Cocaine addiction causes extreme damage to the bodies of people suffering from addiction.
We put ourselves at risk of overdose every time we use this drug, and the danger only compounds as cocaine steadily damages internal organs.
Users who never experience an overdose are still at risk when addiction goes unchecked, and the side effects of continuous use can be life-threatening.
The only sure way to reduce the risk of developing complications is to quit using cocaine and begin working towards a life of sobriety. With time and through abstinence, the body can reverse the damage the drug has done.
At Cirque Lodge, we provide effective and comfortable cocaine detox facilities in our luxurious and private centers. Our team of compassionate therapeutic staff and medical professionals aims to make your recovery as simple as possible.
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:
Psychological withdrawal symptoms of cocaine are:
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Keeping up with wellness habits and self-care is incredibly important during the detox process.
Our campus at Cirque Lodge holds this in mind at all times. Our luxurious facilities provide the perfect environment where you can focus on rest and healing.
Our nutritionally balanced, organic meals are prepared with a focus on providing everything your body needs to repair itself and heal.
You will have lots of opportunities to exercise, attend workshops, and take part in other recreational activities on the campus while surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Once detox has finished, the real work begins.
Our treatment is oriented towards long-term sobriety, and we aim to support that with a host of ongoing therapies.
Each person in recovery has different needs, and we personalize your plan to meet your specific requirements effectively.
Detox and withdrawal can be frightening because it breaks down the false sense of reality that long-term cocaine abuse traps us in.
It does not have to be this way, and the treatment programs at Cirque Lodge can set you on the path to recovery in comfort and luxury.