Cocaine Detox

The following information on cocaine detox has been prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

 Accessing reliable and accurate information on cocaine detox can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0117 339 0080.

Effects of Cocaine

Cocaine is an addictive drug which is often used because of its qualities as a stimulant. Short term effects of cocaine include feeling wide-awake and confident and can help the person stay awake for longer periods of time. It may be used to party longer, or to try and make a deadline at work.

Due to the short lived pleasurable effects of cocaine users are tempted to take more in order to avoid the crash that will inevitably follow.  This can lead to dependence on cocaine. Cocaine addiction has a number of long term effects, and is particularly dangerous because it can result in cardiovascular problems and brain damage. It may also put individuals at risk of an overdose, and increases uninhibited behaviours that can result in serious accidents. Cocaine may also trigger underlying mental health illnesses.

For those who inject crack cocaine, the risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis infections through shared needles is increased. Damage to the nasal passage and cartilage is also common for those who snort cocaine.

The impact of regular cocaine use can also be detrimental to people’s relationships and professional lives, and financial issues are common as a result of increased usage.

What are the warning signs that indicate someone needs to detox from Cocaine?

Whilst it may be very clear to us that someone’s cocaine use has become a severe problem, the nature of addiction is to blame others and to engage in deceptive behaviours. Therefore, it can sometimes be hard to know when someone needs help.

The signs that may indicate that someone is using cocaine are a loss of appetite, strange sleeping patterns, and persistent sniffles.

Indications and warnings signs which may suggest someone needs a cocaine detox and ongoing treatment include:

  • Withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, irritability and sleepiness in the absence of cocaine use
  • The deterioration of their physical health and appearance
  • Noticeable changes to their normal behaviour and mood e.g. unreliability, keeping strange hours, and being secretive
  • Financial problems: it takes an increasing amount of cocaine to experience the same effects, therefore more regular usage can build up and lead to debt and financial issues.
  • Not being able to control the amount of drugs used or quit entirely when they honestly want to

 

If you are concerned that you or a loved one requires help for cocaine detox symptoms then call now to speak to one of our trained advisors.

The symptoms of detoxing from cocaine

Cocaine addiction is considered mainly psychological, but cocaine detox symptoms can be experienced by frequent and heavy cocaine users.  Although sudden withdrawal is not normally life-threatening, it can be extremely unpleasant.

 

Shortly following the cessation of cocaine, a drop in mood and motivation and craving for cocaine can be experienced. This is known as a 'cocaine crash'. Continued abstinence can lead to symptoms such as: intensely obsessing about cocaine, depression or anxiety, irritability, agitation and fatigue.

 

Cocaine withdrawal often does not have any visible physical symptoms, such as vomiting and shaking, which may accompany the withdrawal from substances such as heroin or alcohol. However, the cravings and unpleasant symptoms experienced can make it difficult for someone to continue with their abstinence.  Symptoms of withdrawal, especially cravings, have been known to last several months for heavy or prolonged cocaine users.

 

Why professionally detox?

Due to continued cravings with a cocaine addiction the chance for relapse is high, therefore ongoing help and treatment is required in order to ensure the individual has the skills and support in place to maintain their abstinence.

By accessing a professional cocaine detox at a residential clinic, individuals have the opportunity to be fully supervised by experienced and qualified staff during this vulnerable time.

Where to detox

Treatment for cocaine detox symptoms and addiction can be offered at a range of residential clinics across the UK. Residential clinics will aim to address all aspects of the dependence. Triage Healthcare works with a large number of private residential centres to offer immediate treatment for cocaine detox. In order to find out the treatment that represents the best chance of success for all concerned, call one of our experienced advisors.

It is also possible to access a private overseas treatment options. This option can be particularly appealing to those individuals who have already accessed treatment in the UK with limited success.  Overseas treatment can also offer comprehensive therapeutic programmes and exclusive treatment settings that are better value for money in some cases.

The NHS can offer treatment services for cocaine addiction. Typically this will be in the form of outpatient care. In severe cases of addiction or if additional mental health problems are present then someone may be considered for residential treatment at specialised hospital or residential center.  Typically the experience of limited funding and long waiting lists make this form of treatment on the NHS difficult to access.

Outpatient services such as one to one counselling can also be offered to those suffering from a cocaine detox symptoms. However, cravings are a major trigger for relapse, and being in a home environment with the associations of previous drug use can increase cravings. Therefore, inpatient treatment is usually recommended for those with a severe addiction to remove them from their problematic surroundings.

How long could treatment at a cocaine detox centre take?

The length of the cocaine detox programme will depend on the severity of the dependence. For drugs such as cocaine, individuals will typically need a minimum of 14 days in a cocaine detox centre in order to withdraw safely and comfortably.

For the best outcome of success, a cocaine detox programme should be accessed as part of a full treatment plan that also offers psychological and therapeutic support. This is supported by the National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS) in 1996 that showed those who completed a minimum of 28 days in a treatment centre were four times more likely to maintain abstinence than others.

How much does a private detox cost?

The cost of private cocaine detox programs can vary depending on the duration, clinic and amount of aftercare accessed. 

Triage Healthcare recognises that there is a deficit in the provision of affordable private treatment for addictions in the UK.  In order to find out the treatment that represents the best chance of success for all concerned, call one of our experienced advisors. Our advice is all completely free and confidential.  If you arrange treatment through Triage Healthcare you will never pay more and in some cases you will pay less for residential treatment than by booking direct with a rehab centre. 

Where to find Detox Centers in the UK

Triage Healthcare provides immediate access to detox and rehabilitation programs at a wide range of specialist treatment centres around the UK and abroad.

 We understand that there may be concerns regarding treatment, particularly in terms of cost, location and success. That is why we are here. Our aim at is to provide you with confidential and reliable advice regarding all areas of addiction. Our helpline is staffed by an experienced team of psychology and healthcare graduates that have chosen this work as a vocation.

References

Trathen et al (2008). Guidelines for the best practice treatment of Substance Misuse. Triage Healthcare: Canterbury, UK.