When a user takes cocaine, it produces an intensely pleasurable, stimulating high, increased confidence, and feelings of euphoria.

It does this by increasing the concentration of dopamine, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain.

Dopamine washes over most brain areas during a cocaine high, but it has its most potent effects in the limbic system – an area associated with memories and emotions.

Dopamine usually acts as a chemical messenger. It affects various parts of the brain in reaction to stimuli, activates neurons, and is then absorbed back into the nervous system. Cocaine obstructs cells in the brain responsible for dopamine reuptake, meaning we experience unnatural neurotransmitter levels.

Depending on individual factors, cocaine intoxication usually only lasts about thirty minutes. However, when a user binges or takes the drug repeatedly, the brain adapts to compensate for increased dopamine levels. Over time, it slows down its normal production to account for the influence of cocaine.

When we stop taking cocaine, our dopamine falls to abnormally low levels. This is a problem for long-term users, as their brains cannot create enough dopamine to maintain a normal balance. This situation is what leads to the onset of withdrawal symptoms. The same limbic system that produces such a powerful high when cocaine is present can cause a recovering user to sink into an agonizing emotional state when there is too little dopamine in the body.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms begin soon after the last dose of the drug.

These symptoms can be uncomfortable, and in some cases, dangerous without supervision.

Users in recovery enter into a very vulnerable emotional state. The psychological symptoms are extreme and can lead users to behave dangerously and even harm themselves. At Cirque Lodge, we ensure that our clients’ detox with the support they need, and they have access to expert and empathetic therapeutic staff at all times.

Physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include:

• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Increased appetite
• Mild fever
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Poor motor skills

Psychological withdrawal symptoms of cocaine are:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Extreme suspicion
• Vivid nightmares
• Paranoia

Intense cravings are a near-universal symptom of cocaine withdrawal. When people attempt to detox at home, these cravings may be further amplified by the tensions and triggers of daily life. Withdrawal is a time when addicted users are most vulnerable, and it is hard to remove yourself from the situations and people that set cravings in motion when you remain in your usual environment. At the same time, once a user’s tolerance declines, relapse poses a much higher risk of overdose.

When you choose a residential treatment program, you choose to protect yourself from these dangers during this critical time. Cirque Lodge aims to build a buffer between clients and cravings so that you can focus solely on treatment and therapy while in residence. During your time with us, you build the skills you need to face these challenges with ease.

The half-life of cocaine in the body only lasts up to ninety minutes and is followed by a withdrawal period.

This process follows a two-phase timeline:

The Crash

This initial period usually sets in at around six hours from your final dose of cocaine and can last up to four days. During this time, you may experience extreme mood swings, stress, and sometimes deep depression. Cravings kick into gear early, so you must have support to overcome this vulnerable period. Detox support increases your chances of success during this phase.

The Withdrawal

The period of withdrawal depends on the quantity and duration of your cocaine use. It lasts a few weeks in some cases, but in extremely heavy users, it can last months. Therapeutic support through experiential and cognitive therapy makes a huge difference in recovering users’ resilience to this stage.

At Cirque Lodge, we are dedicated to supporting you in overcoming cocaine addiction.

When you join us, we take you through an in-depth assessment, and our addiction specialists design a cocaine detox program tailored to fit your specific needs.

Mental Health Support

You will receive individualized support from a dedicated team of mental health professionals, counselors, and psychiatrists. Many of our team are in recovery and have gone through detox themselves, so they have a unique understanding of what you are feeling. We aim to make this process as comfortable and sustainable for our clients as we can.

We offer a dual diagnosis program to treat any underlying mental health issues you may have. Our holistic treatment ethos aims to heal your entire being rather than just treating specific symptoms.

Medication For Emotional Symptoms

There are no current medications explicitly for the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal. However, we can prescribe FDA-approved medication if necessary for the dysphoric or anxious symptoms that many users undergoing detox experience. These medications make recovery much more manageable, especially for people who were previously heavy users.

Safety And Supervision

When you come to Cirque Lodge, you put your trust in us. Our absolute and undeniable priority in everything we do, from the detox process to medication and the various therapies that follow, is your safety.

When you undergo detox with us, our staff will consistently evaluate your progress and adapt your treatment as necessary. Withdrawal can be tough, but at Cirque Lodge, we aim to give you the most comfortable detox and addiction treatment possible.