Cocaine Detox
Cocaine can take over your life before you even realize it. Maybe you started using it at parties, to keep up at work, or to cope when things got hard—but now it feels like you can't stop. Quitting might feel impossible, and if you've tried before, you know how tough withdrawal can be. The good news is, you're not alone. Help is always available.
Detoxing from cocaine isn’t just about stopping use. It’s about getting your body and mind back to a stable place, so you can move forward with confidence in recovery. Whether it’s your first detox or you’re looking for support after a relapse, we’re here for you every step of the way. With 24/7 care and a focus on respect, dignity, and expert support, you’ll never have to face this journey alone.
Understanding cocaine withdrawal and detoxification
Common withdrawal symptoms of cocaine
Withdrawal symptoms can be tough, both physically and emotionally. They don’t just take a toll on your body; they can also make daily life and staying on track really challenging, especially without proper support.
Common physical symptoms
- Feeling tired or completely drained
- Trouble sleeping, like insomnia or having vivid dreams
- Changes in appetite
- Headaches or body aches
Psychological symptoms of withdrawal
- Feeling down or depressed
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Feeling anxious, restless, or on edge
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Strong cravings for cocaine
The detox timeline: What to expect
Withdrawal timelines can vary, but most people go through similar stages during detox:
First 24–72 hours
- Cravings, anxiety, and mood swings are common.
- Many feel low energy or experience depression.
- Flu-like symptoms often show up during this phase.
Weeks one to two
- This is usually the toughest phase emotionally and physically.
- Restlessness, trouble sleeping, and appetite changes are typical.
- Depression may worsen, and there’s a risk of suicidal thoughts.
- Cravings are still strong, even though your tolerance has decreased.
Weeks two to four
- Emotional ups and downs, like mood swings and depression, can linger.
- Cravings may still occur, but often become more manageable.
- Your brain is starting to adjust as it learns to function without cocaine.
Months two to six (Post-acute withdrawal symptoms)
- Mood swings, occasional “brain fog,” and lingering cravings.
- Sleep issues like insomnia, which can remain frustrating.
- Physical symptoms are likely gone by this point.
No matter how long withdrawal lasts, the team at Oak Grove is here to help. With 24/7 support, nutritional guidance, and expert care, we’ll help you through every step of recovery.
Potential side effects during detox
The biggest risk during detox is severe depression. Cocaine floods your brain with dopamine, the "feel-good" chemical. When you stop using it, your brain needs time to adjust and start producing dopamine naturally again. During this period, you might feel intense sadness or depression, and in some cases, even have thoughts of self-harm.
Another major risk during detox is relapse. The discomfort—both physical and emotional—can make it tempting to turn back to cocaine, especially if you relied on it to cope with stress or life’s challenges. That’s why we’re here. Our caring team is ready to support you through this tough time and help you develop healthy ways to manage stress.
Medical Detox Programs for Cocaine Addiction
Inpatient detox: Intensive medical supervision
Could be a good fit for those with a history of heavy use or multiple relapses.
- Residential care: A safe, structured place to fully focus on getting better.
- Around-the-clock support: Care available 24/7 for physical and emotional health.
- Daily routine: Scheduled activities and therapy to help build stability and stay on track.
Outpatient detox: Flexible treatment options
Might be a good fit for those who use cocaine less often and have strong support from friends or family.
- Stay on track: Lets you keep up with work, school, or family life.
- Regular check-ins: Ongoing guidance and support from professionals.
- Support network: Join group therapy and access helpful resources.
Medication-assisted treatment for cocaine detox
May be right for those with co-occurring mental health conditions or polysubstance use. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses recovery medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. These programs can be a good option for people dealing with mental health challenges or using multiple substances.
- Professional monitoring: Experts keep an eye on you during withdrawal to make sure it’s safe and as comfortable as possible.
- Medication support: Prescriptions and OTC medicines can help ease withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings.
- Team-based care: A group of doctors, therapists, and support staff works together to provide well-rounded support.
We offer inpatient detox and medication-assisted treatment at our center in Westerville, Ohio, but do not provide outpatient services. If you're not sure which level of support you need, our team can help you find the right resources when you reach out.
