Cocaine use is a growing problem in the United States, with adults aged between 18 and 25 being the most likely to use cocaine.1 With millions of Americans struggling with a cocaine addiction every year, the need for professional help is at an all-time high. At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we offer a cocaine detox among our additional detox programs designed to help patients achieve their recovery goals. Detoxing from cocaine at home is dangerous and can lead to horrible health complications. Cocaine detox is best done under medical supervision where patients can receive safe and efficient assistance as they deal with cocaine withdrawal symptoms as well as other challenges they may face. If you or someone you know needs cocaine detox services, our Florida alcohol and drug rehab is here to help.
The Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine works by targeting the central nervous system, particularly the brain. It causes a buildup of a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which activates the brain’s reward system and feelings of pleasure. The more dopamine is released, the happier and more euphoric the user feels. These cocaine high effects keep users coming back for more, almost rewiring their brain to constantly rely on that high.
A cocaine detox may also be necessary for most, if not all, cocaine addicts because of its effects on the limbic system in the brain. Long-term cocaine abuse can eventually lead to changes in gene expression and structure of the brain’s nerve cells.2 Cocaine can change the chemical makeup of the brain, making it difficult for addicts to recover without a cocaine detox and addiction treatment. Effective cocaine detoxification addresses the physical aspects of cocaine addiction, like withdrawals and cravings, making recovery as smooth as possible for the individual.
Signs Someone Needs Cocaine Detox Treatment
The signs and symptoms of cocaine abuse are often noticeable. An active cocaine addiction often causes apparent changes in behavior and physical appearance. Signs of cocaine abuse include:
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Extreme weight loss
- Track marks or needle marks from injections
- Drug paraphernalia, such as needles
- Mood swings
- Aggressive behavior
- Irritability
- Self-isolation
These physical and behavioral changes can all be attributed to a loved one’s cocaine addiction. Regardless of whether cocaine is injected, snorted, or smoked, it can have a negative impact on the individual’s mental and physical health. Another real danger is overdose. As the user’s tolerance grows, they will begin to use more cocaine more frequently in order to experience the same effects. This pattern increases their risk of overdosing. Without a cocaine detox or cocaine addiction treatment, users are more likely to develop health conditions or overdose.
How to Safely Detox from Cocaine
Like any other detoxification treatment, a detox for cocaine abuse is a process that should be administered by medical personnel to ensure the patient’s safety. At our drug and alcohol treatment center in Lake Worth, patients receive round-the-clock care for their addiction cravings and withdrawal symptoms during detox for cocaine addiction. We recommend our medically monitored detox to patients as the first step in their recovery journey. Following a cocaine detox, patients will then move on to substance-specific treatment.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, contact our team today for more information about our rehab facility as well as the different levels of care we offer, such as our partial hospitalization program.
Related Reading:
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Cocaine Found Floating Off the Coast of The Florida Keys
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