Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that has been used for many years. Indigenous people from the Amazon rainforest are said to have chewed the leaves of the coca plant to increase their energy. Fast forward to modern times, and people are still seeking this drug for the elevation in energy. Something to help them meet the demands of a fast-paced lifestyle, whether studying all night or working extended hours. But the price for this desired energy can be quite high—with serious health consequences like addiction and withdrawal.
If you or someone you know is dependent on cocaine, you can find the support you need to quit at My 5 Palms. Our cocaine rehab in Florida offers both inpatient and outpatient options, with the flexibility to accommodate your schedule. Give us a call at 1.844.675.1022 to learn about overcoming cocaine addiction at our treatment center.
What Are the Risks of Cocaine Abuse?
When it comes to cocaine abuse, it is important to understand the risks so you can make a more informed decision about your health. Using cocaine can result in a variety of physical and mental health issues:
Physical Health Concerns
As it is a powerful stimulant drug, cocaine can strain your heart, leaving you vulnerable to heart attack and stroke. Snorting the drug can also damage nasal tissue, possibly perforating your septum, a condition known as coke nose. Cocaine abuse can also cause respiratory problems, insomnia, and severe weight loss.
Mental Health Problems
Using cocaine can trigger psychosis in some individuals, as well as paranoia, anxiety, and depression. Irritability and aggression are also common with cocaine abuse.
What Happens When You Quit Cocaine?
If you are dependent on cocaine and you try to quit abruptly, you will encounter withdrawal symptoms. This is the result of cocaine leaving your system after your body has adapted to the presence of the drug. Some common cocaine withdrawal symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Low mood
- Agitation
- Excessive sleep
- Mental and physical sluggishness
- Elevated heart rate
- Anxiety
These symptoms will vary in severity depending on several factors, such as how long you have used cocaine and how much you use.
Getting Treatment for Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms can make it very challenging to stop using the drug. With the help of addiction treatment professionals, you can set yourself up for a more successful recovery. Treatment for cocaine withdrawal may include:
Medication
Medication for cocaine withdrawal does not work quite the same as it does for opioid withdrawal, as there are currently no FDA-approved medications that serve as a replacement for cocaine. However, certain medications can help ease your discomfort as the drug leaves your system.
Bupropion, the generic version of Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant that can be helpful for alleviating the low mood and fatigue associated with cocaine withdrawal. Modafinil is a stimulant medication that may be prescribed to treat narcolepsy but can provide a less intense form of stimulation for someone trying to quit cocaine. Prescription amphetamines typically used to address attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms may also be used in this manner.
Behavioral Therapy
Although cocaine withdrawal can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, the mental health issues often begin long before this point. Many people who abuse cocaine already have existing challenges, and they use the drug to self-medicate. Behavioral therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help get to the root of cocaine abuse while also addressing the emotional discomfort that erupts during withdrawal.
Call My 5 Palms Today for Cocaine Rehab in Florida
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be severe enough to make quitting feel impossible. But when you have My 5 Palms on your side, you can get through withdrawal safely and more comfortably. To learn more about how we can ease your discomfort during cocaine withdrawal, reach out at 1.844.675.1022 or complete the online form.
