Cocaine Detox & Addiction Treatment

Are you or someone you love struggling with cocaine addiction? Are you interested in learning more about how to overcome withdrawal symptoms and cocaine use disorder? Neworld Medical Detox specializes in medically–supervised detox from substances including cocaine and helps transition patients to a full-time addiction treatment program within our care network to support lasting recovery. 

The care team at Neworld includes Nurse Practitioners and a dedicated Recovery Coordinator who are committed to helping patients overcome withdrawal comfortably and safely. We offer individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique situation. A full medical assessment is conducted, determining: 

• Withdrawal symptoms 
• Medical history 
• Family history 
• Lifestyle analysis 
• Mental health evaluation 

This helps the team understand the needs of each patient so they can develop an effective treatment plan to meet their specific needs. 

It can be difficult to break away from the cycle of substance use, but with the guidance of experienced professionals, it is possible. Withdrawal management may be beneficial to “come down” from extended cocaine use comfortably, however, it should be followed by a full-time addiction treatment program for those seeking lasting recovery (1). At our sister centre, Trafalgar—just 15 minutes away from Neworld—their accredited addiction treatment program includes behavioural therapy and addiction counselling, proven to help patients develop new skills and tools needed to cope with stresses and avoid relapse long-term. 

Cocaine addiction affects everyone differently. However, common signs include: 

Changes in Mood: People using cocaine may experience sudden and unpredictable mood swings, from feeling exhilarated to intense irritability. 

Physical Symptoms: Physical side effects of cocaine use may include an increase in energy level, dilated pupils, a higher body temperature, a rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and constricted blood vessels. 

Cognitive Effects: Cocaine use can negatively affect cognitive functions such as focus and attention span. It can also lead to reduced alertness and recklessness in decision-making while impairing judgment. 

A detox program is the first step in your journey to recovering from cocaine use disorder. Our professional detox services, performed under medical supervision at Neworld’s facility just outside of Toronto, include: 

24/7 Supervision: Cocaine withdrawal can include intense cravings (2), and medical supervision can help avoid relapse. 

Comfort: Your physical withdrawal symptoms will be monitored and addressed to minimize discomfort during your stay. 

Clear mind: Our care teams approach care with a mental health lens, and help you cope with emotional withdrawal symptoms to reduce their impact on decisions about your recovery. 

Personalized treatment: We design your detox program based on your unique physical and emotional needs, because we want you to get the safest and most effective detox possible. 

Preparation for ongoing treatment: Medical detox creates a solid foundation before entering ongoing addiction treatment, where therapy and counselling help achieve long-term recovery (1). We offer ongoing addiction treatment at our nearby sister centre, Trafalgar.  

Reduced cravings: By targeting the physical withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine addiction, medical detox reduces your temptations or urges to use again. 

Structured treatment plan: During medical detox, we follow a structured treatment plan tailored specifically for you and your needs. 

Detox is important because long-term cocaine use is dangerous. If you continue using cocaine, it increases your risk for a variety of health conditions (3), including: 

Overdose: Cocaine overdose is severe and potentially fatal (1). It is associated with not knowing how strong the cocaine is or combining it with other substances like alcohol or opioids. 

Cardiovascular Problems: Cocaine use can cause damage to the heart and cardiovascular system and is associated with increased risk of stroke and heart attack. 

Mental Health Issues: Long–term cocaine use is linked with mental health effects such as depression, extreme mood changes, paranoia, and hallucinations. 

Cocaine use can quickly spiral into addiction due to the powerful nature of the drug. The reason people choose to use cocaine is because it is known for creating a sense of euphoria and alertness (3). 

Repeated use of cocaine can lead to tolerance, meaning you need more of it to achieve the same desired effect. When cocaine use continues to increase, it can lead to substance use disorder. Long-term cocaine use brings with it a host of other potential physical and mental health issues (3). 

There are proven methods to help overcome cocaine use disorder (1). Our team at Neworld can help transition patients to an accredited addiction treatment program at our sister centre, Trafalgar, where the following services can help them achieve lasting recovery. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps people identify and modify their attitudes, behaviors, and thought processes so they can gain control of their cocaine addiction. Detox can help set you up for success by clearing your mind of immediate cravings and other withdrawal symptoms that can distract you from the recovery process. 

Group Therapy: Group therapy offers an opportunity for participants to interact with other people who are dealing with similar issues. This enables group members to gain support from each other and share suggestions on how others may handle situations or find solutions.

Here are some things to know about cocaine withdrawal (3): 

Cravings 

Cravings can be intense. It may be difficult to focus or do anything else without feeling a strong urge to find more cocaine and use it. 

Irritability 

You may become easily frustrated and find it hard to shake a “bad mood,” which can impact your relationships. 

Depression 

Cocaine withdrawal can impact your mood and result in a deep sense of sadness and hopelessness. You may feel uninterested by activities that do not involve cocaine use. 

Losing Physical and Mental Energy 

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant, but withdrawal can have the opposite effect. You may experience reduced energy for both brain function and motor skills. 

