How Long Does Cocaine Stay in your System? – Cocaine Detection Time

Cocaine is an extremely powerful drug that produces an intense high lasting only a short while.  Oftentimes using cocaine results in an extreme rush followed by a not so pleasant crashing sensation.  This cycle of a rushing high followed by a crash is what leads to addition. The amount of time it takes to go into effect or even to leave your system depends on several factors.  Read on to find out more about how long cocaine can stay in your system.

Cocaine Detection Process

Cocaine can be detected in the body’s system by using several different methods.  Cocaine detection is determined by using the metabolites of cocaine.  This means that after cocaine enters the body, certain chemicals, called metabolites, are found in the body’s system.  These chemicals are what drug tests search for to determine if someone has recently taken cocaine.  The two metabolites that most drug tests are searching for are called benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester.  Most drug tests can detect these chemicals within minutes of testing.  There are several different testing methods that can be used for cocaine detection such as saliva testing, hair testing, urine testing, and blood testing.  Each one will yield different results and has a different level of accuracy.  Should you or someone you love test positive for cocaine, Summer Skye Cocaine rehab center in Texas has treatment programs available to help overcome addictions.

Different Types of Cocaine Detection Methods

The half-life of cocaine, meaning how long it takes for the substance to leave the body’s system, is only one hour long.  However, repeated use of this drug can cause it to build up in the body’s tissues, meaning it can be detected over an even longer period of time.  On average, after just one use, chemicals of cocaine can be detected anywhere between 2-4 days after use.  But, significant use can mean a possible detection time of up to as high as 14 days, depending on the testing method. 

Urine testing can detect cocaine in the system for the longest amount of time. Casual users may have small amounts of cocaine in their system for 2-4 days after use.   After several uses, urine tests can detect traces of cocaine still in the system up to 14 days later.  Additionally, stronger, purer doses of cocaine may last in the body for up to 3 weeks.

Sweat and blood tests have a relatively short detection period.  Most blood tests will only detect metabolites in the bloodstream for 12-48 hours after use.  Depending upon the dosage and strength of the drug, some might not even detect traces of cocaine after prolonged use.  This is one of the most inaccurate methods of testing as it must be administered shortly after drug use to show signs of chemicals in the bloodstream.

Hair testing has one of the highest detection periods.  Cocaine use can be detected for up to 90 days or possibly even years after taking the drug.  However, detection can be found at specific sections of the hair, so the chemicals only remain until the hair falls out or is cut off.

Repeated use of cocaine usually leads to addiction.  Those who are regularly exposed to cocaine testing may have an additional problem.  For cocaine addiction, seek rehab from a reputable and highly qualified rehab facility.  Summer Skye 30 day drug rehab in Texas has helped thousands of people break free from addiction and get their life back.

Effects of Long-Term Cocaine Use

Cocaine is an extremely harmful drug that causes long-term health concerns if repeatedly used and abused.  Signs of cocaine use could include increased aggression, paranoia or irrational fears, anxiety and depression, and an overreaction to stressful situations.  If you or someone you love shows signs of cocaine addiction, rehab can help.  Continuing cocaine use will only lead to serious health problems that can cause lasting damage or even loss of life.  For instance, long-term cocaine use can cause reduced brain matter which leads to cognitive impairment along with the inability of thinking logically or critically.  For this reason, cocaine users will often have a short attention span.  Prolonged cocaine use also causes blood vessel damage that can cause intense headaches.  A decrease in bone density and tooth loss are possible side effects of repeated use.  More critically, cocaine addiction can lead to heart problems as well as lungs or liver damage.  If health problems develop but cocaine use doesn’t stop, the end result will most likely be loss of life.  These are significant concerns that should be taken seriously.  Cocaine use is no laughing matter.  Casual use often leads to repeated use and then addiction.  Seek help to overcome addiction from a Cocaine rehab center because your life matters.  Take the first step and reach out to a Cocaine rehab center in Texas today.