How long does cocaine last? Understand the duration of cocaine’s effects, from the initial euphoria to the eventual comedown.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 4.8 million people age 12 or older have used cocaine in the past year. If you believe that someone you love could be suffering from a cocaine addiction, you naturally want to take action.
Understanding how this drug works is one of the first steps in helping someone toward recovery. When you know how it affects their mind and body, you can determine the best route forward. One of the most common questions asked is, “How long does cocaine last?”
Is the high short-lived or does it linger in their system? Today, we’re taking a closer look at the timeline and breaking the phases down.
What Is Cocaine?
Also known as coke, cocaine is an intense stimulant drug. People can take it orally, intranasally (snorting), intravenously (injection), or by inhalation. When the substance enters their body, it results in a brief but powerful high that makes them feel energetic and euphoric.
As the effects are so quick to fade, the leap from casual social use into full-scale cocaine abuse is relatively short. It doesn’t take long for someone to become fully addicted to cocaine, even if they’ve only used it a few times. They may find themselves seeking the drug throughout the day, eventually developing a tolerance to it.
Once this happens, they’ll need a higher and more frequent dose to reach their desired effects. This puts them at a higher risk of a cocaine overdose.
When Does It Kick In?
The way someone takes cocaine will directly affect how long it takes for the effects to take hold. Smoking or snorting are usually the fastest routes, kicking in within two to three minutes. This is followed by injecting, which takes around five minutes.
When chewing or gumming cocaine, the effects take much longer — usually around one to two hours. This is because the substance must go through the person’s digestive system before it enters the bloodstream.
How Long Does Cocaine Last in Your System?
The immediate effects of cocaine high quickly fade, usually lasting just 15 to 30 minutes. However, that doesn’t mean the substance completely leaves the person’s body. Some people, especially those who are new to the drug, may feel lingering effects for a few hours or even days after they take it.
When someone takes cocaine in any form, their body gets to work breaking it down. As it does so, it creates components called metabolites. These metabolites can remain in their system for a long time and will be detectable on drug tests.
To understand the longevity of cocaine, let’s explore its effects on different parts of the body.
- Cocaine in blood: Detectable for up to two days
- Cocaine in urine: Detectable for up to four days
- Cocaine in saliva: Detectable for up to two days
- Cocaine in hair: Detectable for up to 90 days
Note that while these are averages, they can vary based on the specific type of drug test administered.
Effects of Cocaine
Almost immediately after taking cocaine, the individual will begin to feel its effects. Some of the most common short-term reactions include:
- Feeling overly confident and engaging in risky behavior
- Feeling restless and agitated
- Elevated body temperature
- Feeling sick to their stomach
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Increased perspiration
- Respiratory distress
While these will fade before long, they can give way to more long-term effects. If someone uses cocaine for an extended period or becomes addicted to it, some of the issues they can encounter include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
Over time, the person might start to feel like cocaine has totally consumed their life. They may wish to stop using the substance, but find that they’ve grown dependent on it and are unable to do so. With long-term use, the following health conditions are more likely:
- Lung problems
- Digestive problems
- Cardiovascular problems
- Brain and memory problems
- Nose irritation
Factors That Affect Timespan
The length of time that cocaine stays in the system can vary from person to person. The top factors that can play a role in the duration include:
- The amount of cocaine the person has taken
- How frequently the person takes cocaine
- The person’s weight and metabolism
- The method used to take cocaine (snorting or dabbing onto the gums can last longer than smoking or injecting)
Another factor is whether the person has consumed alcohol while taking cocaine. If this is the case, the cocaine could stay in their system longer.
What to Expect With a Comedown
Eventually, as cocaine leaves the body, the person will experience what’s known as a comedown, or a crash. Usually occurring by the next day, this experience can have physical and psychological symptoms.
Physically, the individual will feel excessively tired and restless and may have an upset stomach. Psychologically, they may feel anxious or depressed. These symptoms can last for a few days.
Signs of a Cocaine Overdose
In some cases, cocaine use can lead to a dangerous and even deadly overdose. If you notice someone exhibiting the following symptoms, contact emergency personnel immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Irregular pulse or heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Rise in body temperature
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Intense agitation
Overdoses can occur the first time someone uses cocaine. However, people who abuse the substance regularly and have developed a tolerance or take more than their normal amount are most likely to experience one.
Find Help for a Cocaine Addiction
A cocaine high is powerful but doesn’t last for long. This is one of the reasons why addiction rates are so high. In an attempt to reclaim that initial feeling, individuals reach for a higher quantity of the drug and take it more often.
How long does cocaine last? There are a few factors that determine a person’s timeline, including their physical makeup and their drug abuse habits. On average, most highs last a maximum of 30 minutes, though the substance can remain in hair follicles for up to three months.
If someone you love is struggling with a cocaine addiction, we can help. At America’s Rehab Campuses, we provide top-rated drug treatment programs designed to stop the cycle of abuse and help patients find a healthier future. To learn more about our services, contact us today!
