How to Quit Cocaine, Detoxification and Rehabilitation

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can be difficult to quit due to its reinforcing, pleasurable effects and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.⁴ However, cocaine addiction is treatable, and getting support when giving up cocaine can help lay a good foundation for ongoing recovery.² The information below will provide guidance on how to stop taking cocaine and find lasting sobriety.

Why Is Quitting Cocaine Challenging?

Many people may want to stop doing cocaine and try quitting without outside help, but due to cocaine’s addictive qualities, this can be very difficult without support.

Cocaine’s rewarding effects on the brain can lead people to continue using it, often in increasingly large amounts, which can result in cocaine addiction. When a person becomes dependent on the drug and tries to cut back or give up using cocaine, they are at risk for withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to very unpleasant.³ To avoid withdrawal symptoms, people will often return to using, even if they have a strong desire to kick their cocaine habit.³

Individuals who struggle with cocaine addiction may have trouble when they attempt to stop cocaine use on their own because:

• They lack structure in their approach.
• They don’t have appropriate support such as a mutual-help group, therapist or medical supervision.
• They fall back into old habits or engage with people they used to take cocaine with.
• They are unprepared to deal with the symptoms of withdrawal and strong cravings that can occur when trying to overcome cocaine addiction.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine use produces an extreme sense of euphoria (intense excitement or pleasure) because the brain releases large amounts of dopamine upon taking cocaine.⁵ When stopping cocaine use, you may experience “a crash”, or immediate intensification of negative feelings like anxiety and agitation, which are often accompanied by strong cravings to use more cocaine.³

The combination of withdrawal symptoms and cravings often lead people to use again even if they were trying to get off cocaine.³

Quitting Cocaine “Cold Turkey”

You may be wondering how to quit cocaine cold turkey. Quitting a substance cold turkey means that a person suddenly stops all use of the drug. While people may try to do this, it’s best to get off cocaine and other substances with the support and supervision of qualified treatment professionals, especially if a person is using other substances or has co-occurring conditions.⁸

Supervised cocaine detoxification is a good place to learn how to quit using cocaine use in a safe, managed environment. Detox services are often available at both inpatient and outpatient facilities depending on the level of care needed, and they provide support to manage withdrawal safely and comfortably. Following detox, you may enroll in a 28- or 30-day, 60-day or 90-day inpatient rehab program.

Types of Cocaine Addiction Treatment Programs

A variety of types of treatment programs is available. The most effective professional treatments for stimulant use disorders like cocaine addiction are certain behavioral therapies and psychosocial treatments that promote abstinence and harm reduction.³

In addition to behavioral therapies, effective cocaine rehabilitation treatment may include:²

• Detoxification.
• Medication, if needed.
• Ongoing evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Relapse prevention and aftercare.

Structured cocaine treatment programs allow a person to receive support and supervision from trained treatment professionals to assist them in their recovery.

American Addiction Centers maintains a strong partnership with a large group of insurance companies at our addiction treatment facilities. Start the journey to recovery and find out instantly if your insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies.

What Are the Benefits of Quitting Cocaine?

The following benefits may potentially occur as a result of quitting cocaine:²

• Reduced risk of certain health problems.
• Better sleep.
• Fewer ups and downs associated with repeated use of cocaine.
• Lowered risk of developing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
• Improved finances since you’re no longer purchasing cocaine.
• Focus on professional and personal endeavors.
• Improved attention, memory and other thinking abilities, such as abstract thinking.
• Increased self-confidence and self-control.

How to Help a Cocaine Addict Stop Using Cocaine

You may be wondering how to help a loved one who is a cocaine addict stop using the drug. If you know someone who is struggling with cocaine addiction, it can be very stressful. Be sure to find support for yourself in the form of support groups, family, friends, therapy and community.¹³

Support from loved ones can be helpful when a person decides to stop using cocaine. Remember that making big changes takes time and you’ll need to be patient with anyone struggling with addiction.¹³

While you can continue to support your loved ones to help them stop using cocaine, they are ultimately responsible for choosing to go to treatment, continue recovery and manage their addiction.¹³

Receive 24/7 text support at your convenience with American Addiction Centers. Our team is well prepared to advise on all things treatment and help you find the care you need. We’ve helped thousands recover from addiction and we can help you too. Contact us for free at .

How to Find a Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program Near Me

If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) is here to help. Our compassionate admissions navigators are ready to take your call and help you if you’re ready to stop taking cocaine or have a loved one who is. You can contact us for free at . We can help you understand the best way to quit cocaine for good, discuss treatment options at AAC facilities and check your insurance coverage so you can start the recovery process today.

Health Insurance Providers That May Cover Cocaine Rehabilitation 

Learn more about how to pay for cocaine rehab with these insurance providers:

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