Are there ways to safely and quickly detox from cocaine?

 

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine, the common name for benzoylmethylecgonine, is one of the most commonly-abused drugs in the United States. This illegal stimulant, which is known as a “party drug,” gives off a high-energy and euphoric feeling.

 

What Cocaine Does to the Body

Cocaine impacts the central nervous system and can cause effects that range from mildly irritating to extremely dangerous. And since it’s both fast-acting and short-lasting, the symptoms can be unexpected and quick.

The severity of cocaine’s effects depend on how often you use it and how much you take at once. If used to excess, it could put you in the emergency room.

 

What Are the Side Effects of Using Cocaine?

The side effects of cocaine can last anywhere from 12-72 hours, also depending on how much you use. When under the influence of cocaine, or after using for an extended period of time, people may experience:

  • Appetite loss
  • Weight loss
  • Sexual incompetence
  • Convulsions & seizures
  • Agitation or irritability

These are just a few of the many complications that can arise after using cocaine. Since it can be so harmful, it’s important to get cocaine out of your body as soon as possible to keep it clean and healthy. However, like all drugs, cocaine has a process before it can leave the system.

 

How to Detox From Cocaine

Whether a person used cocaine once or several times, it’s recommended that they detox in a supervised environment. If someone uses cocaine regularly, they should be in a medically-administered treatment center or facility when detoxing.

Someone who is detoxing from cocaine may experience:

  • Shaking & shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Cravings
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts

This process can be extremely uncomfortable and possibly dangerous, so it’s important to have someone watching who understands the process.

While detoxing or trying to cleanse the body of cocaine, it’s important to follow these tips:

  1. Maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. Eat well and regularly.
  2. Exercise. Sweating it off and staying active is key.
  3. Keep your mind busy and stay entertained.
  4. Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated!
  5. Don’t drink alcohol.
  6. Avoid coffee and caffeine.

After following these steps, you should be on the right track to cleaning cocaine out of your system. However, the best way to avoid having to detox is obviously to avoid using cocaine. But if a misstep occurs, it’s best to be prepared.

 

Keeping Your Body Clean From Cocaine

The best way to stay clean from cocaine is to stay in a drug-free environment. If you think you might have a problem or a dependence on the drug, it’s recommended to attend an inpatient or outpatient program.

How severe the abuse is will determine what time of program is best for a user. If someone is not able to quit on their own, inpatient treatment may be the clear choice. However, if someone is working on staying clean and can maintain an everyday routine, they are encouraged to attend an outpatient program and/or group meetings.

If you or someone you know has used cocaine and is concerned about cleaning it out of your system, it may be time to start treatment. For more information about the impact and effects of cocaine, contact our team of medical professionals by calling 267.719.8528.