Cocaine Detox
Almost a million Americans had cocaine dependence or abuse problem in the past year, and more than 5,000 died of overdoses. Cocaine use can range from occasional to constant. Prolonged abuse can alter one’s brain chemistry and eventually create tolerance and physical dependence. Excessive amounts of cocaine can lead to heart attacks, stroke, seizures, as well as sudden death.
The first step in overcoming a cocaine addiction is attending our medical detox center. Psychological symptoms of withdrawal can be properly managed and closely monitored in our cocaine detox facility, by our medical staff.
What Is Cocaine Addiction?
Cocaine addiction is a serious and complex disorder marked by the compulsive use of the drug cocaine despite negative consequences. It is a form of substance abuse that involves a physical and psychological dependency on the drug. The intense euphoric effects, typically accompanied by increased energy and alertness, make cocaine highly addictive. Over time, users develop tolerance, necessitating higher doses for the same effects, leading to a destructive cycle of abuse. Withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and intense cravings, make quitting a challenge. This necessitates professional intervention and a structured cocaine detox program to help individuals overcome this addiction and reclaim their lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine abuse, please reach out for help today.
What Are the Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse?
Cocaine use increases the flow of dopamine, which makes regular cocaine use cause the brain to expect higher levels of dopamine, also known as the brain’s “pleasure” chemical. By disturbing the natural regulation of dopamine production and release, cocaine triggers a sense of euphoria, or “high.”
Short-term effects of cocaine may include:
- Short-term euphoria
- Increased energy
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Decrease appetite
- Dilated pupils
- Heart palpitations
- Increased body temperature
- Rapid heart rate
- Constricted blood vessels
- Tremors
- Irritablity
- Violent behavior
As time passes, the brain adjusts to the effects of cocaine by slowing or stopping dopamine production on its own. For this reason, people who abruptly stop using cocaine can experience severe bouts of depression, suicidal thoughts, or ideation. Also known as withdrawal, these unpleasant symptoms can deter people from getting sober.
Stimulant drugs can also wreak havoc on the body’s organs which is why people who continue to abuse cocaine can develop serious health issues.
Long-term effects of cocaine abuse may include:
- Tolerance
- Nasal irritation
- Lung damage
- Risk of HIV/Hepatitis C
- Heart inflammation
- Cognitive dysfunction
These are only a few side effects that may suggest a cocaine addiction. Other potential effects of cocaine abuse include frequent nosebleeds from snorting the drug and track marks from injecting it. Financial troubles are also common in people with cocaine addiction due to the expense of purchasing the drug. Similarly, people who abuse cocaine often find themselves in legal trouble after being caught with cocaine.
The Dangers of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine abuse poses severe threats to an individual’s health and wellbeing. The immediate dangers include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, which can lead to severe cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, even in young and healthy individuals.
Regular use can induce severe neurological effects, such as strokes and seizures. Cocaine’s ability to disrupt sleep patterns can lead to chronic insomnia, while its appetite-suppressing properties can result in malnutrition. Its psychological effects are equally alarming, with persistent use leading to paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior.
Moreover, cocaine abuse can significantly impair a person’s mental health, increasing the risk of developing mental disorders like depression and anxiety. The dangers of cocaine abuse extend beyond the individual, affecting families, relationships, and communities, further underscoring the need for early intervention and focused rehabilitation efforts.
What Is Cocaine Withdrawal?
Cocaine withdrawal is the physical and psychological symptoms experienced when someone stops using cocaine after chronic or prolonged use. Withdrawal symptoms can include difficulty sleeping, increased fatigue, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, depression, and intense cravings for cocaine. Physical symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure. People going through cocaine withdrawal may also experience suicidal thoughts or intense psychological distress. It is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing cocaine withdrawal. Medical professionals can provide medications to help reduce the intensity of the symptoms and provide other forms of support to help with your recovery.
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
As you detox from cocaine, you may experience various cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms usually start within 24 hours of the last dose and can last anywhere from three to five days to up to a few weeks in extreme cases.
Here is a withdrawal timeline so you know what to expect:
- One to three hours after last dose: Less energy; fatigue
- Three hours to three days after last dose: Acute psychological symptoms such as nightmares, tremors, restlessness, and panic attacks
- Four to seven days after last dose: Cravings for cocaine, irritability, anxiety, and depression
- One week after last dose: Withdrawal symptoms may begin to subside, but can resurface unexpectedly
- Two weeks after last dose: Most likely you will be feeling much better. You may still have cravings for cocaine but most symptoms of cocaine withdrawal will have dissipated
It’s important to note some cocaine abusers may experience protracted or prolonged cocaine withdrawal symptoms that can last for one to two months or longer.
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Dysphoria (a general sense of unease or dissatisfaction)
- Slowed thoughts and movements
- Anhedonia (a loss of interest or pleasure in activities)
- Low motivation
- Mood swings
Throughout this process licensed therapists and professionals will be available to help you detox from cocaine safely. Cocaine withdrawal can be managed with medical assistance, psychological support, and behavioral therapies. Treatment options may vary depending on the severity of the withdrawal, the presence of co-occurring mental health issues, and your preferences and needs.
