Cocaine Detox in Houston, Texas
Cocaine is a stimulant that is derived from the coca plant. It is a white powder that is very addictive. Cocaine addiction is a serious problem in the United States and the drug is designated as a Schedule II controlled substance due to the risk it poses.
Cocaine detox is the first step in overcoming cocaine addiction. The cocaine detox process can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it is essential for those who want to overcome their addiction. Cocaine detox centers offer medical care and support to help people through the cocaine detox process.
At Luna Recovery Services in Texas, we offer a comprehensive detox program that includes both medical and psychological support. Our cocaine detox program is designed to help you safely and effectively detox from cocaine so that you can begin your journey to recovery.
What is Cocaine Dependence?
When someone develops cocaine dependence it means they believe that without the presence of cocaine in their system they cannot behave normally. Cocaine dependence occurs as a result of someone abusing cocaine over an extended period of time. Dependence occurs differently for everyone. In some cases, genetics may also play a role in how someone becomes drug dependent.
Cocaine has been designated as a drug that causes extreme risk for dependence which means that it doesn’t take long for dependence to occur. Cocaine dependence can develop after just a few uses and this is why cocaine is considered to be one of the most addictive drugs on the market.
Cocaine dependence occurs when changes in brain chemistry happen as a result of cocaine use. These changes make it so that cocaine feels like it’s essential for someone’s survival. The changes in brain chemistry caused by cocaine use lead to cocaine addiction.
How Does Cocaine Affect the Brain?
Cocaine works by flooding the brain with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. Cocaine prevents dopamine from being recycled, which causes large amounts of dopamine to build up in the spaces between neurons. This creates an amplified feeling of euphoria.
Cocaine users will often experience symptoms of withdrawal when their brain becomes accustomed to the high levels of dopamine production. The adapted state can be compared with someone who has become immune due to it being overused. This means it will take more and more cocaine to feel the same effects. Without the increased amount, users will feel withdrawals like depression and agitation.
Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
Common symptoms of cocaine dependence include:
- Lack of energy
- Difficulty sleeping
- Easily agitated
- Changes in appetite
- Depression
- Headache
- Muscle spasms
- Anxiety
- Slowed cognitive abilities
- Paranoia
- Cravings for cocaine
Typically, withdrawal from cocaine withdrawal does not include any severe symptoms except for severe depression which can lead to suicidal thoughts. Individuals who suffer from extreme depression related to cocaine withdrawal are more likely to relapse.
Most of the symptoms related to cocaine withdrawal will resolve after a few days, however, some people may experience protracted or prolonged symptoms that can last a few weeks. It’s difficult to determine who will suffer from more severe withdrawal symptoms during cocaine detox but some factors can help medical professionals. These include:
- Length of cocaine addiction
- How cocaine was abused/administered (smoking, snoring, or injections)
- If the individual has a co-occurring or co-morbid condition
- If cocaine was abused along with other substances
- Has the individual previously been through cocaine detox
- Biological factors like age, weight, and gender
Detox specialists will take all of these factors into consideration during an initial detox evaluation to determine the best course of treatment during cocaine detox. The ultimate goal is to help relieve the individual of cocaine dependence in a safe and comfortable environment, with minimum withdrawal symptoms.
How to Manage Cocaine Withdrawal During Detox
How to Manage Cocaine Withdrawal During DetoxWhile cocaine withdrawal symptoms may not be as serious as some substances, it’s still an uncomfortable experience without support. That’s why utilizing the help of a professional detox center is important to overcome cocaine dependence.
A professional cocaine detox will manage your withdrawal symptoms through medications and 24/7 monitored care. This way medical professionals can make modifications to your detox protocol as necessary to mitigate withdrawals.
Some common medications used during cocaine detox include:
- Antidepressants to help with mood swings
- Sleep aids to combat insomnia
- Anti-anxiety medications to ease anxiety and agitation
The length of cocaine detox will vary depending on the individual. However, most people can expect to complete cocaine detox within 7-10 days.
