What to Expect at a Cocaine Detox Program in South Carolina

Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that can lead to addiction after only a few uses. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ),  27,788,000 people have used cocaine at least once in their lifetime.[1]

If you or a loved one abuse cocaine, you could develop a substance use disorder. Once you are addicted to cocaine, your brain and body begin to rely on it to function properly. This means that suddenly stopping the use of cocaine will result in withdrawal symptoms.

The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal may include cravings for cocaine, psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety, or physical symptoms like muscle aches and chills. While cocaine withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, it can be incredibly difficult to cope with. As a result, you should always seek medical detox treatment for cocaine addiction.

During cocaine detox, you will be assessed to determine your needs, have 24/7 medical monitoring, and be given medications to soothe your symptoms. Additionally, cocaine detox centers will help you create a treatment plan that includes cocaine addiction treatment programs like inpatient or outpatient rehab.

During this article, you will learn:

• What to expect during cocaine detox in South Carolina
• How each step of cocaine detox works
• Why medical detox is necessary

What to Expect During Cocaine Detox in South Carolina

Drug and alcohol detox centers in South Carolina use clinically proven treatments to help you overcome cocaine withdrawal safely and comfortably.

During cocaine detox in South Carolina, you can expect:

Assessment

The first step in a cocaine detox program is an in-depth assessment. The medical staff will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of cocaine abuse. This information will be used to create an individualized detox plan.

Your detox plan will include information like how long you’ll require detox, what medications will work for you, and whether you need dual diagnosis treatment.

Physical and Mental Health Monitoring

Throughout your stay in detox, your vital signs will be monitored to ensure you remain stable. This might involve a nurse checking your blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and breathing rate. If any abnormalities arise, you will be treated promptly and efficiently.

In addition to ensuring you remain physically healthy, you will have access to 24/7 psychological support. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include mental health effects like anxiety and depression, so having professional support can be vital to the success of your recovery.

Medication Management

In addition to receiving physical and mental health treatment, you will be given medications to treat your withdrawal symptoms. These medications make your symptoms easier to cope with, allowing you to focus on more important aspects of addiction recovery.

The medications used during cocaine detox may include:[2]

• Modafinil – addresses symptoms like drowsiness and fatigue by increasing dopamine production in the brain

• Topiramate – reduces activity in the central nervous system to alleviate symptoms like irritability, anxiety, or agitation

• Vigabatrin – lessens cravings for cocaine by increasing the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

• Gabapentin – works similarly to vigabatrin, as it reduces cravings for cocaine to help you stay focused in your recovery

• Baclofen – prevents cravings for cocaine by increasing GABA production in your brain

• Disulfiram – prevents cocaine relapses by helping the brain process dopamine effectively

The medications you are given will depend on what symptoms you are experiencing. There is not one way to treat cocaine withdrawal, making it a very individual process. Your doctor will work with you to determine your needs for medications during cocaine detox.

Further Treatment Planning

Once you have overcome your withdrawal symptoms, you will begin working with your doctor and therapist to create a long-term treatment plan. Usually, this involves attending secondary drug rehab centers like inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment programs.

During cocaine treatment, you will engage in evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). You will learn how to cope with substance abuse triggers, address the root causes of your addiction, and develop important skills for living a sober lifestyle.

Get Connected to a South Carolina Cocaine Detox Center

If you or a loved one suffers from cocaine addiction, it’s time to seek help. The first step in recovering from cocaine use disorder is medical detox. At South Carolina Addiction Treatment Center, we offer a continuum of care that includes detox, inpatient rehab, and dual diagnosis care.

Dedicated addiction-medicine-trained Nursing and Psychiatric staff monitor each client around the clock to ensure their comfort and safety while detoxing with us. Our compassionate and skilled clinical staff blend clinically dynamic, evidence-based therapies and complementary modalities with AA’s Twelve Step Program to build a solid foundation of recovery and lasting change.

Contact us today to learn more about our cocaine detox and inpatient recovery center.

References:

1. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Powdered Cocaine Fast Facts
2. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): New Medications for the Treatment of Cocaine Dependence