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
Cocaine withdrawal syndrome can be categorized into two phases, the acute phase and subacute phase.
Week 1 Acute Phase of Cocaine Withdrawal
Acute withdrawal from cocaine often manifests as immediate physical and psychological effects that occur when a person abruptly stops using the drug after a period of heavy use. Symptoms can include agitation, restlessness, depression, intense cravings for the drug, increased appetite, lethargy, vivid and unpleasant dreams, slowed activity, and physical symptoms such as aches, pains, and tremors. This phase typically starts within a few hours to a few days after the last use, and may last up to a few weeks.
Week 2+ Subacute Phase of Cocaine Withdrawal
Subacute withdrawal symptoms, also referred to as post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), can occur after the acute withdrawal phase. These symptoms tend to be primarily psychological and may include ongoing depression, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, reduced enjoyment of life, and ongoing cravings for cocaine. These effects can persist for weeks, months, or even longer after the last use of the drug, making long-term support and treatment critical for recovery.
Am I a Cocaine Addict?
If you are unsure if you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction, some warning signs of a cocaine substance use disorder include:
If you suspect you or a loved one meets these criteria, seriously consider cocaine addiction treatment.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
How Long Is Cocaine Detox?
Cocaine has a short half-life, withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as an hour and a half after the last dose. These withdrawal symptoms can last for seven to ten days, with a variety of factors affecting their severity.
Further, the withdrawal process can be influenced by the guest’s abuse history, age, health status, and coexisting mental disorders. While many of these symptoms are psychological rather than physical, it is greatly recommended that guests attend a reputable cocaine detox facility like Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights.
Our highly trained team of medical professionals has the experience needed to effectively treat cocaine withdrawal. Left untreated, the addiction will only get worse.
Natural Beauty to Heal Body and Mind
Aside from professional treatments and therapies to help you detox from cocaine safely, facility and location are important. Beautiful surroundings help to heal the body and mind, and to that end, Royal Life Center at Spokane Heights stands above other cocaine detox centers. Nestled in the leafy green Spokane with Spokane Falls nearby, you’ll find yourself amidst rejuvenating nature.
The healing tranquility of our location will give you the inner peace to recover without distractions. Within the facility you’ll also find safe and comfortable surroundings and state of the art amenities to make your addiction recovery not only bearable, but actually enjoyable.
Have any questions?
After Cocaine Detox
Although medical detox is extremely important, it is only the first step in addiction treatment. Detox will remove cocaine from the body of a physically dependent person, but it does not protect a person from relapsing.
Continuing treatment after medical detox is key, as treatment in a residential inpatient program is proven to heighten the success rate of continued sobriety. Our residential inpatient program, as well as our other aftercare services, create a toolbox of relapse prevention skills.
Cocaine addiction affects nearly every factor in life – therefore, a huge part of rehabilitation from substance abuse is learning a new way of life. This process involves intensive emotional and behavioral therapy so that guests can gain the knowledge and tools they need to build a successful life without mind-altering substances. Life skills are re-built, leading to healthy lasting sobriety.
Are you looking for help with addiction? Let us support you on the path to lasting recovery
Cocaine Detox & Treatment at
Royal Life Centers
To offer guests the best care in the most accessible way, we have many recovery centers spread around Washington. Through our full continuum of care, Royal Life Centers’ nationwide addiction treatment programs and centers aim to ensure that you receive the comprehensive care you need to recover from addiction.
Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights is a cocaine detox and residential inpatient center that can help you begin your journey to recovery. After completing inpatient treatment with us, you can transition into our aftercare and outpatient facility, Cascade Heights, to strengthen your foundation of coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.
If you or a loved one has a cocaine addiction—or any substance use disorder—please reach out to us at
(888) 907-0898 to discuss detox and treatment options. Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights has an admissions staff that is available to speak with 24/7, to answer any questions you may have.
Find a Cocaine Detox Near Me in Washington
To offer guests the best care in the most accessible way, we have many recovery centers spread around Washington. Through our full continuum of care, Royal Life Centers’ nationwide addiction treatment programs and centers aim to ensure that you receive the comprehensive care you need to recover from addiction.
Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights is a cocaine detox and residential inpatient center that can help you begin your journey to recovery. After completing inpatient treatment with us, you can transition into our aftercare and outpatient facility, Cascade Heights, to strengthen your foundation of coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.
In Washington, we offer the following detoxification and residential facilities:
We have connected aftercare and outpatient treatment centers around Washington state. Guests can move there after completing treatment in our cocaine detox and residential inpatient programs. Throughout our aftercare programs, guests continue to receive clinical support and guidance from our clinicians and peers in their recovery community.
Our aftercare facilities in Washington include:
When you’re ready to conquer cocaine addiction and start the journey to a fulfilling life of sobriety, reach out by calling 888-907-0898 or filling out our secure contact form. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about our cocaine detox program and offer assistance in verifying your insurance coverage for rehab.
Looking for Cocaine Detox Services?
If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine addiction, please reach out to us to find out more about how our cocaine detox services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and have affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
Because We Care.
Would you like more information?
If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder,
we hope you’ll begin your journey with us at Royal Life Centers.
