Is Cocaine Detox Different for Men?

July 14, 2023

Written By: Buena Vista Recovery

Cocaine detox is a process that involves slowly removing all cocaine from the body. Through this process, one’s body begins to heal from heavy cocaine use and addiction. Detox is a challenging but necessary step for healing and finding freedom after struggling with cocaine addiction. Both men and women use and abuse cocaine. However, the detox process is unique for men. Treatment for cocaine addiction including cocaine detox at Buena Vista Recovery helps address the unique challenges that men face. This approach includes addressing mental health challenges, dealing with the reality of addiction, and helping men move forward and accept the necessary support to achieve those aims.

Cocaine Use in Men

Men and women both use and abuse cocaine. As cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant, those who frequently use cocaine are at a high risk of addiction. Cocaine use in men, however, does differ from cocaine use in women.

When men use cocaine, they are less sensitive to the rewarding impacts of cocaine. However, this does not mean that men do not become addicted to cocaine. When men are addicted to cocaine, the impact on the brain is more detrimental than it is for women. This makes it even more important that men get the help they need and go through cocaine detox.

The Ins and Outs of Cocaine Detox

As previously mentioned, cocaine detox is the process in which the body naturally gets rid of all the cocaine in the body. Unlike alcohol detox, cocaine detox does not always have obvious physical symptoms. Common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal that can happen during detox when the body has little to no cocaine left include:

  • Depressive mood
  • Unpleasant and very vivid dreams
  • Slow body movement
  • Extreme hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Irritation and agitation
  • Overall feelings of discomfort

Every man’s experience of detox will vary. In medically supervised detox at Buena Vista Recovery, men are treated as men, but also as individual people. Their needs in detox will vary, and these needs are met by trusted providers who help men to get through detox and move forward with a body that can begin to heal.

Cocaine Detox for Men

While cocaine detox is not markedly unique for men physically, certain mental and emotional differences in men make a significant difference in the process of cocaine detox. First, men tend to have more difficulty asking for help. This can lead to men trying to detox at home. However, detoxing at home from any substance is dangerous. Additionally, at-home detox is less effective for long-term recovery. Medically supervised cocaine detox as part of a treatment plan is the best option for helping men to heal safely and build skills to stay sober.

Men and women experience cocaine use differently. Due to hormonal differences, women become addicted to cocaine easier and have more cravings during detox. Women have more activity in the reward center of the brain during cocaine use. When men detox from cocaine, the process is often different. Men tend to have fewer cravings to manage. Therefore, detox is often easier for men. Cocaine detox at Buena Vista Recovery takes these differences into account as a way to help every individual person get the best care for their unique situation.

Finally, both men and women struggle with mental health disorders and challenges with mental health overall. For those who struggle with both addiction and mental health challenges, detox, and treatment will be different. The presence of mental health difficulties needs to be taken into account. However, for many men, having additional mental health considerations presents a challenge. It requires that they admit that they are struggling and work through mental health difficulties. Therefore, men in cocaine detox and addiction treatment often have to learn how to admit and work through these emotional roadblocks. However, when they do, full healing is possible.

Taking the First Step to Get Help

Cocaine abuse and addiction often come with a specific lifestyle. This lifestyle generally includes partying, hanging with buddies, and a constant search for more. While every man will have his own challenges, men tend to have a difficult time taking the first step to get help because of investment in this lifestyle. Sometimes men have to find new buddies and frequent new places to fully recover from addiction.

However, taking the first step is vital. When men realize that they are struggling with cocaine addiction and abuse, they have an opportunity to make a change. Through cocaine detox and addiction treatment, men can take the necessary steps to begin healing the mind and body from addiction. Additionally, they will build skills that help them to live a life that supports their sobriety after treatment.

The first step of any new journey can be intimidating. This is especially true when this step requires men to ask for help and admit that they need support and care to heal. However, men who choose the path of healing are more likely to live a happier and healthier life in the future.

Many men use and become addicted to cocaine. While women also struggle with cocaine addiction, men’s experiences are often different. At Buena Vista Recovery, we understand that every individual has a unique set of challenges. We work with men who are struggling with cocaine addiction to take the first steps of healing. Additionally, we encourage men to be open with their challenges and build skills that help them to live healthy and happy lives after addiction treatment. If you are struggling with cocaine addiction and are ready to take a step toward change, we can help. Call us today at (480) 741-9414 to learn more about our programs and how they can help you heal from cocaine addiction.