Confronting Cocaine Withdrawal: What to Expect
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Why Am I Experiencing Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms?
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can range in severity depending on your relationship with the drug. If you have recently started taking cocaine, it is quite common to experience a ‘come down’ which is characterised by lethargy and depression-like symptoms. These typically last for a short period, ranging from a few hours to several days after use, depending on how much and how often you use cocaine.
However, if you have been using cocaine frequently, withdrawal symptoms can feel more intense and may include extreme cocaine cravings, erratic moods and obsessive thoughts about cocaine use. If you or someone you know are experiencing these types of withdrawal symptoms, it could be a sign of cocaine addiction.
Psychological Withdrawal
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms mostly relate to mental health rather than physical health and can be distressing and underestimated.
While cocaine’s stimulating effects increase alertness and energy, the opposite becomes the case as the individual experiences a coke “crash”. This causes fatigue, energy loss, mood swings, insomnia and restlessness. Intense cravings occur along with anxiety, paranoia, depression and occasionally suicidal thinking.
These symptoms can be exacerbated by pre-existing mental health conditions such as ADHD, which can lead to vicious cycles of cocaine misuse followed by withdrawal. In this case, cocaine is being used as a self-medicating tool to regulate emotions affected by the mental health condition, but in reality, the inverse is true because the individual develops a reliance on cocaine while also developing withdrawal symptoms.
If you are concerned about your cocaine use, or recognise the signs of psychological withdrawal, our team can help you make an informed decision over the next steps.
Does Cocaine Withdrawal Cause Physical Symptoms?
Extreme fatigue and increased appetite are common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal, but it’s important to recognise how the body is feeling in the absence of cocaine. If you or someone you know experiences extreme cravings for cocaine, this can often present itself in the form of physical tension in the body.
Detox – The First Step to Recovery
If you recognise the cycle of cocaine withdrawal symptoms followed by drug-seeking behaviours, cocaine detoxification is the first step in addressing the problem. For those struggling with cocaine addiction, this can be difficult to do alone due to triggers in the home environment.
At Castle Craig, we provide a supervised cocaine detox programme in a safe and nurturing environment. Our aim is to support our patients through the first stage of cocaine addiction recovery, addressing the complex challenges faced with cocaine withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
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How Can Castle Craig Help?
Who will I speak to when I call Castle Craig?
When you call you will reach our Help Centre team who will give you all the information you need to help you decide whether to choose treatment at Castle Craig. If you decide that you would like to have a free screening assessment you will be asked a series of questions to build up a picture of your medical and drug use history as well as any mental health issues you are facing. If you decide you want to proceed with treatment you will be put in touch with our admissions case managers who will guide you through the admissions process.
How long is the rehab programme?
Residential rehab treatment starts at 4 weeks and can go up to 12+ weeks. Research shows us that the longer you stay in rehab and are part of the residential therapy programme, the longer the likelihood of continued abstinence and stable recovery.
How do I pay for rehab?
One concern we sometimes hear from people is how they will fund their rehab treatment. You can pay for treatment at Castle Craig privately, or through medical insurance, and some people receive funding through the NHS. The cost of rehab varies depending on what kind of accommodation you choose.
What happens at the end of my treatment?
Castle Craig thoroughly prepares patients before departure by creating a personalised continuing care plan which is formulated following discussions with the medical and therapeutic team. We offer an online aftercare programme which runs for 24 weeks after leaving treatment, in order to ensure a smooth transition back into your everyday life. Patients leaving treatment automatically join our Recovery Club where they can stay connected via our annual reunion, events, online workshops and recovery newsletters.