“Recovery is a process. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes everything you’ve got.”
- Unknown
Many people might be looking for that quick fix that instantly removes cocaine from their bodies. They want this for many reasons, such as for their job's random drug test or if they are starting their recovery journey. The truth is the human body doesn’t work that way. This doesn’t mean cocaine never leaves the body or recovery is impossible. It just takes time and patience to allow your body to remove the substance naturally.
In 2021, 18,000 Delawareans regularly took cocaine. At some point, many of them might have wondered, “How long does cocaine stay in your system?” At SUN Behavioral Health Delaware, we aim to answer questions like this. Today, we are going to take a closer look at cocaine’s timeline in your body.
Short-Term Effects of Cocaine: What Happens When You Take Cocaine?
Before you understand cocaine’s detection times, it is essential to understand the side effects that you will feel when you are taking cocaine. Often, the initial effects of cocaine are short-term. The short-term effects of cocaine include alertness, energy, and decreased appetite. They may also include restlessness, irritability, and paranoia. Cocaine can also cause more severe conditions during the short term, such as a heart attack or stroke. There is also a risk of a cocaine overdose.
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine: Are There Side Effects That Last After Cocaine Has Left the Body?
Cocaine can also have long-term effects if someone has been partaking in this substance for several years. Though not always a sign of a cocaine use disorder, if they have a challenging time stopping despite these long-term effects, it could mean they have one. These side effects continue to persist after cocaine is no longer in one’s system and may require medical intervention or time away from the substance to reverse.
These effects may include malnutrition from a decreased appetite, or they may develop a tolerance to the substance over time. They may have an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and seizures, or it could cause damage to organs such as the brain and heart. It is also possible to experience long-term psychological concerns, such as an anxiety disorder.
Long-term effects can vary depending on the method used. Below is a chart of different methods of use and potential symptoms someone might experience.
How Long Does It Take to Feel Cocaine Effects?
The length of time it takes to feel any of these effects listed above can vary depending on the method of use. If someone were to snort or smoke the substance, it often takes effect within 2 to 3 minutes. On the other hand, if someone were to inject it, 5 minutes is typically the length of time someone might wait before they feel anything.
How Long Do Cocaine Effects Last?
Cocaine’s effects do not last long. While the impact can continue to linger for up to 4 hours, their highest intensity is typically under an hour.
How long these effects last can vary based on the method. If someone snorts it, it usually lasts around 15 to 30 minutes, but if they smoke it, the effects only last between 5 and 10 minutes. Injecting cocaine is similar to smoking it, as the duration for it is between 5 and 15 minutes.
As the substance wears off, they will most likely experience a crash, which can come with withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal occurs when you have reduced your dosage, stopped taking it altogether, or have gone some time without it.
Side effects from cocaine withdrawal may include:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Depression
Drug Tests: How Long Can Cocaine Be Detected?
Depending on the type of test you are having done can vary in how long cocaine can be detected.
Some tests can detect cocaine for a shorter period, while others can detect it longer. Below are some of the most common tests used when detecting if cocaine is in your system.
Cocaine Detection in Urine Tests
A urine test can detect cocaine between 2 to 3 days. You will be required to give a urine sample during a urine test. The person who is collecting the test will provide you with the exact directions for how the sample should be collected. A healthcare professional may be present to ensure that the sample you are providing is yours and not contaminated. This is the most common method when detecting cocaine.
Cocaine Detection in Blood Tests
Blood tests have the shortest detection time, as they can
detect cocaine in less than 2 days. During a blood test, a healthcare professional will use a needle to remove a blood sample from the vein in your arm. This method usually takes only a few minutes.
Cocaine Detection in Hair Tests
Hair tests can detect cocaine for the most extended period. This test can typically
detect this substance for up to 3 months, depending on the type of hair and its length. The hairs will be collected from different spots on your head to avoid a bald spot. For those who have no hair, body hair may be used instead. After it is collected, it will be mailed to a laboratory.
Factors Affecting How Long Cocaine Remains in Your System
Cocaine has a half-life of approximately an hour. Compared to other substances, this is relatively short. A half-life is when the body has removed half of the substance from its system.
After about 1 to 4 days of not taking cocaine, the substance will no longer be in the body. This can vary from person to person and be influenced by several factors. Some of the most common factors include:
- How much used: If you take a larger dose of cocaine, it will take longer for your body to process and remove it
- The purity level: If cocaine is taken with another substance, it can make it stick around longer in the body. This can also be a dangerous combination, as the combining of any substances can place you at a higher risk of an overdose
- How often it’s used: If you are taking cocaine more frequently than someone else, you will most likely find that cocaine lasts in your body for longer
- Your metabolism: A faster metabolism will be able to remove the substance faster than someone with a slower metabolism
- Your body composition: If you have a higher body fat percentage,you are more likely to hold on to cocaine for a more extended period than someone with a lower percentage
There are no ways to get cocaine out of your system faster. The best way to remove cocaine from your body is to stop taking it and allow your body to naturally remove it. This will take time. Seeking
rehab for cocaine addiction can make this process easier and more manageable for many people.
Seeking Treatment for a Cocaine Use Disorder at SUN Behavioral Health Delaware
The decision to leave cocaine behind is often a challenging one. Perhaps you have tried in the past but have only found yourself wanting it again after a few hours have passed. Maybe you have wondered how long this process will last. It’s like cocaine is calling your name each time you try to walk away.
You don’t have to do it alone. Having a team of people who can support and guide you through this journey will make recovery less challenging. At SUN Behavioral Health Delaware, we offer no-cost care assessments that allow you to work with a representative to design a treatment plan that will best help you leave cocaine behind. They will consider your needs, concerns, doctor’s recommendations, and previous treatment experiences and evaluations. Keep in mind that this might change as you progress through treatment.
SUN Behavioral Health Delaware Solves Unmet Needs in Georgetown. Cocaine use disorders can sometimes co-occur with another substance or mental health disorder, which can impede your ability to recover. We treat any disorders you may have together to give you the best chance at success. If you have any questions, please call 302-604-5600 today.
FAQs About How Long Cocaine Stays in Your System
How can I get cocaine out of my system faster?
There is no way to get cocaine out of your system faster. It takes time, and it can vary from person to person.
Can other substances show up as cocaine in drug tests?
If you have been taking other substances that have been laced with cocaine, this substance may show up in a drug test. It can be impossible to know if this has happened, as it looks like many other substances. This may occur because a drug dealer wished to increase their supply, lower the costs, create a more potent version, or a combination of these factors.
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