Crack cocaine detox
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Last Updated:
May 6th, 2024
Crack cocaine is a potent drug that can have devastating effects on both the mind and body. In order to break free from this harmful substance, the first step is to undergo a crack cocaine detox. Given the dangerous nature of this drug, crack cocaine detox is paramount for anyone wishing to recover from crack cocaine addiction. A crack cocaine detox will remove all traces of the drug from your body so you can feel physically free from the substance. This, alongside professional treatment therapies in crack cocaine rehab, will help you to recover from cravings cand embark on a new life without it.
What is crack cocaine detox?
Crack cocaine detox refers to the natural bodily process of eliminating toxins and transitioning back to a natural, balanced state. This occurs as soon as you stop using crack cocaine – your body will begin to heal and restore itself, repairing the damage done by this powerful drug.
As your brain and body adapt to a sudden lack of crack cocaine, you may experience some withdrawal symptoms. With regular crack cocaine use, the repeated, intense surges of dopamine levels in the brain lead to a chemical imbalance. Your brain learns that crack cocaine supplies dopamine, and will stop producing its own as a result. When you stop taking the drug, your body will have to catch up and readjust to this sudden lack of dopamine, which leads to withdrawal symptoms.
Although this is beneficial in the long term, the short-term withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable for some people. While crack cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant and challenging, it is a vital step to ensure a successful recovery.
Taking part in an assisted crack cocaine detox at an experienced rehab facility will guarantee a safe and more comfortable detox treatment.
Crack cocaine withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawing from any drug comes with possible side effects. While withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, it is important to remember that they are only temporary. As time goes on, our clients find their bodies and minds make a full recovery and regain their regular function.
The common withdrawal symptoms of crack cocaine include the following:
Physical signs of crack withdrawal
- General discomfort
- Agitation or shaking
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Slowed levels of activity
- Restlessness
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
Psychological signs of crack withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Poor cognitive thinking
- Cravings
- Depression
The dangers of crack detox at home
It is not recommended to undergo a crack cocaine detox alone or at home. Although the physical withdrawal symptoms do not appear life-threatening, the psychological symptoms can severely ruin your chances of recovering.
Ceasing crack cocaine use can bring about numerous uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can be difficult to cope with on your own. This is why it is vital to allow medical professionals to assist you in your crack cocaine detox, as it will ensure a more manageable detox period.
When your body and mind are in turmoil and you are struggling to cope with crack cocaine withdrawal symptoms, it is easy to relapse. Without the proper support on hand, it can be tempting to relieve yourself of the withdrawal symptoms and revert back to using the drug.
Not only could this make you fall back into former cycles of dependence and further trap you in your crack cocaine abuse, it also poses the threat of overdose. After a period of abstinence, your body will no longer be able to handle the doses to which you were once accustomed. Overdosing is therefore a high risk at this stage.
How to prepare for crack cocaine withdrawal
When withdrawing from crack cocaine, it is important to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the process ahead. The number one cause of relapse is emotional pain and stress. Before undertaking a crack cocaine detox, you should talk to your doctor or contact an experienced rehab facility in order to develop a plan of action and receive the support you need to make it through safely and successfully.
It is best to take some time away from your normal routine (including work) since crack cocaine withdrawal symptoms can disrupt your physical and mental well-being. If you have a trusted loved one, then it is highly recommended to take advantage of their support during this process.
Other effective management techniques that may be helpful throughout crack cocaine detox include:
- Structuring and planning your days so that you can keep busy
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet that supports recovery
- Engaging in gentle exercises that naturally boost serotonin
- Taking part in mindfulness and meditation exercises
- Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water
- Getting enough sleep
Crack cocaine detox and withdrawal is the first hurdle you must overcome as you embark on your recovery journey. With careful planning and determination, you can effectively manage this treatment period and reap a multitude of benefits that come along with it.
Timeline for crack cocaine detox
Every individual will experience crack cocaine detox differently, and there are numerous factors that may affect your timeline. Factors such as the length of crack cocaine abuse, the doses and frequency it is taken, as well as your age and overall health, can all affect the severity of crack cocaine detox.
The timeline below gives you a general indication of what a person typically experiences when withdrawing from crack cocaine over a three-week period.
Day one
The first day is known to bring the following symptoms as the crack cocaine starts to leave your body:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
Day two
You will typically experience:
- Irritability
- Mood Swings
Days three to seven
After the first week, typical symptoms experienced are:
- Sleep problems
- Vivid dreams
- Disorientated feelings
Week two
By the second week of detox, you will find the following feelings appear:
- Increased appetite: Your body is trying to go back to its natural state before drug use
- Mood swings peak: Your moods are re-adjusting to their regular state
- Irritability peaks: This is your body adjusting to it is a new physical and mental state
Weeks three and onwards
By now typical symptoms experienced are:
- Feeling better: The crack cocaine detox will have taken full effect on your body
- Increased confidence: You will be feeling healthier as you will hopefully start to see the results of the detox on your physical as well as mental wellbeing
- Thinking becomes clearer: Your mental state is now stable and in the recovery phase
- Sleep: Sleep patterns will become more stable
- Appetite is stable: Your appetite will now be coming back to its regular state
How Sanctuary Lodge can help you detox from crack cocaine
Sanctuary Lodge has modern, comfortable detox facilities that aim to provide the ideal safe environment with medical support staff on hand to assist you with any adverse crack cocaine withdrawal symptoms.
We provide nutritious meals to help you regain your normal body functions and replenish the nutrients you have lost through drug dependence.
Our knowledgeable staff, all of whom have first-hand experience of drug detox and rehabilitation, will be on hand to guide you every step of the way. As well as having medical expertise, our staff will be there to empathise and support you throughout this challenging time.
The next steps
Overcoming a crack cocaine dependence is never easy. You may be experiencing anxiety or fear about giving up crack cocaine, and you could be nervous about the potential withdrawal symptoms you may face. While these feelings are all completely normal, ensuring you have the right resources and help in place will make your crack cocaine detox a whole lot easier.
The first few days may leave you feeling unsettled but with perseverance, the detox journey will become smoother. Completing the detox will empower you further toward long-lasting recovery. Sanctuary Lodge is committed to getting you through this process step by step.
If you are considering undergoing a crack cocaine detox with Sanctuary Lodge, please contact our expert staff who can talk you through the process and the life-changing benefits of detox. They can answer any questions you have and advise you on the next steps to take.