Though heroin and other opioids understandably get the most media attention, cocaine impacts millions of lives every year. Addiction to this fast-acting drug can be costly and dangerous. If you feel like you are caught in the cycle of addiction, detoxification can mitigate your symptoms. At Genesis Medical Detox, we believe in your ability to recover.
Although struggling with cocaine addiction can be quite challenging, there is hope for a lift free from substance use. With a better understanding of the symptoms of cocaine addiction, common causes of this disorder, and the detoxification process, you will be better able to get started on your journey toward recovery.
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Using cocaine causes an increase in the production of the chemical called dopamine. Dopamine triggers happy and pleasurable feelings that reward you for positive behaviors. For example, exercise releases heavy levels of dopamine. However, drugs like cocaine artificially increase your dopamine to produce an intense “high.” Unfortunately, many become dependent on that high to feel happy.
The effects of cocaine only last for short periods, sometimes only minutes at a time. As your body grows dependent on cocaine, it may demand higher levels. This cycle can impact your mental and physical health and even threaten your life. In a real sense, understanding cocaine addiction symptoms can save your life. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Paranoia: Cocaine stimulates the mind and body and may cause intense paranoia. You might feel like your friends and loved ones are “against you” and react aggressively. Some become paranoid about law enforcement and worry that everyone “knows” they are doing cocaine.
- Compulsive Behaviors: Using cocaine can lead to an increase in compulsive behaviors. This can have physical and criminal consequences. For instance, you might drive very fast, get into fights, or engage in dangerous activities.
- Sensitivity: Cocaine addiction often triggers extreme physical sensitivity. For example, even light touches, smells, sounds, and tastes may aggravate you. Even worse, minor aches and pains might seem far more intense and cause extensive suffering.
- Euphoria: Cocaine use can lead to a brief state of euphoria. This can lead to anxiety, increased alertness, restlessness, and irritability.
- Depression: Cocaine abuse often triggers intense depression in many people. Some feel depressed between doses, while others begin hating themselves for addiction. Whatever the case, depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms can make cocaine addiction intolerable.
- Low Appetite: Cocaine use naturally suppresses your appetite, which can lead to malnourishment. Even worse, you may focus only on taking cocaine instead of eating. This can lead to serious problems associated with malnutrition.
- Mood Swings: Cocaine use can trigger intense mood swings. Many people experience anger and even uncontrollable rage on cocaine.
- Heart Problems: Tragically, cocaine may trigger heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiac issues. Long-term cocaine use can lead to heart valve defects and heart failure.
- Headaches: Headaches are one of the most common health ailments that are reported as a result of cocaine use. These headaches can be extremely painful and debilitating. In some cases, these headaches can last for up to 72 hours.
- Lung Damage: When cocaine is ingested, the tiny crystals can become lodged in the lungs. This can cause damage to the tissues, which can eventually lead to significant respiratory problems.
- Convulsions: Heavy and sustained cocaine use can trigger dangerous and life-threatening convulsions and seizures. Although there is a chance that the seizures caused by cocaine use may stop after you obtain sobriety, there is a chance that the brain damage from cocaine may make seizures permanent.
- Legal Problems: Many individuals experience legal problems associated with their use of cocaine. This can include arrests for possessions, violent acts, or even stealing.
Unfortunately, trying to quit cocaine on your own may trigger withdrawal symptoms. These include headaches, confusion, agitation, nausea, and intense depression. For this reason, it is extremely important to seek guidance from a cocaine addiction program right away.
At Genesis Medical Detox, we get the hazards of cocaine addiction. Our team prioritizes giving you a tailored recovery experience where your comfort is our number one concern.
The Cocaine Detox Process
At Genesis Medical Detox, we provide comprehensive detoxification based on your unique needs and circumstances. Skilled detoxification minimizes your withdrawal symptoms, clears your mind, and prepares you for long-term recovery. This process includes the following steps:
- Taking a 15-20 minute assessment with our team of recovery coordinators
- Going on a brief tour of the facility to help you understand our treatment scope
- Completing a Q&A with our counselors to address your concerns
- Making you comfortable in a cozy chair before beginning
- Introducing replacement medicines in your bloodstream
- Monitoring your recovery and slowly reducing your dosage
- Providing 24/7 care that manages your emotional and physical needs
- Counseling you after your treatment is over to see how you feel
- Discussing your post-detox therapy with you before you go
- Helping you contact a rehab facility to begin your recovery
Help is Available for You
Sobriety is not just a dream; it is attainable and waiting for you on the other side. To get started on cocaine addiction treatment, reach out to our professionals at Genesis Medical Detox by calling 844-895-0537. Our team is ready and willing to lend a hand if you, or someone close to you, is grappling with this struggle – offering not just medical detox but also compassion and support. With our help, you can get back to living sober and content. Our team has facilities located in Muscle Shoals, AL, and Pulaski, TN, so you are able to choose the facility that is most convenient for you.
