Cocaine Detox: The First Step to a More Secure Life

August 31, 2023

Written By: Buena Vista Recovery

Cocaine misuse significantly affects a person’s overall health and increases their risk of relapse during early recovery. Individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) benefit from attending a cocaine detox program. The symptoms of cocaine misuse and withdrawal often require professional treatment.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cocaine misuse “can lead to increased irritability, restlessness, panic attacks, paranoia, and even a full-blown psychosis, in which the individual loses touch with reality and experiences auditory hallucinations.” Buena Vista Recovery, one of the premier detox centers in Arizona, offers evidence-based treatment programs and cocaine detox services to individuals recovering from SUD. 

How Does Cocaine Addiction Affect Your Life?

All addictive substances can potentially impact your physical and mental health severely. Cocaine is especially dangerous due to its extreme side effects and symptoms. Even a single instance of cocaine misuse can cause serious illness, injury, or death. Studies have shown, “While cocaine can adversely affect every organ in the body, its most lethal effects are on the cardiovascular system.” In addition to causing severe physical health issues, cocaine misuse also impacts your ability to function day-to-day. 

Some of the ways cocaine may affect your life include: 

  • Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or other health issues 
  • Reduced ability to function at home, work, or school
  • Increased risk of developing mental health disorders
  • Reduced productivity, cognitive function, and physical abilities 
  • Relationship problems
  • Increased risk-taking behaviors, including criminal activities 

Cocaine misuse affects your temperament and ability to manage personal or professional responsibilities. Early intervention and treatment reduce the health risks associated with cocaine misuse. Detox treatment is the first step toward rebuilding your life and creating a more stable future. 

Short-Term Health Side Effects of Cocaine Misuse

The effects of cocaine depend on various factors, including age, medical history, co-occurring conditions, dosage, and how long the substance was misused. Some side effects are cumulative. Over time, some side effects may become permanent or cause severe health problems. You can work with your primary care physician (PCP) and recovery clinicians to determine your best treatment options. 

Your general health plays a significant role in the severity of symptoms and how they impact your life. Some common short-term effects of cocaine misuse include: 

  • Anxiety 
  • Feeling overly confident
  • Increased energy levels 
  • Paranoid thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors 
  • Unusual restlessness 
  • Decreased appetite and weight loss

Individuals actively misusing cocaine may have physical symptoms, including dilated pupils and elevated heart rate. 

Long-Term Health Side Effects of Cocaine Misuse

Cocaine causes short and long-term health issues. The long-term effects may include: 

  • Heart disease 
  • Chronic sleep disturbances 
  • Extreme mood swings 
  • Impotence
  • Malnutrition
  • Additional mental health disorders

Chronic cocaine misuse can cause severe damage to the lips, mouth, and lungs of people who smoke it. In addition, injecting cocaine can cause scarring from the needle, infection, and even amputation of limbs. Early intervention and professional addiction recovery treatment reduce the risk of long-term health issues. 

Cocaine Detox at Buena Vista Recovery

Buena Vista Recovery uses evidence-based treatments and services to ensure clients receive the best care. The Arizona recovery center provides people with a safe space to heal from the effects of cocaine misuse. You can rely on the compassionate team of clinicians to guide you through detox and early recovery. 

Cocaine detox services generally include the following: 

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Prescription medications 
  • Peer support 
  • Case management
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Aftercare planning

The clinical team determines what treatments will provide the best results based on your unique needs and preferences. Buena Vista Recovery ensures all clients have access to the care they need to heal and thrive in recovery. 

What to Expect From Cocaine Detox Treatment

Addiction treatment in Arizona allows people in recovery to undergo rehabilitation in residential or outpatient programs. Prescription medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are used to reduce the effects of withdrawal and detox. 

Various treatment options are combined to create a personalized care plan. However, most people do the following during detox treatment: 

  • Discuss recovery goals with the care team 
  • Work through any emotional or mental health issues with a therapist 
  • Report physical side effects to the clinical team
  • Engage with peers going through detox and early recovery 

You can expect to participate in mandatory therapy and treatment sessions monitored by recovery specialists during cocaine detox. 

Thriving in Treatment After Cocaine Detox

Detox is the first step in recovery from substance misuse. Most people transfer from detox treatment to intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or sober living communities. Buena Vista Recovery offers IOP treatment in Arizona for individuals recovering from cocaine addiction. You can thrive during recovery by working with your care team to personalize the experience. 

Most people continue residential or outpatient treatment after detox. However, individuals with minor symptoms and a strong support system may transition directly into aftercare services. Clinicians monitor progress to help clients determine which program to transition into after completing cocaine detox. Your care team will take the necessary steps to help you thrive during detox and early recovery.

Cocaine misuse affects many areas of a person’s life. Detox is the first step toward building a healthier and happier future. Treatment programs generally offer detox services alongside individual therapy and other treatments. The care team collaborates closely with clients to ensure they receive the support they need to heal. Buena Vista Recovery offers evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies for individuals recovering from substance misuse involving cocaine. Clients are provided with essential tools and resources for long-term sobriety. Aftercare and alumni services ensure you have the support to continue moving forward after treatment. To learn more about our cocaine detox services and programs, call our office today at (480) 741-9414.