Cocaine use is a developing problem in the U.S., with people above 18 but under 25 having the highest risk of developing an addiction. Someone can use cocaine recreationally in social settings, but the drug’s effects on the body can result in addiction quickly. This is why drug detox programs focusing on cocaine are essential.

Cocaine addiction can affect a person’s physical health, ruin their relationships, keep them from being happy, and even put their future – and their life – at risk. If you or someone you know needs help in Florida, contact United Recovery Project online or call 833.525.0166 to find out more about our cocaine detox center and detox therapy programs.

What Makes Cocaine So Addictive

Cocaine manipulates neurological systems. It works by binding to dopamine transporters and also blocking the removal of dopamine from the brain. This causes amplified effects of dopamine, which can feel like a euphoric high. And because cocaine is commonly ingested through inhalation, although some people also inject or smoke various forms of the drug, the drug’s effects happen quickly after people use it.

Cocaine addiction, especially if it’s been going on for a long time, can alter brain cells’ very structure – particularly within the limbic system. This can result in long-lasting cravings, even after all the physical components of addiction – including withdrawal symptoms – have been treated.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Since cocaine use is prevalent in the U.S. and elsewhere, its social use can make it difficult to spot cocaine addiction. However, an addiction will show in physical and behavioral changes. Some signs of cocaine addiction are:

• Dilated pupils
• Track marks from injections
• Mood changes
• Nosebleeds
• Weight loss

Someone that’s addicted to cocaine may also have sudden financial difficulties. Remember that all forms of cocaine, ingested in any way, are dangerous. A cocaine overdose also requires immediate medical detox treatment and could be potentially fatal.

What to Expect From a Cocaine Detox Center

Some patients may feel mildly uncomfortable because of cocaine withdrawal symptoms, while others can be debilitated and overwhelmed by pain. Because some cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be very harmful and could even be life-threatening, cocaine detox should be medically monitored by professionals.

A medical team leading a cocaine detox program can monitor and treat the following physical withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine detoxification:

• Congestion
• Fatigue and slowness
• Increased appetite
• Insomnia
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Sweating

Patients in medical detox may also experience nervousness, anxiety, and unpleasant dreams. Withdrawal symptoms like these may occur long after detox and even after patients are done with substance abuse detox programs:

• Anxiety or depression
• Agitation and restlessness
• Cocaine cravings
• Extended sleep periods
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Nightmares or vivid dreams

While cocaine detox can be difficult on a patient’s body, it’s also challenging when it comes to their mental health. Cocaine can affect how the brain handles emotional responses and how it links memories and emotions. While physical symptoms can be helped by medication-assisted treatment (MAT), sessions with a therapist could be needed, too.

Depression, in particular, can be a difficult symptom to get through after cocaine withdrawal because the body is in the process of normalizing its natural dopamine and serotonin levels.

Learn More About United Recovery Project’s Drug Detox Programs

Drug detox is the first step in recovering from cocaine addiction, but it’s far from the only thing someone needs to do to get on the path to recovery. After going through a cocaine detox program, patients are encouraged to transition to a cocaine abuse treatment program. If you’re looking for a cocaine detox center or a cocaine abuse treatment program in Florida, contact United Recovery Project online or call [Driect].