This blog has been reviewed by Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK, who has over 30 years’ experience helping individuals overcome various forms of addiction. Rehabs UK is a leading authority in addiction treatment and recovery and offers a range of connected services and support, including detox and rehabilitation programmes and therapy.

Cocaine is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the UK. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) 2020/21, approximately 2.6% of adults aged 16-59 reported using powder cocaine in the past year, which equates to about 873,000 individuals.

There was no change in the prevalence of powder cocaine use in the last year for people aged 16 to 59 years (2.4%) and 16 to 24 years (5.1%), compared with the year ending March 2020.

If you or a loved one is considering detoxing from cocaine, it's crucial to understand the process and the safest ways to do so. If you would like to speak with one of our Treatment Advisors about cocaine detox, please contact us.

This blog will look at the different elements of cocaine detox and how to make the process as safe and effective as possible.

[Contents]

• Do I Need to Detox from Cocaine?
• How Does Cocaine Detox Work?
• What to Expect During a Medically-Assisted Cocaine Detox
• How Long Does Cocaine Detox Take?
• Tips for Coming Off Cocaine Safely
• What Are the Risks of Detoxing from Cocaine?
• Get Support for Cocaine Detox

Do I Need to Detox from Cocaine?

Recent Diagnosis of Health Conditions

If you've recently been diagnosed with health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or respiratory issues, detoxing from cocaine is vital. Cocaine can exacerbate these conditions, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.

Mental Health Concerns

Cocaine use is often linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Detoxing from cocaine can make a huge positive impact on your mental health and reduce the risk of worsening symptoms.

According to a government report, nearly two-thirds (63%, or 82,613) of adults starting drug or alcohol treatment said they also had a mental health treatment need. This is part of a trend of rising numbers over the previous two years (from 53% in 2018 to 2019). Over half of new starters in all substance groups needed mental health treatment.

Family Planning

Cocaine use during pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects and complications. A report by the US National Insitiute on Drug Abuse notes that pregnant women using cocaine are at higher risk for “maternal migraines and seizures, premature membrane rupture, and placental abruption”. It also notes that their babies are often smaller than average and may show symptoms of “irritability, hyperactivity [and] tremors” due to cocaine still being in the baby's body for days after birth.

If you're planning to start a family, detoxing from cocaine is essential. Detoxing before conceiving ensures a healthier environment for both the mother and child.

Breakdown of Relationships

Addiction on any level can have negative impacts on relationships with those around you. Cocaine addiction can strain relationships with family, friends, partners or people in the workplace. Often people will act in a way that isn’t their ‘normal’ behaviour which is why detoxing can be the first step in repairing these relationships and rebuilding trust.

How Does Cocaine Detox Work?

Cocaine detox involves the process of eliminating the drug from your body while managing withdrawal symptoms. This process can vary depending on the individual's usage patterns, overall health, and the presence of any co-occurring disorders. A co-occurring disorder is when someone has a mental health issue as well as an addiction problem. Common examples include depression and alcohol or anxiety and cocaine. A medically monitored detox is often recommended to ensure safety and comfort throughout the process.

According to the government's Adult substance misuse treatment statistics (2020-2021), people starting treatment in 2020 to 2021 with powder cocaine problems decreased by 10% (from 21,396 to 19,209), ending a rising trend which began in 2011-12.

What to Expect During a Medically-Assisted Cocaine Detox

During a medically-assisted cocaine detox, you can expect to be monitored by healthcare professionals who will provide support and treatment as needed. There is an option to detox in a residential facility or at home. There are benefits to both of these and by speaking with one of our Treatment Advisors they can assist in finding the right detox for you or your loved one.

A home detox could be beneficial for someone who is a functioning addict whereas inpatient rehab gives me a more monitored approach with staff to support the individual 24/7. This may include medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, therapy sessions to address psychological dependence, and medical interventions if complications arise. Both options aim to ensure that the detox process is as seamless and safe as possible.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms:

• Restlessness and agitation
• Feeling depressed
• Increased appetite
• Changes in sleep patterns and/or vivid dreams
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Slowed thoughts and movements
• Intensified cravings for cocaine

How Long Does Cocaine Detox Take?

Cocaine detox typically takes 5-7 days, with the most acute symptoms peaking around 48-72 hours after the last use. The entire process, including psychological and emotional recovery, can take several weeks to months depending on the individual.

The first 24 hours

Within the first 24 hours, you may experience intense cravings, agitation, and anxiety. Your body begins to adjust to the absence of cocaine, and withdrawal symptoms can be most severe during this time.

