The primary goal of detoxing is to get the harmful chemicals out of your body. In order to successfully detox from cocaine, you should have a plan in place. If you dive in to detox without knowing what to expect before, during and after the process, it may interfere with the ultimate goal which is to detox. Before starting the detox it will be helpful to get some basic supplies to keep you strong during the process. Dehydration often occurs so stock up on Gatorade (pedialite for children works great), herbal teas, herbal calmers for anxiety (available at most grocery stores), fruit and some saltine crackers or Ritz crackers.
Seeking the assistance of a treatment center is recommended, however, self detox is possible. The primary addiction of cocaine is psychological as opposed to physical. This does not mean that your body will not undergo extensive physical discomfort, it simply means that you will have to be mentally prepared to clear your body of the substance, be mentally prepared for the withdrawal and be mentally prepared for the steps to stay clean.
It is recommended that you visit a physician to determine if you are physically able to handle detoxing without medical assistance. This will include a basic physical to check things such as your heart and blood pressure. You will need to remove all cocaine and any paraphernalia that will be associated with you using. Do not have anything in your possession that will tempt you to use while you are going through detox. In order for the process to be successful, you cannot use cocaine or another substance during or after the detox.
The withdrawal symptoms will vary for each person, but you can expect the withdrawal process to last from two days to several weeks. The physical symptoms of withdrawing include headache, diarrhea, vomiting, depression and/or the inability to sleep. You may experience all or only a few of the typical symptoms and it cannot be determined how far into the process you are by the symptoms being experienced. Psychological symptoms could include restlessness, agitation and/or irritability. It is also common for a cocaine addict to experience worrisome thoughts, dissatisfaction's, nightmares and depression as well as an increase in appetite.
One of the strongest, most overwhelming part of withdrawal, will be the cravings. Part of the addiction to cocaine is the intense cravings it provokes. During withdrawal these cravings will intensify. It will be beneficial if you have someone staying with you or someone that you can call during the cravings, it will be beneficial to have someone to relate to. Often times cocaine users can also benefit from making a list of reasons they are quitting and referring to the list during the entire process, especially during the cravings.
After getting through the withdrawal part of the process, it is crucial that you get help to stay on track and guide you through the lifestyle change.
Seeking the assistance of a treatment center is recommended, however, self detox is possible. The primary addiction of cocaine is psychological as opposed to physical. This does not mean that your body will not undergo extensive physical discomfort, it simply means that you will have to be mentally prepared to clear your body of the substance, be mentally prepared for the withdrawal and be mentally prepared for the steps to stay clean.
It is recommended that you visit a physician to determine if you are physically able to handle detoxing without medical assistance. This will include a basic physical to check things such as your heart and blood pressure. You will need to remove all cocaine and any paraphernalia that will be associated with you using. Do not have anything in your possession that will tempt you to use while you are going through detox. In order for the process to be successful, you cannot use cocaine or another substance during or after the detox.
The withdrawal symptoms will vary for each person, but you can expect the withdrawal process to last from two days to several weeks. The physical symptoms of withdrawing include headache, diarrhea, vomiting, depression and/or the inability to sleep. You may experience all or only a few of the typical symptoms and it cannot be determined how far into the process you are by the symptoms being experienced. Psychological symptoms could include restlessness, agitation and/or irritability. It is also common for a cocaine addict to experience worrisome thoughts, dissatisfaction's, nightmares and depression as well as an increase in appetite.
One of the strongest, most overwhelming part of withdrawal, will be the cravings. Part of the addiction to cocaine is the intense cravings it provokes. During withdrawal these cravings will intensify. It will be beneficial if you have someone staying with you or someone that you can call during the cravings, it will be beneficial to have someone to relate to. Often times cocaine users can also benefit from making a list of reasons they are quitting and referring to the list during the entire process, especially during the cravings.
After getting through the withdrawal part of the process, it is crucial that you get help to stay on track and guide you through the lifestyle change.