Cocaine Detox Indianapolis

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug produced from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. The two most common forms of cocaine are a powder that is most often snorted through the nose and a rock crystal (called crack cocaine) that is heated to produce vapors that are then inhaled into the lungs. Cocaine raises dopamine levels in the brain, producing increased alertness and energy with feelings ranging from pleasure to intense euphoria. ¹ The drug also elevates blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration, and use at high doses or over long periods of time can lead to serious health complications, overdose, and death. Cocaine is also highly addictive, and its use often leads to both psychological and physical dependence.

Cocaine Addiction in Indiana

Cocaine addiction is a major issue across the country, including here in the Hoosier state. Unfortunately, despite cocaine being an illicit substance, there is no shortage of the drug. Powdered cocaine is readily available throughout the state; just last year, officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police recovered 88 kilos of cocaine (valued at $2.1 million) from a semi-tractor trailer in Indianapolis. ² Crack cocaine is also available throughout the state, although this form of cocaine is predominantly found within the urban areas of Indiana like Bloomington, Gary, Fort Wayne, Terre Haute, and Indianapolis. ³

Due to its wide availability, it comes as no surprise that the level of cocaine use and addiction in the state of Indiana is relatively high. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 2% of Indiana residents have used cocaine in the past year. Cocaine use was highest among young adults, aged 18 to 25, with almost 7% reporting use in the past year. ⁴ Unfortunately, cocaine use is also prevalent among the younger population of Indiana, with 1 in 25 Indiana high school students (grades 9-12) reporting the use of cocaine at least once in their lifetime, ⁵ and 1% of Indiana 12th graders reporting current cocaine use. ⁶

What is Cocaine Detox?

Cocaine addiction detox is the process of purging toxins from the body and brain after the use of cocaine is stopped. Withdrawal from cocaine often causes intense emotional and physical discomfort. As such, it is highly recommended to undergo detox from cocaine in a safe environment under the care and monitoring of trained medical professionals. This level of care can typically only be provided by professional cocaine detox centers such as Landmark Recovery of Indianapolis.

The detoxing from cocaine varies for each individual and the withdrawal symptoms one experiences depends on many factors such as amount of drug taken, duration of abuse, and severity of addiction. Cocaine is a fast-acting drug that produces a short-lived euphoric high, and most people will experience a “crash” that occurs as quickly as a few hours of stopping use. At this point you likely begin experiencing symptoms of cocaine withdrawal. Most symptoms of withdrawal will taper off within about 7-10 days, although cravings can be very intense and may persist for several months. During this period, incidences of relapse are high especially among users attempting to self-detox rather than seeking professional help from a certified cocaine detox center in Indianapolis. Some of the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal that may occur during this detox period include: ⁷

• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Irritability and agitation
• Nervousness
• Lack of energy
• Poor concentration
• Increased appetite
• Paranoia
• Unpleasant dreams
• Anhedonia (impaired ability to experience pleasure)
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Muscle tremors

Severe depression and dysphoria, a condition characterized by a profound sense of unhappiness and suffering, are the most dangerous symptoms that may be experienced during cocaine withdrawal. These conditions can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions, and for this reason all patients undergoing cocaine detox should be closely monitored during their detoxification, in a professional detox center, for signs of suicidality and treated for depression when deemed appropriate.

Are There Medications To Treat Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms During Detox?

Unlike other drugs, there are currently no FDA-approved medications that specifically treat cocaine addiction. However, there are many prescription medications that can be useful in offsetting some of the symptoms that may be experienced while detoxing from cocaine. Some of these medications include:

• Topiramate: This antiepileptic drug can ease agitation during detox by inhibiting central nervous system activity that is involved in the development of withdrawal symptoms. ⁸
• Propranolol: This beta blocker approved for the treatment of cardiovascular issues like hypertension has been shown to be effective at reducing anxiety and lessening cocaine craving during withdrawal. ⁹
• Amantadine: This medication currently used to improve muscle control, reduce shaking, and lessen stiffness may help reduce muscle pain and other symptoms experienced during cocaine withdrawal. ¹⁰
• Clonidine: This high blood pressure medication can reduce anxiety and block stress-induced craving. ¹¹
• Modafinil: This drug approved for the treatment of narcolepsy may prevent fatigue and drowsiness during cocaine withdrawal by promoting healthy nighttime sleep and stimulating dopamine production. ¹²
• Disulfiram: Research suggests this drug, approved for use in the treatment of alcoholism, might also reduce cocaine dependence and help prevent cocaine relapse. ¹³
• Baclofen: Research has shown that this GABAergic medication used for treating muscle spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis may be effective at decreasing the craving for cocaine during withdrawal. ¹⁴

Cocaine Detox in Indianapolis

Are you ready to make the commitment and face your cocaine addiction? If so, please know that we are here to help you overcome your addiction and guide along the path to recovery. Call us at  317-449-8029 to speak with one of our Landmark Recovery admissions specialists in Indianapolis to learn more about our medically supervised cocaine detox program.