How to Stop Taking Cocaine Safely
Long-term cocaine use can put you at risk of physical and mental health complications, and quitting as soon as possible will help protect your well-being. However, in order to quit cocaine safely, it’s crucial to get help from a medical professional who can guide you through the complex withdrawal, detox, and recovery process.
Zinnia Health offers proven cocaine detox and treatment programs that help people overcome their addiction to cocaine. We want to help you or your loved one get back on track and live a healthy, productive life. Contact us today or call (855) 430-9439 to get started.
Find the location that works for you.
What Are the Steps to Quit Cocaine?
If you are interested in quitting cocaine, you should consider the following steps.
Step 1: Understand Why You Want to Quit
Quitting cocaine use is an admirable goal, but it won’t be easy. It’s essential to understand why you want to quit so you can stay motivated. Ask yourself:
- Do I want to be healthier and have more energy?
- Do I want more control over my life and money?
- Do I want to end the rollercoaster of highs and lows every day?
Take time to reflect on what led to your cocaine use in the first place. Was it friends doing it and peer pressure? Stress from work or school? Or was it a way to numb yourself from difficult emotions?
Understanding the root cause of your drug addiction can help you create more effective coping strategies for when cravings and temptations arise.
Step 2: Make a Plan to Quit
Cocaine withdrawal can be challenging, and it’s important to remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Making a plan can bolster your resolve and build your confidence.
Give yourself a realistic timeline and set a specific date to quit. Telling your friends and family can also provide you with much-needed peer support, especially if they agree to help you stay on track with your goals.
It doesn’t have to be an elaborate plan, but the more detailed it is, the better. Writing step-by-step instructions with mini-goals and rewards along the way can be particularly helpful in keeping motivation levels high.
Zinnia Health treatment plans are holistic and individualized, so they can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Contact us today or call (855) 430-9439 to learn more about our inpatient and outpatient programs for substance abuse.
Step 3: Refrain from Triggering Groups and Activities
An essential part of addiction recovery is finding good alternatives to drug use. Consider taking walks in your local park or enjoying the city sights. Being outdoors has many benefits, and it’s a great way to clear your head.
Physical activities such as biking and working out can provide positive energy throughout the day. They can also be a great way to connect with drug-free friends and family. Spending time with upbeat people who don’t participate in cocaine use or substance abuse can mean much-needed support and improved mental health, so make time for them.
When you’re tempted to use, the best thing to do is remember why you wanted to make this change in the first place. Think of all the health benefits of quitting and how much better life will be.
Step 4: Reach out to a Professional When You’re Ready
Quitting any kind of drug use is a complicated process, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the challenge. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Healthcare providers such as a psychologist or certified addiction specialists at a treatment center can offer practical guidance on changing ways of thinking and habits that lead to addicting behavior.
They will also support you in exploring the underlying causes of your addiction, providing you with everything from support groups and counseling sessions to treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy. Every bit of help along the way will improve your chances of quitting successfully and getting back on track with your life.
Find the location that works for you.
Can You Quit Cocaine Cold Turkey?
Due to the highly addictive nature of cocaine, you should not try to quit it “cold turkey.” Suddenly stopping cocaine can cause intense withdrawal symptoms, including cocaine cravings that send you into relapse. Suddenly stopping cocaine can also send your body into shock, causing severe and potentially permanent side effects.
Instead of trying to quit all at once on your own, consider enrolling in a substance use disorder treatment program that can help you get on the path to lasting recovery while protecting your mental and physical health.
How Long Does It Take To Quit Cocaine?
The recovery timeline is different for everyone and it depends on your history of drug abuse and whether or not you’re suffering from polysubstance disorders, such as alcohol addiction. In general, you can expect the recovery process to be part of your life for years to come, but structured treatment doesn’t last too long.
A typical timeline might look like this:
- The initial detox process may last 2-3 weeks
- The structured treatment process may last 1-3 months
- The ongoing outpatient support process may remain for a year or more
Some believe that recovering from drug abuse is a lifelong journey. By getting professional help, you can frame the recovery process in a way that matches your goals, needs, and lifestyle.
Is It Hard to Quit Cocaine?
It’s often hard, both psychologically and physically, for someone addicted to cocaine to quit using since it causes the body to become addicted very quickly.
Research has found that frequent cocaine users are also more likely to experience depression and have difficulty concentrating on tasks for extended periods. For this reason, quitting is easier if you find a provider experienced with treating co-occurring mental health conditions.
Can Someone Taper off Cocaine?
Depending on the severity of your addiction and other complications — such as your history of substance use and mental health — your healthcare provider may suggest tapering off cocaine in order to minimize withdrawal symptoms and make the transition to a drug-free lifestyle easier. However, this isn’t something you should try on your own.
Tapering yourself off cocaine can put you at an increased risk of relapse which, in turn, can heighten the risk of overdose and death. If you want to quit cocaine, ask your healthcare provider about the best way to do it.
What Happens to Your Brain When You Stop Taking Cocaine?
When you have become dependent on cocaine, it’s due to chemical changes in your brain. This means, in order to quit, your brain has to re-adapt to not having the drug in its system. This period is known as withdrawal, and it’s one of the most difficult parts of recovery.
Stopping cocaine use can be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Cravings for the drug
- Anxiety and depression
These withdrawal symptoms subside over time, but some may linger, especially if you’ve been using cocaine for an extended period.
How to Get Help for a Cocaine Addiction Near Me
Detoxing from cocaine can be dangerous, and medical supervision may be necessary. Consulting a health professional is the best course of action when quitting cocaine, or you can go straight to a treatment facility that is prepared to help you with recovery the moment you’re ready to start.
Your treatment options for cocaine addiction include:
- Inpatient treatment at a hospital or residential facility
- Intensive outpatient treatment where you attend daily appointments
- Flexible outpatient treatment where you attend a few appointments each week
- Additional assistance from support groups, therapists, and other professionals
Zinnia Health’s certified addiction treatment specialists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Our evidence-based therapeutic approaches will equip you with the tools needed for lasting recovery from cocaine use. Contact us today or call (855) 430-9439 to learn more about how we can help you.
Find the location that works for you.
Related Articles
