Cocaine is a potent, illegal stimulant drug. Abusing cocaine can quickly lead to a life-threatening addiction. Overcoming cocaine addiction can be challenging, but comprehensive treatment and ongoing support make it possible.
This article will explore how long cocaine remains in your body once you stop using it. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of cocaine abuse
- How long the effects of cocaine last
- What happens during cocaine withdrawal
- How long drug tests can detect cocaine
- How to recognise the signs of cocaine addiction
- Where to find treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs. You may also reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
The Effects and Risks of Cocaine
Cocaine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It is a product of the coca plant, which is native to South America. Cocaine is most commonly found in the form of a white powder that people snort, inject, or smoke. It is also available in a solid form called crack cocaine.
Cocaine causes short-term side effects that include:
- Euphoria
- Mood changes
- Sensory changes
- Increased energy
These effects may last just minutes, causing people to use it frequently in a short period. Frequent use can increase the risk of tolerance and physical dependence.
Long-term effects and risks of cocaine abuse include:
- Damage to kidney and liver function
- Chest pain
- Heart attack
- Irregular heartbeat
- Excessive weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Ulcers
- High blood pressure
- Damage to the sinuses and facial bones
The effects of cocaine can vary depending on whether someone snorted, smoked, or injected it.
How Long Do Cocaine’s Effects Last?
The onset of cocaine’s effects and how long they last may depend on how people ingest it.
Snorting
People who snort cocaine may feel the effects within five to ten minutes. The effects may last for around 20 minutes.
Smoking
Smoking cocaine causes quick effects. People may experience side effects within just seconds. These effects can last up to 20 minutes.
Injecting
Injecting cocaine introduces the drug into the bloodstream immediately. People may experience the drug’s effects in just ten seconds. The effects typically last around 20 minutes.
Using cocaine frequently in a short time period may be called a “binge.” Bingeing on cocaine can be dangerous because it increases the risk of overdose. It may also increase the risk of tolerance (needing more of a drug to get the same effects) and addiction.
Understanding Cocaine Withdrawal
When someone struggling with cocaine addiction stops taking it, they may experience uncomfortable and intense withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Paranoia
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Body aches
- Nightmares
- Strong cravings for cocaine
- Excessive sleeping
- Mood swings
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Difficulty maintaining concentration and focus
- Slow or sluggish thinking
- Depression
People with cocaine addiction typically require medical detox treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms.
How Long Can Drug Tests Detect Cocaine?
Cocaine’s effects are typically short-lived. The drug may remain in the body much longer than the drug’s effects last.
Here is an overview of how long cocaine may show up on a drug test.
Urine tests
Several factors can affect how long cocaine stays in urine. Drug tests may typically detect cocaine in urine for about 72 hours after a person’s last dose. However, heavy use can cause cocaine to be detected in urine for up to two weeks after the last use.
Blood tests
Blood testing has a shorter detection window than urine testing. Cocaine may remain detectable in blood for about 48 hours after a person’s last use.
Saliva tests
Saliva testing has a similar detection window as blood testing. Saliva testing can typically detect cocaine for about two days after a person’s last dose.
Hair tests
Hair testing is uncommon but has the longest detection window of all drug testing options. Cocaine may show up on a hair test for up to three months after a person’s last dose.
If you are concerned about passing a drug test, it may be a sign that you need help to overcome substance abuse or addiction. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment and support programs.
Recognizing Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine abuse and addiction can change the way a person looks, thinks, and behaves. Some common signs of cocaine abuse and addiction include:
- They need to use more cocaine to get the effects they want
- Having social, financial, or legal trouble related to cocaine abuse
- Isolating or only spending time with others who use drugs
- Having physical signs of cocaine abuse, like dilated pupils, nosebleeds, or weight loss
- Increased energy and activity levels
- New erratic or uncharacteristic behaviors
- Doing dishonest, dangerous, or illegal things to get more cocaine
- Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking cocaine
Cocaine addiction treatment provides mental health and medical support to help people safely stop using addictive substances. People receive tailored care at each stage of recovery to address the underlying roots of their substance abuse.
Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health treatment team to learn about our holistic treatment and recovery support programs. You may also reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cocaine
- National Institute of Health (NIH): The Neurobiology of Cocaine Addiction
- NIH: Interpretation of Urine Analysis for Cocaine Metabolites
- NIH: Cocaine and Metabolites Urinary Excretion after Controlled Smoked Administration
