Is Cocaine Detox Really Necessary
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that induces intense euphoria and acts on the brain and central nervous system to increase alertness, anxiety, blood pressure, respiration, heart rate, and a myriad of other physical and psychological effects that can prove to be dangerous. According to a report from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), there were about a quarter million drug-related ED visits for patients seeking detox or substance abuse treatment services during 2011.” Of the overall estimate of 2.5 million visits for drug misuse and abuse, 505,224 involved cocaine.
Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine abuse causes many physical and mental health impairments as well as social, familial, and environmental problems that wreak havoc on the abuser’s life. They risk malnutrition, heart attacks, diseases, overdose, mental health disorders, loss of work opportunities, criminal behaviors that lead to arrests, financial and housing difficulties, and other harms to themselves and their loved ones. The list goes on and on. Cocaine changes the way the brain works and these repeated disruptions often cause cocaine addictions where the user suffers intense cravings, anxiety, depression, and irritability until they are able to use cocaine again, no matter what the consequences may be. Cocaine users often abuse other drugs or alcohol, further increasing their risks.
Cocaine Detox Necessity for Psychological Issues
Psychological conditions are a high priority during cocaine detox. The person may experience intense cravings, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, or other sleep disorders and some of these conditions can be managed with medications during the more intense episodes or as otherwise necessary. Heavy abusers may experience psychosis, hallucinations, deliriums, or other serious psychological disturbances that could endanger themselves or others if not properly controlled.
Cocaine Detox Necessity for Physical Issues
In order to achieve recovery from addiction it is necessary to go through detox.
Cocaine detox is necessary for stabilizing the individual physically and improving their ability to overcome the overwhelming psychological symptoms that they may be experiencing. There is no end to the amount of damage that cocaine abuse can cause and detox is the first stage in rectifying these issues. Heavy cocaine use can cause malnutrition were the desire to use cocaine supersedes any desire to eat. During cocaine withdrawals, the opposite happens and the person may overindulge in unhealthy eating habits. Detox treatment can help the person get the proper nutrition and regain physical stability that will help them with their psychological distress.
Hydration is also a critical element of clearing cocaine from the body and often, users may self-medicate with other illicit substances to get through this process, but they put themselves at risk by doing so. In an effort to prepare the person for cocaine treatment, physical impairments must be recognized and safely managed.