Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that is highly addictive because of the extreme euphoria, increased alertness, and hypersensitivity to outside stimuli. Adverse short-term psychological and physical effects can result in a cocaine overdose and lead to long-term consequences, including death.
However, treatment is available, and many people undergo treatment beginning with cocaine withdrawal phases. Understanding the challenges that come with recovery is essential, starting with the disconnection from cocaine.
Cocaine and Amphetamines
According to The Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment, second edition, people intoxicated from cocaine may show signs of:
- Hyperawareness
- Hypersexuality
- Hypervigilance
- Psychomotor agitation
When entering treatment for detox from cocaine, it is essential to monitor those with these stimulant-induced behaviors resembling mania.
Those who have a cocaine use disorder live in a state of mental confusion and excitement known as stimulant delirium. This occurs because stimulants interfere with neurotransmitters and alter brain chemistry. Furthermore, the cocaine withdrawal phases articulate the intensity of the drug’s effects on the brain.
Cocaine addiction is potentially life-threatening, as it increases the chance of heart attack, strokes, and seizures brought on by overdose. Another alarming trend is polydrug use, when users combine cocaine with other drugs and alcohol to increase the potential dangers. A trend of binge use of cocaine increases the intensity of withdrawal from the drug.
Phase 1: The Crash Phase
Typically, binge use of cocaine creates a crash period when withdrawal occurs. The crash phase includes symptoms such as depression, anxiety, agitation, and intense drug cravings.
Moreover, it can begin within 90 minutes from the last use of cocaine. It is a recommendation of medical professionals in treatment to use a medication-assisted treatment program to alleviate some of the discomforts of detox.
Common withdrawal symptoms in phases 1 and 2 can include the following symptoms:
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing
- Restlessness and agitation
- Increased appetite and cravings for the drug
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Exhaustion, slowed activity, muscle aches, and nerve pain
- Tremors
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Trouble sleeping and nightmares
Phase 2: Withdrawal Phase
The second of the cocaine withdrawal phases starts 7 to 10 days after the last dose of cocaine. A lack of interest in the surrounding environment can increase feelings of depression.
Also known as the intermediate phase, most individuals experience intense physical and mental energy loss. Medication-assisted treatment can alleviate the severity of the chills, nerve pain, muscle aches, and nightmares.
Phase 3: Possible Relapse Phase
Ironically, in phase 3, when cravings lessen, the most significant possibility for relapse occurs. Feeling somewhat better physically, sudden urges to use again may appear out of nowhere. Just when an individual is feeling better as symptoms lessen, there are also brief periods of craving that, in the past, were conditioned triggers to use.
The danger of overdose is extremely high in this cocaine withdrawal phase because if the user relapses and uses the exact dosage of cocaine once used, an overdose could happen.
Cocaine Overdose
The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes cocaine overdose as taking enough cocaine to reach toxic levels in the body, causing a severe reaction. Overdose levels of cocaine are not always the same for each person and can vary from time to time. Drug toxicity is unpredictable. Another factor that must be a consideration in overdose cases is the presence of other drugs.
Overdose does not always point to death. However, heart attacks, strokes, and seizures can bring significant damage to the body. It is good to educate oneself on the signs and symptoms of cocaine overdose to be proactive in saving a life. Time is a crucial element in treating an overdose.
The physical and psychological symptoms of cocaine overdose can include any of the following:
- Elevation of heart rate
- Rise in body temperature
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the chest
- Tremors
- Panicked feelings
- Anxiety
- Delirium
- Paranoia
Cocaine Detox
Cocaine has a direct effect on the body and the brain. The initial step is the realization cocaine addiction can have a significant adverse impact on the organs and the brain. It can lead to long-term issues.
It is essential to understand how the cocaine detoxification process must begin with gradual cocaine withdrawal phases. Reaching sobriety is a process that is possible through the help of treatment professionals in a safe setting.
Medically-supervised medical detox from cocaine reduces the potential for the fatal risks of cocaine withdrawal. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduce the possibility of relapse.
The cocaine withdrawal phases indicate depression and anxiety can begin after usage stops. It is vital to successful recovery to utilize the tools available in professional treatment for the best outcome.
Medications to treat cocaine withdrawal show promising benefits in detox. Buprenorphine and naltrexone are common medications for MAT. Antidepressants are often a good treatment option for those experiencing intense feelings of depression and anxiety. Eliminating the chance for thoughts of suicide can be helpful and allow the patient to focus on therapy and rehab.
Understand the Dangers of Cocaine Withdrawal Phases in Tennessee Today
Education is half the battle when making life-changing decisions such as addiction treatment. Detox West of Tennessee welcomes questions and concerns to ease the minds of those struggling with treatment options. Feeling secure in finding the perfect place to start a new life journey is essential.
Contact the admissions department now to get answers and initiate treatment options.