When someone struggles with a long-term addiction to drugs, effects on their physical and psychological health occur. Depending on the substance and the severity of your addiction, it may be challenging to overcome dependency on substances without the support and guidance of a professional addiction treatment center. Drug detox and withdrawal are complicated, and the symptoms and challenges each person experiences are unique to their addiction. In some cases, withdrawal can lead to potentially dangerous and even fatal side effects. For this reason, it is essential to detox under medical supervision at a professional drug rehab. 

What Are the Signs of Detoxing From Drugs?

When someone is detoxing from drugs, the signs and symptoms will vary. Detox symptoms are typically unique to the person, the type of drug they used, how long they struggled with addiction, and the severity of their use. In addition to substance-specific symptoms, there are various signs of detoxing from drugs that are common across most situations. These include restlessness, aches and pains, difficulties with sleep, appetite changes, irritability, mood, behavior changes, and respiratory problems. Other signs that commonly occur include nausea, vomiting, shakiness, and sweating. Some people experience more severe symptoms that require medical support and supervision during detox. These are hallucinations, seizures, cardiac and respiratory failure, and DTs (delirium tremens). 

Several types of drugs can lead to withdrawal (or detox) symptoms when you stop using or reduce how often you use. Drugs such as antidepressants, barbiturates, cannabis, depressants, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, stimulants, and alcohol all lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms which can be mild, moderate, or severe. Often, signs of detox are the opposite of the effects experienced from taking the drug. For example, depressant drugs slow the activities of the central nervous system. When someone drinks, they experience relaxation and a reduction in inhibitions. When they suddenly stop drinking or reduce the amount they drink, symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and excitability occur. 

Why You Should Detox From Drugs at a Professional Facility Today

Withdrawal symptoms are a part of detoxing from drugs for someone who enters addiction treatment. Depending on the nature and severity of your addiction, withdrawal can lead to intense and sometimes overwhelming symptoms. In some cases, medical intervention is necessary to ensure safety. When you choose to detox alone, medical help is not available to assist with these symptoms. The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on your specific circumstances. Signs of detoxing from drugs may begin in as few as a couple of hours and last for up to ten days. In most cases, the most difficult symptoms appear within the first 48-72 hours. 

Detoxing at a professional facility ensures you will have the support and guidance you need to manage withdrawal symptoms. At a professional detox center, trained medical staff are available to monitor vitals and provide medical and emotional support throughout the most challenging stages of detox. Once detox is complete, it is possible to seamlessly transition into the therapeutic portion of an addiction treatment program. 

Seeking treatment at a professional treatment center is an essential step towards achieving and maintaining lasting health and sobriety. At Cal Recovery Center, we will work with you to ensure all stages of your treatment program focus on helping you achieve your treatment needs and goals. Our treatment plans are based on evidence-based therapy models that focus on addressing your physical, psychological, and spiritual needs to ensure you receive the most comprehensive treatment possible. 

To learn more about Cal Recovery Center and how our addiction treatment programs can help you detox and recover from drug addiction, contact our admissions team today. 

Cocaine has been used for centuries in South America as a natural stimulant. People would chew the leaves of the coca plant to regain energy, especially when hiking, working, or traveling at high elevations. Around 100 years ago, the chemical cocaine hydrochloride was isolated from the properties of the plant. Early in the 20^th century, cocaine was the primary active ingredient in many elixirs and tonics developed to treat a range of illnesses. It was also found in Coca-Cola beverages for a time and used as a surgical anesthetic before researchers formulated safer alternatives. Over time research showed cocaine is actually a highly addictive and dangerous substance that, when used long-term, can have lasting detrimental effects on the user. In 2017, cocaine was linked to one out of every five drug-related overdose deaths in the United States. 

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant drug. According to the U.S Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, cocaine is a schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and is highly addictive. Cocaine is manufactured by processing the leaves of the coca plant into a fine white powder. 

Can You Get Addicted to Cocaine? 

Yes. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. For some, experimenting with cocaine only once can lead to problematic use. Depending on how cocaine is introduced to the body, users may feel its effects in as little as a few seconds. As quickly as the effects occur, they begin to wear off. For most, the effects of cocaine diminish within a matter of minutes. This can lead to more frequent and higher doses to maintain a lasting high. Without treatment to overcome dependency, thousands of people lose their lives to cocaine addiction each year. 

Signs of a Cocaine Addiction & How To Get Help

Unlike some addictions, the early signs of cocaine addiction may not be obvious. This is because the initial effects of cocaine use on the body and the brain are mild. However, as use continues and increases, so does the presence of addiction signs and symptoms. It is vital to understand what the early warning signs of cocaine addiction may look like, as early intervention is the most effective way to overcome cocaine. 

It is not necessary to use cocaine for an extended time to experience significant impacts on one’s physical and psychological health. When someone struggles with a cocaine addiction, there may be certain effects that are visible to others. Common examples include: 

• Runny nose or “sniffles”
• Appetite changes
• Dilated pupils
• Paranoia
• Abnormally high energy levels
• Increased happiness or socialization

Most of the above symptoms are short-term, and while they occur immediately after use, they will not last long. In most cases, the high from cocaine wears off in as few as thirty minutes, although it may last a couple of hours for some. Continued cocaine use will lead to harmful and sometimes irreversible effects on the brain and vital organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system. Other common signs of cocaine addiction include chills, confusion, sweating, aggressive or violent outbursts, elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, stroke, seizure, heart attack, coma, and death.  

If you or a loved one struggles with cocaine addiction, it is vital to seek treatment in an environment where you can safely and successfully overcome addiction. At a comprehensive treatment program, you can receive support as you progress through detox and therapy on your journey to recovery. At Cal Recovery Center, our staff works with you to design a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on your unique treatment needs and goals. If you would like to learn more about how to overcome cocaine addiction at Cal Recovery Center, contact us today.