Cocaine is sometimes depicted in movies as being a fun drug. You may see upper-class people snorting the drug at lively parties, seemingly having a great time. And yes, the stimulating high of cocaine is rapid and exhilarating—but the aftereffects are anything but glamorous. That confidence-elevating high will be gone after 20 minutes, and the euphoria will give way to fatigue, irritability, headaches, and nausea. On top of that, cocaine can remain in your system long after the effects fade, which can present a problem if you need to take a drug test.
If you’re having trouble overcoming cocaine abuse, you don’t have to try quitting on your own. Promises Brazos Valley offers the support you need for a healthy recovery at our cocaine addiction treatment center in College Station, Texas.
What Happens When You Use Cocaine?
Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It’s available as a white powder that’s often snorted, although it can be administered in several ways. Some people heat the drug and smoke it, while others dissolve the powder in water and then inject it intravenously.
Cocaine is often used as a party drug because of its stimulant properties. When someone uses cocaine, their system is rapidly flooded with dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. Within a few minutes, the person experiences an intense rush of energy, confidence, and euphoria. People under the influence of cocaine may feel talkative and sociable and be more likely to take risks they otherwise would not.
The energizing properties of cocaine are also appealing to college students who wish to pull all-nighters before important exams or individuals with demanding jobs who are struggling to stay on top of it all. Regardless of the reasons for using cocaine, a person can quickly become addicted and experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms without the drug.
How Long Does Cocaine Stay In Your System?
After you use cocaine and your body starts to metabolize the drug, traces of it can be detected in your system for varying lengths of time afterward.
What Impacts How Long Cocaine Remains in the Body
Several factors impact how long cocaine remains in your system, such as:
- The amount of cocaine used
- How frequently cocaine is accessed
- Your metabolism
- Your age
- Your weight
- Your hydration level
- Your overall health
- The type of drug test being administered
Different Tests to Determine Whether Cocaine Is in Your System
Considering these factors, here is a general timeline for how long each type of drug test can detect cocaine in your system:
- Blood test – A blood test can show up positive for cocaine as soon as one to two hours after use and as long as one to two days afterward.
- Saliva test – Like a blood test, a saliva test may show a positive result for cocaine use up to one to two days after the last use.
- Urine test – Cocaine may only show up in a urine test up to five days after the last use, but higher doses of the drug can be detected up to seven days afterward. For those who repeatedly use cocaine, that time frame can extend as long as 14 days.
- Hair follicle test – Cocaine can show up in a hair follicle test much longer than any other method, up to 90 days after the last use.
As mentioned, these are the average timelines for how long after use you may test positive for cocaine. However, depending on the factors listed, the drug can still show up in your system longer than the average span. If you’re required to take a drug test for work or court and are worried about abstaining from cocaine due to withdrawal symptoms, it’s highly recommended that you seek support from a cocaine addiction treatment program.
Connect with Promises Brazos Valley and Start Cocaine Addiction Treatment Today
Cocaine addiction no longer needs to control your life. Promises Brazos Valley is here to help you get started on your path to recovery. Call 979.426.0086 or fill out our online form for the guidance you need today.