Cocaine Detox In Scotland

Cocaine and Its Effects

Cocaine is a narcotic derived from the leaves of the coca plant, native to South America. This drug is highly addictive and acts as a short-lived central nervous system stimulant.

It generally takes the form of a fine, white powder, which can be sorted through the nose, rubbed into the gums or dissolved and injected straight into the bloodstream. Although the proportion of frequent cocaine users fell from 14.4% in 2019 to 8.7% in 2020. This drug is still dangerous and can negatively impact a person’s life.

Taking cocaine can create a short-term sense of euphoria. The drug interacts with the brain’s reward pathways and affects the production of the ‘feel good’ chemical messenger dopamine.

While it initially stimulates the pleasure centre of the brain, it also stops the brain from reabsorbing dopamine as it normally would meaning long-term use can worsen any existing mental health issues.

As the body adjusts to the increased levels of dopamine – an effect of cocaine addiction – you will need more and more of the drug to feel good and eventually just to feel normal.

Other ways cocaine addiction affects the body:

Snorting: Cocaine damages the tissues in the nostrils which can eventually cause holes in the septum.

Smoking: Cocaine can cause damage to the lips, mouth, and lungs when smoked

Injecting: This is a high-risk option for taking cocaine. There can be needle-related injuries, infections and in extreme cases, loss of limbs.

Due to the drug leading to risky behaviours such as trading sex for drugs and needle sharing, there is an increased risk of cocaine abusers contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C – for which there is no cure.

Your cocaine addiction can have a great impact on your current health and your future. Contact our team via our online form and start your journey to recovery.

How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?

There are varying factors which can determine the severity and length of your withdrawal from cocaine such as:

• How much cocaine was used
• How long cocaine was used
• The route of administration

Additionally, it is dependent on the type of cocaine used. Crack cocaine, a freebase form of cocaine can attach and induce dependence quicker than other forms.

As cocaine withdrawal symptoms and lengths of time withdrawing will vary from person to person it is common for symptoms to lapse over several phases of the main three.

1. Acute Withdrawal

Often referred to as ‘cocaine blues’. During this time a person will have intense feelings of dysphoria and intense cravings. This phase typically lasts between 1-2 weeks.

A person can progress quickly from dysphoria to suicidal thoughts which can mean attempts to take one’s own life or relapse to take cocaine.

2. Post- Acute Withdrawal (Syndrome)

This phase usually involves exhaustion, extreme mood changes, lack of mental and physical energy and further depression. It usually lasts two weeks up to ten weeks.

If these psychological symptoms last longer it may be possible for someone to be suffering from post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWs). It can be difficult to progress from this stage.

3. Protracted Withdrawal

Some people may experience additionally prolonged stimulant side effects involving lingering fatigue and further suicidality. This phase can last up to twenty-eight weeks and is usually this long due to heavy cocaine use.

Help From Nova Recovery

Beating a long-standing cocaine addiction is not an easy thing to do but finding the right rehab treatment centre can certainly help. Located in Largs, North Ayrshire, Nova Recovery offers a tranquil setting that can allow you to get away from the pressures of everyday life and the triggers associated with your addiction.

Our rehab centre has been designed to offer specialist cocaine rehabilitation throughout Scotland with transport to our rehab being included with all programmes.

Our staff have a wealth of experience and knowledge, and our facilities are second to none.

Overcoming an addiction is not generally quick or easy. It is an ongoing process, but our cocaine detox programme can play a vital part in your long-term recovery. Call today on 01475 303998.