If you’re curious about cocaine, or concerned about someone’s cocaine use, you might start to have questions about how the drug functions, or how addiction develops. If you’re a cocaine user yourself perhaps you’re looking to educate yourself a little more on the substance.
Learn more below, and find answers to your questions such as “How long does cocaine last”, “What are the risks of cocaine” and “How do I know if I’m addicted”.
How long someone can feel the effects of cocaine largely depends on how they are taking their cocaine. In general, effects can be felt for between 30-60 minutes, however it is often much shorter than this.
The longest period of detection of cocaine in the system is typically conducted with hair samples, which could show cocaine use up to 90 days or even longer after use, depending on the length of the hair. This is much longer than in blood or saliva where it is only detectable for between 1-2 days after use.
It is important not to attempt to ‘flush out’ your system using excessive water intake, juices, ‘cleanses’, supplements, or ‘medicines’ that promise you a ‘clean’ test. These attempts to beat the system can run massive risks to your health, and result in cardiac events, gastrointestinal distress and potential kidney damage.
Cocaine is typically detectable in urine for about 1-3 days after use. However, this can vary depending on the frequency and quantity of cocaine used, someone’s individual metabolism, and what type of drug test is being conducted.
In some cases where people are using high amounts of cocaine for longer periods of time, cocaine could be detectable over a longer period of time, up to 5 days. Urine tests are one of the most common ways that people test for drugs, however it can also be tested for using blood, saliva, or hair tests.
Cocaine use, even casually, can have some pretty significant risks. It’s important to remember that illicit drug use can touch many aspects of a person’s life.
It is important to note that all of these risks are significantly higher if you’re taking cocaine simultaneously with other drugs. This is true even for prescription medications like Adderall and Lexapro.
Many people start using cocaine at parties, or in clubs, to get a boost to their night. However, the ecstatic sensations and wild nights can start to be a high that you’re chasing more and more.
Cocaine works on the central nervous system of the brain as a stimulant by targeting the pleasure neurotransmitters. Cocaine blocks the reabsorption of dopamine by the brain, resulting in a flooding of dopamine into the synaptic gaps between neurons. Norepinephrine uptake is also inhibited, creating a similar ‘flooding’ effect that increases feelings of alertness and energy.
The effects of cocaine include increased energy, alertness, and confidence, as well as reduced fatigue and appetite. However, these effects are usually short-lived, leading to a “crash” characterised by feelings of depression, anxiety, and extreme fatigue when the drug wears off.
Cocaine’s influence on the brain’s reward system and the reinforcement of drug-seeking behaviours are key factors in its high addiction potential. Chronic use can lead to significant changes in brain function and structure, contributing to long-lasting cognitive and emotional impairments.
If you’re wondering if your cocaine use, or the cocaine use of someone you love, is starting to get out of hand, some good questions to ask yourself can be:
It’s important to note that you do not necessarily need to identify as having an addiction, or meet the criteria above to have a problematic relationship with cocaine. It’s possible that you may want to reduce or stop your use because of how it affects you and your life without being a “cocaine addict”.
If you’d like more information on how to help someone with a cocaine addiction, or you’re worried that their use might be getting out of control, Clinic Les Alpes has an excellent blog detailing everything you need to know here.
Clinic Les Alpes is a world-leader in addiction treatment and rehabilitation. If you have a friend or family member suffering from cocaine addiction, or other addictions, we can help.
Located in the hills by Lake Geneva, people looking to start their recovery journey can do so in complete privacy, security, and comfort. Offering a luxury experience and 24/7 access to medical staff, family and friends can rest assured that their loved ones are safe in their detox and treatment.
Under the guidance of dedicated personal therapists, individuals collaborate closely with our comprehensive interdisciplinary team to devise a personalised treatment plan that supports their participation in our Minnesota Model-based program. Our team utilises a wide range of evidence-based treatments and approaches to empower patients in their recovery journey, encompassing therapeutic interventions, psychoeducational sessions, and complementary therapies. These methods address the comprehensive spectrum of physical and psychological aspects associated with addiction.
If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is available to answer any questions about referrals, our treatments, and facilities.
While cocaine use can start out innocently enough, it’s an extremely powerful drug, and the risks it poses to its users should not be overlooked. Obtaining more knowledge is only the beginning; taking action to protect yourself and others is difficult, but with support it is not impossible.
For those who find themselves asking “How long does cocaine last in the system” or “How long does cocaine keep you high for”, it may be that you would benefit from seeking out more support from a loved one or a professional.
