Crack Cocaine Withdrawal

About Crack Cocaine Withdrawal Or Detox

The effects of cocaine or crack cocaine normally occur immediately after ingestion and can last from a few minutes to a few hours. The duration of the drug's effects depends on how it is ingested. Snorting cocaine produces a slow onset of effects that can last from 15 to 30 minutes, while the effects of smoking cocaine last from 5 to 10 minutes and produce a more intense high. Cocaine produces euphoric effects by building up dopamine in the brain, causing the continuous stimulation of neurons.

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive drug. A tolerance is often developed when a user, seeking to achieve the initial pleasure received from first use, increases the dosage to intensify and prolong the euphoric effects.

Users of cocaine or crack cocaine often feel euphoric, energetic, talkative, and mentally alert after taking small amounts of cocaine. Cocaine use can also temporarily lessen a user's need for food or sleep. Short-term physiological effects include constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils, and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Ingesting large amounts of cocaine can intensify the user's high, but can also lead to bizarre, erratic, and violent behavior. Users who ingest large amounts may experience tremors, vertigo, muscle twitches, and paranoia. Other possible effects of cocaine use include irritability, anxiety, and restlessness.

Detoxification or withdrawal symptoms from cocaine or crack cocaine may include severe depression, fatigue, generalized malaise, vivid and unpleasant dreams, agitation and restless behavior, slowing of activity or increased appetite.

During detoxification or withdrawal from cocaine, there can be powerful, intense cravings for more cocaine. However, the "high" associated with ongoing use becomes less and less pleasant, and can produce fear and extreme suspicion rather than joy. Just the same, the cravings may remain powerful.

The craving and depression can last for months following cessation of long-term heavy (particularly daily) use. Detoxification or withdrawal symptoms can also be associated with suicidal thoughts in some people.

Detoxification from cocaine or crack cocaine may not be as unstable as withdrawal from alcohol. However, the withdrawal from any chronic substance abuse is very serious. There is a risk of suicide or compensatory overdose.

Symptoms usually resolve completely over time. People experiencing cocaine withdrawal often attempt to self-medicate with alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, or anti-anxiety agents, such as diazepam (Valium). Self-medication is not advised, because it simply shifts addiction from one substance to another.

Because at least 50% of cocaine addicts have a co-existing mental disorder (particularly depression and attention-deficit disorder), these conditions must be considered and treated aggressively.

Relapse rates are dramatically reduced when these conditions are treated appropriately. All prescription drugs should be monitored carefully in patients who abuse substances.

If you have any questions regarding the cocaine or crack cocaine detoxification programs at Orange County Detox, please call our caring and friendly admissions staff today. Don't put the beginning of a new life off another day!

CALL ORANGE COUNTY DETOX

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(877) 338-6962

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