For some people struggling with addiction, the fear of experiencing detox symptoms keeps them from starting on the path to recovery. However, they may not be aware that many drug detox centers offer services to help clients deal with withdrawal and detox symptoms.
Some would-be clients may also feel unprepared for whatever they need to do to ensure that the detox process is successful. What would they need to eat? How do they deal with drug or alcohol cravings? People with addictions may also keep themselves at this stage of looking for answers to avoid beginning the process of healing.
If you or someone you love is looking to start healing from addiction with professional help, contact Midwest Detox Center. Reach out to our team online or call 833.647.0392.
Is Detox Necessary To Heal From Addiction and Get Off Cocaine?
As is the case for most people dealing with substance use disorder, people with a cocaine addiction will definitely be healthier and happier after detox and substance abuse treatment. However, going through detox to get off cocaine is no easy task.
Cocaine detox and withdrawal symptoms can be overwhelming, especially if detoxing is done without professional help. Withdrawal symptoms can start as early as an hour and a half after the last cocaine dose — and then keep on occurring for up to 10 days or longer — so it may be a good idea for a would-be client to be near or in a detox center within an hour after their last dose.
Because cocaine is such a fast-acting and potent drug, the symptoms clients will experience during detox and withdrawal include a range of physical and mental health side effects:
- Anxiety, depression, and sadness
- Erratic sleep patterns, lethargy, and slowed activity
- Nightmares and vivid dreams
- Paranoia, hostility, and irritability
- Problems with concentration and slowed thinking
- Strong cocaine cravings
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
While the withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, they will subside as clients continue on their path to addiction recovery. Continuing cocaine misuse will result in appetite loss, convulsions, sexual incompetence, seizures, and weight loss.
Detox is necessary not only to heal from addiction but also to guarantee that the client lives a longer and much healthier life post-treatment. Cocaine detox may be completed on an outpatient basis, but generally, an inpatient detox program is the best way to ensure a client’s safety and comfort.
What Can You Eat During Drug Detox in Ohio?
Detox centers near Cincinnati, Ohio–as well as similar facilities all over the world–typically provide medical support to their clients, which includes a focus on nutrition. If clients are participants of an inpatient detox program, the 24-hour care provided to them may even include nutritional support through intravenous (IV) therapy.
Clients going through detox will find a baseline healthy diet beneficial. Most detox centers provide meals that support recovery, including most or all of the following:
- Bright fruits and vegetables: Brightly colored food such as bell peppers, papayas, pineapple, oranges, and strawberries are all high in vitamin C and other helpful nutrients. Vitamin C is necessary for the development, growth, and repair of all body tissues.
- Complex carbohydrates: Beans, bread, rice, and potatoes are good sources of carbohydrates like this. These contain fiber that can help with the digestive process and boost energy.
- Dairy: Butter, cheese, and whole milk are great sources of vitamin A. While it’s well known for being important to eye health, vitamin A is also essential for cell division, growth, and immunity. Yogurt also provides both vitamin B2 and live cultures, which can promote digestive health.
- Dark green and leafy vegetables: Kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, and similar salad greens provide the body with beta-carotene, folic acid, and vitamin B6. These B vitamins are often found to be deficient in alcoholics. B vitamins are also important in supporting metabolism, new blood cell creation, and maintaining healthy cells and other body tissues.
- Lots of water and electrolyte-packed beverages: This is especially important if a client is detoxing from alcohol. However, clients with drug addictions also need extra hydration because they often don’t feel the need to drink water while misusing drugs. Some clients will also need to hydrate constantly if they suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.
- Proteins: The body uses protein to repair cells. Animal sources of protein–such as chicken, tuna, or turkey–are also excellent sources of vitamin B6. Pork, poultry, and red meat also provide iron in addition to protein. The body uses iron to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.
Some will also have doctors on their staff that may recommend or prescribe dietary supplements for clients to take on top of their meals.
What Can You Expect From Detox Centers Near Cincinnati, Ohio?
After a client undergoes an initial assessment at a drug detox center in Ohio or elsewhere, the next step is usually getting admitted into a detox program. Every client will have a different experience with detox. In some cases, such as with people dealing with cocaine addiction, withdrawal symptoms can begin to occur within hours after the client’s last dose.
If the detox program includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT), the staff may also use over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed drugs to make clients more comfortable. OTC drugs may handle symptoms that are easier to treat–such as headaches, fever, or diarrhea. However, prescribed medications may be needed to ease symptoms like physical pain or excessive cravings.
Ready To Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Programs and Services?
Worried about how you or someone you care about will handle detox symptoms? Reach out to Midwest Detox Center. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Contact our team online or call 833.647.0392.
