Cocaine — or at least the coca leaves from which this drug is derived — has been in use since 3,000 BCE in Central and South America when the stimulant and euphoric qualities were valued, often in ceremonial uses. Eventually, cocaine’s effectiveness was discovered — as a topical anesthetic and also as a vasoconstrictor during surgery. However, its highly addictive qualities also became evident. In the 19th century, it was taken recreationally and eventually made illegal in 1914. Of course, cocaine use didn’t stop. Today, its illegal usage accounts for at least 10% of the people receiving addiction treatment, though the numbers of people who abuse the drug are probably ten times that number.
Withdrawing from cocaine addiction is a challenging, but life-affirming process. If you’re concerned about your cocaine abuse, consider a cocaine rehab program that starts with medical detox and supports you as you begin recovery. At Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC), our cocaine addiction treatment program can help you or someone you love break free from the drug’s spell and live a healthy, sober life. For information about cocaine abuse and cocaine rehab and answers to questions about cocaine’s effects on the body and brain, how long cocaine stays in your system, and what the detox process is like, reach out today by calling 844.442.8673 or using our online form.
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?
Drug tests conducted by job recruiters, employers, and law enforcement are used to assess someone’s recent drug history and current drug use. As you begin your recovery, you may want to know how long cocaine stays in your system and how long it can be detected.
Cocaine’s high is not long-lived, and yet the drug itself can be detected beyond that period. However, it is the metabolites of cocaine that linger much longer than the cocaine itself. Drug tests typically look for benzoylecgonine, the primary cocaine metabolite. How long this substance can be detected depends on numerous factors, for example:
- How much cocaine you use – the more you’ve taken, the longer it shows up in your system
- How often you use cocaine – frequency also affects the length of detection
- Method of use – snorted cocaine leaves the system more quickly than injected or smoked
- Alcohol use – when alcohol is consumed with cocaine, it creates a new kind of metabolite that lingers longer than benzoylecgonine
- Kidney and liver function – if your liver and kidney are healthy and functioning well, they will metabolize cocaine more quickly for excretion
- Hydration – if you are well-hydrated, your system will flush cocaine more swiftly
- Weight and metabolism – the more body fat and the greater general body mass (e.g., height), the longer cocaine remains in your system
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Certain Parts of the Body?
Cocaine (or its metabolites) remain in the body for varying amounts of time, depending on the body substance being tested:
- Blood – up to two days
- Saliva – up to two days
- Urine – up to four days
- Hair – up to 90 days
The most important factor in all of this is the fact that your body and your brain can heal once cocaine is flushed from your system during medically supervised detox. You can physically rid yourself of the drug, and though you cannot rid yourself of the chronic disease of addiction, you can stop it from having power over you.
Signs of Cocaine Abuse and Addiction
There are some key symptoms to look for in yourself or a loved one if you are concerned about chronic cocaine abuse and addiction. Some are:
- Physical signs such as nosebleeds, sniffles, deviated septum, respiratory illness
- Repeated binge cycles that affect mental health, with cyclic episodes of anxiety, depression, or mania
- Financial ups and downs, with ever-increasing downs such as job loss, drained accounts, and constant debt
- Shattered relationships, caused by secrecy, lies, loss of trust, verbal or physical abuse
Don’t wait. Reach out for the help you need and deserve.
Cocaine Rehab at PAATC
At PAATC, we offer evidence-based therapies, faith-based treatment, peer support groups, whole-person care, and unlimited compassion and understanding as you begin the most important journey of your life.
How long does cocaine stay in your system may be the least helpful question to ask. Instead, ask yourself how long you want cocaine to have power over you. We will help you shed the lingering shadow of cocaine from your bloodstream, and then we’ll guide you in the direction of a life of purpose, meaning, and joy. Reach out today by calling 844.442.8673 or filling out this online form.