Get the help you need to quit cocaine.
Comprehensive treatment approaches
Behavioral therapy and relapse prevention
Detox is just the first step in this leg of your recovery journey. We also offer residential addiction treatment at Oak Grove. There, our team uses proven talk therapies to guide you, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Motivational interviewing (MI): Strengthen your motivation and commitment to recovery.
- Trauma therapy: Process trauma and learn how to move forward with confidence.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Manage stress, regulate emotions, and build stronger relationships.
Recovery doesn’t end after treatment; it’s an ongoing journey. That’s why we help you create a personalized relapse prevention plan and connect you to aftercare resources, like support groups, so you’ll always have the support you need to stay on track.
Dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders treatment
Many people struggling with cocaine addiction also have co-occurring mental health conditions. We offer co-occurring mental health treatment to address both the addiction and underlying mental health issues. Our licensed professionals specialize in helping people with:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Psychosis
- PTSD
- Schizoaffective disorders
- Sleep disorders
When you come to our center, we'll work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that supports your recovery and mental health.
Holistic detox approaches and mental health support
Detoxing from cocaine can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. With the right support, you can work on healing your body, mind, and relationships along the way. Our team will support your nutrition and hydration, mental health, and emotional well-being so you can focus on recovering and finding your purpose.
Support systems and aftercare planning
Family therapy and support groups
Rebuilding relationships with family is an important part of addiction recovery. It's normal for loved ones to feel hurt, angry, or even guilty about past drug use, but bringing them into the recovery process can help rebuild trust and create stronger bonds. Involving your family not only helps repair relationships but also builds a solid support system for long-term success. Support groups, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can also be a great resource to help everyone heal and move forward together.
We encourage family involvement at Oak Grove Recovery through visitation and discussions during individual and group therapy. Our team can also help you connect with community support groups so that you have the resources you need when you need them.
Aftercare planning for long-term recovery
Achieving long-term sobriety after cocaine addiction isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. Staying on track often means leaning on a strong support network, sticking with therapy, and joining aftercare programs.
Lifestyle changes will also play a big role. Regular exercise and healthy eating can keep your body in good shape, while practices like meditation or breathwork can help you manage stress. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends is key too—it might even mean stepping away from people who just want to party or continue using. We'll help you make an aftercare plan that's meaningful to your purpose in recovery.
Importance of ongoing mental health support
Your mental health should be a priority for the rest of your recovery journey. When you complete treatment at Oak Grove Recovery, we'll help you coordinate counseling and therapy sessions to continue your healing process. We understand that recovery is a lifelong journey, and it's important to have ongoing support for your mental health.
Start cocaine detox at Oak Grove Recovery today
At Oak Grove Recovery, we’re here to support you or your loved one through the detox and recovery journey from cocaine addiction. Our programs are built on compassion, respect, and a focus on helping you succeed long-term.
We accept all Ohio Medicaid plans and are happy to help you navigate your coverage. Our team will guide you through payment options, explain your benefits, and make sure you’re fully prepared every step of the way. Give us a call at 614.324.8137 or reach out to us online today.
Frequently asked questions about cocaine detox
Cocaine is processed by the liver and kidneys and excreted in urine, as well as through sweat and feces. While the drug leaves the bloodstream within hours, its metabolites can stay detectable for several days, depending on usage patterns and individual metabolism.
The time it takes to detox from cocaine depends on the person and how much they’ve been using. Usually, the worst withdrawal symptoms last about 5–7 days, but cravings and mental effects can stick around longer.
Cocaine withdrawal usually happens in three phases. First is the "crash," where you might feel flu-like symptoms and really low energy or mood. Then come the cravings and mood swings, which can stick around for weeks. Finally, there’s the longer-term stage, where cravings might pop up occasionally but tend to get better with time, recovery, and the right support.
Cocaine targets the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, which is why breaking free from addiction can be so tough. When you stop using, intense cravings and feelings of deep depression can hit hard, making it challenging to stay on track. But with the right support and treatment, detoxing from cocaine is absolutely achievable.