Week 1

By the end of the first week, physical symptoms like muscle aches, tremors, and insomnia may become prominent. You might also experience mood swings, irritability, and continued cravings.

Weeks 2 and 3

As you progress through the second and third weeks, withdrawal symptoms usually start to diminish, but psychological symptoms like depression and low mood can persist. This period is crucial for receiving emotional and psychological support.

The first month and beyond

After a month, most physical withdrawal symptoms subside, but psychological cravings and mood-related issues can continue. Long-term support and therapy are often necessary to maintain sobriety.

Tips for Coming Off Cocaine Safely

Seek Professional Help

Detoxing under medical monitoring is the safest way to come off cocaine. Rehabs UK would always advise not to detox alone. Professionals can monitor your health, provide necessary medications, and offer emotional support throughout the process.

Scott Ardley, Senior Treatment Advisor at Rehabs UK states: “The risks associated with stopping cocaine use are relatively low physically, it's crucial to understand that cocaine is a psychologically addictive substance. This means that the brain requires significant support during the recovery process. Without proper assistance, individuals may struggle to manage triggers and temptations effectively.”

The National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) reports that around 47% of individuals who entered treatment for cocaine misuse in 2020/21 successfully completed their treatment programmes. This statistic reflects the challenges of overcoming cocaine dependency but also the potential for recovery with appropriate support.

Scott continues: “Cravings and feelings of depression can persist for months after stopping long-term, heavy use. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms may even lead to suicidal thoughts. During this period, individuals often experience intense cravings for cocaine, and the pleasurable effects of continued use may diminish over time. This is why it is important to access professional help to put the right support in place which can include therapy / Support groups etc, In extreme use cases rehab may be a suitable option.”

Build a Support Network

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who understand what you're going through. Sometimes when detoxing from a drug it is best to cut out people, including those who you associate doing that drug with, or your loved ones. This can be a difficult decision and every individual is different, but a strong support network with people who have your best interests at heart can help you stay motivated and focused on your recovery.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Proper hydration and nutrition are crucial during detox. Your body needs all the support it can get to flush out toxins and repair itself. Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water will aid in your recovery.

Engage in Physical Activity

Exercising regularly is very important as it can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and decrease cravings. This doesn’t have to be something really challenging, something as simple as walking or yoga can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.

Avoid Triggers

Identify and avoid situations, people, or places that trigger your desire to use cocaine. Developing new, healthy habits and finding alternative ways to cope with stress can help you stay on track. Therapy can help to identify these triggers and can also provide outlets to help to cope with them day-to-day.

What Are the Risks of Detoxing from Cocaine?

Higher Risk of Unwanted Mental Health Effects

If you don't have a proper support system in place then there is risk of relapsing and in fact heightening emotions and possible mental health issues.

During detox, the mental health risks are significant, as the brain adjusts to the absence of cocaine, which previously overstimulated its reward system. Common psychological symptoms include intense cravings, anxiety, irritability, and depression, which may vary in severity based on the duration and intensity of cocaine use. For example:

• Depression: A person detoxing from cocaine may experience profound sadness, a sense of hopelessness, and difficulty finding motivation. In some cases, this can lead to suicidal thoughts, particularly in individuals with a history of depression or if withdrawal symptoms are especially severe.
• Anxiety: Sudden discontinuation can result in overwhelming anxiety or panic attacks. For instance, a person might feel constant dread or find themselves unable to relax, even in familiar, safe environments.
• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleep) is common, which can further exacerbate mood instability. Someone detoxing might report vivid nightmares or difficulty sleeping for several nights in a row, contributing to heightened irritability and exhaustion.
• Cognitive issues: A user might struggle with concentration, decision-making, or memory during detox. This mental fog can feel disorienting, making day-to-day functioning challenging.

Physical Health Effects

There might be physical health withdrawal symptoms when detoxing. However, cocaine doesn’t require medication when detoxing as it’s not addictive in the same way as alcohol or other drug types.

The physical withdrawal symptoms from cocaine can be challenging and including:

• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches

In some cases, these symptoms can lead to serious health complications if not properly addressed.

Limited Symptom Relief

Attempting to detox on your own isn’t the best idea. Without support and guidance there is more chance that there could be negative effects on the body and relapsing is much more likely.

Get Support for Cocaine Detox

Detoxing from cocaine is a significant step toward recovery, but it’s not something you should do alone. Professional help can make the process safer and more manageable.

At Rehabs UK, we offer support and resources to guide you through every stage of your detox and recovery journey. Contact us today to learn more about our services and take the first step towards a healthier, drug-free life.