Let’s be honest: People wouldn’t do cocaine if it wasn’t fun.
But let’s pretend for a minute that cocaine is not expensive, illegal or bad for your health. Is it still fun? Is it getting a little bit less fun every time? And how do you feel when you’re not using?
The realization that cocaine always takes more than it gives is what drives most people to want to stop using. The question is, what’s the best way to go about doing that? Many users want to know how to quit drugs cold turkey. Is it even possible?
How to Quit Drugs Without Rehab
When it comes to cocaine, going cold turkey is different from other drugs. There are usually no physical withdrawal symptoms. So, at least in that respect, detoxing at home is safe.
The real problem is the psychological withdrawal. You can expect to experience some or all of the following:
- Agitation
- Depressed mood
- Fatigue
- General malaise
- Increased appetite
- Restlessness
- Slowing of activity
- Vivid and unpleasant dreams
- Intense cravings
- Paranoia
- Suicidal thoughts
While you can try to stop using on your own, it’s critical that you do it the right way, especially if you’ve been using very heavily or for a long time. The first step is to consult with a doctor, who will be able to give you specific advice—and possibly medication—to make the process easier.
The second step is to make sure you have support. Not everyone experiences paranoia or suicidal thoughts, but you need to be prepared in case you do. Tell a family member or friend your plan (obviously someone who does not use drugs) and ask them to check in on you and make sure you’re ok, especially for your first week after you stop using.
Lastly, you might find it helpful to attend a 12-step program for long-term support. Find out when and where one meets near you before you begin your detox.
It’s true that most people do better in recovery if they go to rehab. If quitting on your own is harder than you thought it would be, you can always switch to Plan B and go to rehab.
The important thing to remember is that, whether you do it on your own or with help, you can recover from your cocaine use—and life will be so much better once you do.
Recovery at The Raleigh House
The Raleigh House is a residential treatment center located in Denver that believes addiction isn’t just a physical problem. That is especially true of cocaine, which changes the way the brain works. Our team of doctors, therapists, nurses and even a nutritionist knows how to best help—and give hope to—those in recovery for cocaine abuse. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about the cocaine addiction treatment program at The Raleigh House.
