdrawal symptoms. Upon admission, clients meet with our staff to determine a detox plan that best suits their individual needs. Cocaine detox may or may not include medication, depending on the length of abuse and severity of symptoms.
If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine abuse, treatment might be the answer. At Turning Point Treatment Center, our individualized treatment plans, highly qualified staff and personalized approach to recovery have a proven track record of success. For more information on cocaine treatment at Turning Point Treatment Center, please contact us.