Medications Used in Cocaine Detox and Addiction Treatment
There are no FDA-approved medications that are specific to cocaine detox. Medications commonly used as a cocaine detox and addiction treatment protocol are also used to treat other conditions. These are utilized to help the body adjust to no longer having the presence of cocaine in the body. These include:
Propanol is a beta-blocker that helps with cocaine-induced high blood pressure, anxiety, and mood. This medication can also help reduce the anxiety in some individuals that may be more nervous during detox. Beta-blockers have also been shown to reduce some of the rewarding properties of cocaine, meaning people are less likely to relapse.
Baclofen is a GABA B agonist that can also be utilized as a muscle relaxer. This medication has been shown to help with cocaine-induced anxiety and cocaine cravings. It can also help with some of the other withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
This medication is typically used to treat seizures, however, it can also help with cocaine withdrawal by reducing cocaine cravings. It works by increasing the levels of GABA in the brain which helps to reduce anxiety and cocaine cravings.
Topiramate is another medication that is typically used to treat seizures but can also help treat cocaine withdrawal symptoms. It has been shown to reduce cocaine cravings and can also help with some of the other symptoms.
Disulfiram is a medication that is typically used to treat alcoholism, however, it can also help treat cocaine addiction. It works by causing negative side effects when alcohol is consumed, and these side effects can also be triggered by cocaine use. This can help to deter people from using cocaine.
Acamprosate is a medication that is typically used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, however, it can also help treat cocaine withdrawal symptoms. It works by helping to restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that are affected by cocaine use.
Modafinil is a medication that is typically used to treat narcolepsy, however, it can also help treat cocaine addiction. It works by reducing the urge to sleep and increasing alertness, which can help to prevent cocaine cravings.
Antidepressants can help treat cocaine addiction because they can help to reduce the depressed mood that often accompanies cocaine withdrawal. By utilizing antidepressants, individuals are less likely to relapse.
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that helps with cocaine-induced anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. This medication can also help with some of the other withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Benztropine is an anticholinergic that helps with cocaine-induced anxiety and paranoia. This medication can also help with some of the other withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
In addition to medications, a professional treatment center will monitor your activity to make sure you are getting plenty of rest, nutritional foods, and moderate exercise. These activities combined with medications can help you overcome cocaine dependence.
Can I Detox From Cocaine at Home?
While cocaine withdrawal is not fatal, it can be incredibly uncomfortable. For this reason, self-detoxing from cocaine is not recommended. The safest and most effective way to detox from cocaine is at a professional cocaine detox center like Luna Recovery.
At Luna Recovery, we will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that includes detox, individual therapy, group therapy, and aftercare planning. Our goal is to help you overcome cocaine addiction and live a happy and healthy life. If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine addiction, please contact us today to learn more about our cocaine detox program in Texas.
Finding a Cocaine Detox Center
When you’re ready to get help for cocaine addiction, the first step is to find a cocaine detox center. Cocaine detox can be uncomfortable so you must find a reputable and experienced cocaine detox center like Luna Recovery.
At Luna Recovery, we offer cocaine detox in a safe and comfortable setting. Our experienced and compassionate staff will provide around-the-clock care and support during your cocaine detox. We also offer a variety of amenities to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible, including private rooms, chef-prepared meals, and daily housekeeping services.
What are the Next Steps After Cocaine Detox?
Once cocaine detox is complete, you will be able to move on to the next stage of treatment which is typically an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. Cocaine addiction treatment programs will focus on helping you develop tools to abstain from cocaine use in the long term.
Cocaine addiction treatment programs include a variety of therapy options including individual, group, and family therapy. The goal of an addiction treatment program will be to help you overcome your psychological dependence on cocaine. It’s important to understand that cocaine detox is only the first step in an addiction treatment program. Entering an inpatient or outpatient program is crucial for long-term recovery.
Receive Treatment for Cocaine Abuse at Luna Recovery
Cocaine detox is a difficult process, but it is possible to overcome addiction with the help of a cocaine detox center. At Luna Recovery Services, we offer evidence-based treatment for cocaine addiction that can help you on your road to recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction, please reach out to us today.