Cocaine withdrawal is characterized by physical and psychological symptoms that typically start as soon as you begin to “crash” from the high. 

Symptoms & Timeline 

The duration of cocaine withdrawal depends on how long someone has been using cocaine for. For those who have been using cocaine long-term, withdrawal can last for months (4). 

Common physiological symptoms of withdrawal include fatigue and increased appetite. Psychological symptoms such as agitation, restlessness, depression, and intense cravings are also common (3). 

Medically-supervised withdrawal management, or detox, can help you overcome the unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms you experience when you stop using cocaine. The best way to help someone safely “come down” from cocaine is to take them to a detox facility. 

Detox can be the first step in your recovery journey at Neworld. You begin detoxing in the comfort of our upscale, home-style centre in Halton Hills, where our care staff supervises the process 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also staff mental health professionals to support you during this process.  

During medically-supervised detox for cocaine use, you receive: 

• A comprehensive medical assessment 
• Medically–assisted detox programs 
• Holistic support tailored to your needs 
• A personalized exit plan for long-term success

After detox at Neworld, you can continue treatment at the nearby Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Centre. Neworld provides you with complimentary transport to the centre and helps you create a personalized exit plan. Treatment at Trafalgar helps you get to the root of your triggers for your substance use, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and manage your addiction through therapy and counselling.  

Cocaine overdoses can happen with any quantity of the drug, even small amounts (2). Common signs and symptoms of cocaine overdose are (1): 

• Chest pain 
• Confusion 
• Difficulty breathing  
• Uncontrollable twitching or muscle spasms 
• Seizures or convulsions 
• Irregular heart rhythm, which can lead to cardiac arrest or heart failure 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Coma  
• Death

There is evidence to suggest that cocaine use disorder and/or behavioral addictions can contribute to the development of mental health problems or worsen the symptoms of existing ones. We follow a medical mental health model at Neworld. That means we assess for co-occurring disorders—for example, while treating cocaine use disorder, we also address anxiety or other mental health disorders in our care plans for patients. 

It’s never too late to begin your recovery journey, no matter how long you have been struggling with cocaine addiction. Neworld Detox is here to provide you with evidence-based, patient-focused, and compassionate treatment to help you through your recovery. Our medically-supervised detox service in Halton Hills, right outside of Toronto, is the first step to learning how to manage your addiction. 

We are committed to helping you recover from cocaine use and provide you with the support you need to get sober.  

What Are the Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal? 

The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal vary from mild to severe and affect people differently based on their unique situations. Common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include restlessness, irritability, fatigue, depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, insomnia, paranoia, and increased appetite (6). 

How Do You Treat Cocaine Withdrawal?  

The first step of detox is an intake assessment, which Neworld’s staff conducts to get a better idea of your care needs, withdrawal symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and substance use. Then, we develop a personalized care plan and roadmap for recovery. 

Our medically-supervised detox program treats cocaine withdrawal using medications that help you manage the “come down” from sustained cocaine use. At Neworld, your treatment plan is customized to you.

Mental health support is also an important aspect of our process for helping patients manage cocaine withdrawal. Our resident medical professional, Dr. Vicky Nguyen (MD, PhD, FRCPC), provides psychiatric assessments that help us identify and treat any co-occurring disorders you may be suffering from. 

Is There a Cure for Cocaine Withdrawal? 

No, there is no cure for cocaine withdrawal. With time, your withdrawal symptoms will decrease, making it easier for you to manage cravings. Professional, medically-supervised detox can help you manage the side effects of withdrawal and get the support you need to undergo the process. Professional detox is the first step for managing cocaine addiction and getting sober, and it is the safest way to withdraw from cocaine.  

How Can I Cope With Cocaine Withdrawal? 

While it can be difficult to experience cocaine withdrawal, Neworld can help to maximize comfort and chances of successful detox. When you enter Neworld’s detox program, you join a community of people who are recovering from addiction and substance use. Along with Neworld’s caring and experienced staff, these people support you on your recovery journey. Remember, you are not alone. 

What Resources Are Available to Help Me with Cocaine Withdrawal? 

Neworld Detox in Halton Hills, just outside of Toronto, can help you with a wide variety of resources to manage addiction and cope with withdrawal. We offer medically-supervised detox, counselling, mental health support, and psychiatric assessments. From here, we give you the option to continue your care plan at Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Centre, where you access the treatment and counselling you need to achieve long-term recovery. We can facilitate the move to Trafalgar for you, to make continuing your journey as easy as possible. 

Information on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not replace personalized medical advice. You should never make any decisions about your health without consulting a healthcare professional, especially when related to substance use or mental health. To speak to a qualified member of our team for personalized advice, you can contact us here. 

Sources 

1. Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction 
2. CAMH – Cocaine and Crack 
3. Government of Canada – Cocaine and Crack 
4. National Library of Medicine 
5. New Medications for the Treatment of Cocaine Dependence 
6. Health Maryland — Spring Grove Hospital Center, Cocaine Withdrawal Policy and Procedures