How Long Does It Take To Detox From Cocaine?

Table of contents

Key Points
  • The length of addiction, frequency of use, and overall health can influence the detox timeline, which can range from 5-7 days to up to three weeks.
  • Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be severe and uncomfortable. These symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and, in severe cases, hallucinations and seizures.
  • A medically supervised detox program can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
  • The severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the individual and their level of addiction. Some individuals may experience mild to moderate symptoms, while others may require more intensive medical support.
  • Seeking professional help through a cocaine addiction treatment center is crucial for successful recovery. These programs offer comprehensive care, including detox, therapy, and counseling, to address the underlying issues and prevent relapse.

What is the Timeline for a Detoxing from Cocaine?

Everyone’s body reacts to the detoxing process differently. Therefore, the detox timeline will depend on several factors, as each case is different. It will depend on factors, such as the length of the addiction and the amount the individual has been abusing. The frequency of drug abuse is also another factor that impacts the duration of cocaine detox treatment required for recovery. It can take anywhere from a few days for detoxing to occur for some, but for others, it can take up to three weeks.[1]

The detox process should begin 8-12 hours after you have taken your last dose of cocaine. The first sign you will likely experience is fatigue. As your body builds up its dependence on cocaine, it often masks the physical symptoms of fatigue and anxiousness. During the detox process, you may feel tired and lethargic. You might also start sweating and become a bit agitated.[2]

By the end of the first day and heading into the next couple of days, you will likely experience nausea, sleep deprivation, an increase in difficulty with concentration, and some loss of motor control. By the end of the third day, your cocaine withdrawal symptoms may start getting worse.

Over the next few days, you could experience difficulty with breathing and your blood pressure. You might also suffer from convulsions, tremors, and even hallucinations. This is a critical point in the process. Your exposure to physical and mental harm goes up dramatically. This is also the point where you might consider deciding to abort the entire process. It happens. People get caught up in the pain and discomfort, which forces them to reconsider their decision to abstain.

If you can make it past the first 5-7 days, you should start feeling better. Your remaining symptoms will feel like bad flu, but they’ll go away after a while. You will soon find yourself functioning at an average level by the end of the first week, up to around ten days. Note: If your addiction is significant, it might take as long as three weeks to detox completely. It’s also possible your symptoms will reappear over the next couple of months. You’ll have clarity of mind and body.

The Value of a Cocaine Detox Program

If you’re ready to end your dependence on cocaine, admission into a cocaine detox center is the first step toward getting help. As a nationally recognized addiction treatment center, we have no intention of letting our clients suffer. As they enter our cocaine addiction treatment center we will likely prescribe a detox program if necessary.

Under the care of our medical professionals, you will begin a medically monitored detox. Our preference is to let you detox without medical intervention. However, that’s not always possible. If you start to experience pain or discomfort, our staff physician will have the option of prescribing relief medications for you. Said drugs won’t delay the detox process but instead keep you feeling safe until all symptoms are gone.

Cocaine Treatment Options at The Last Resort

The magic we do in our facility relies heavily on the treatment options our therapists have at their disposal. With access to a full menu of treatment options, our therapists can provide custom treatment programs for each client.

We understand you might be curious about what to expect as you contemplate abstaining from cocaine abuse. With access to so many treatment options, we should be able to deliver you a lasting recovery. Start the process by contacting us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Rehab In Austin

How long does cocaine detox typically last?
The duration of cocaine detox varies depending on individual factors such as the length and severity of addiction. While some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms for 5-7 days, others may require up to three weeks for a complete detox.
What are the common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal?
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include: Fatigue Nausea Sleep disturbances Anxiety Depression In severe cases: hallucinations, seizures
Is a medically supervised detox necessary for cocaine withdrawal?
While it's possible to detox at home, a medically supervised detox program is often recommended, especially for individuals with severe addictions. This ensures a safe and comfortable withdrawal process, with medical professionals monitoring for potential complications and providing necessary support.

There is a Better Way to Live. It's Time to Get the Help You Deserve.

Take the first step in getting your life back. Speak with our admissions team today.

The Last Resort Editorial Guidelines

By instituting a policy, we create a standardized approach to how we create, verify, and distribute all content and resources we produce. An editorial policy helps us ensure that any material our writing and clinical team create, both online and in print, meets or exceeds our standards of integrity and accuracy. Our goal is to demonstrate our commitment to education and patient support by creating valuable resources within our realm of expertise, verifying them for accuracy, and providing relevant, respectful, and insightful data to our clients and families.

[1] Diaper, A. M., Law, F. D., & Melichar, J. K. (2014). Pharmacological strategies for detoxification. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 77(2), 302–314. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.12245

[2] Cocaine withdrawal: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000947.htm