Cocaine is a fast-acting drug that stimulates the central nervous system. If you’re wondering, “How long does cocaine stay in your system?” The answer to this can vary. While cocaine doesn’t last a long time in the body, compared to other drugs, it all depends on the part of the body being screened and your history with cocaine.
The purpose of any test screening for cocaine notwithstanding, there is no healthy amount of cocaine your body can process without some consequences. While the effects of cocaine may dissipate after a few hours and exit the body within a few days, the actual effects of cocaine usage can persist for much longer. Between withdrawal, organ damage, and the other repercussions of using cocaine, some things never return to how they were.
Treating cocaine addiction is the best shot at returning to a cocaine-free lifestyle. For cocaine addiction treatment in Massachusetts, Greater Boston Addiction Centers (GBAC) is here for you. Contact GBAC at 877.920.6583 to speak with someone from our caring and compassionate team to get started on your recovery journey.
How Does the Body Process Cocaine?
Cocaine is a stimulant drug made from the coca plant leaves native to South America. It is most commonly produced in Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru and then transported to other countries worldwide for sale.
It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. This means cocaine circulates throughout the body to reach the brain, where it can produce all of its most notable effects. In doing so, cocaine has to make it to the bloodstream. Blood is like a highway, connecting almost every part of your body to distribute oxygen and other vital cells.
Cocaine, like many water-soluble drugs, tends to end up trapped in areas of highly concentrated water. Lipids, or fat, are prime candidates for storing cocaine for longer than the usual hour or two for most of the dose to exit the body. This trapped cocaine contributes the most to how long it takes for cocaine to leave your system. It’s also why heavy users will have accumulated more cocaine in their fat cells than they can expel via urination in a matter of days, pushing their expected time to two weeks at maximum. The traditional manner of testing remains urine toxicology, which is the most accurate and requires a sample.
Signs of Cocaine Abuse
Some of the other long-lasting effects of cocaine are outwardly visible or noticeable in behavior. If you broader the question of “How long does cocaine stay in your system?” to “How long does cocaine affect your system?” This opens the door to a much longer timeframe. Some of the most common physical and behavioral signs of cocaine abuse include:
- Dilated pupils
- Increased energy
- Decreased appetite
- Rapid or incoherent speech
- Bloody nose
- Track marks, injection sites
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Overconfidence
These signs differ from person to person depending on how cocaine is taken and the frequency and amount being used. If you suspect someone is using cocaine, it’s essential to approach them with compassion before encouraging them to seek professional help.
Find Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Greater Boston Addiction Centers
How long does cocaine stay in your system? For most purposes, the answer is two days to a couple of weeks. However, the long-lasting impact of cocaine can’t be overstated. To truly get cocaine out of your system, treatment is essential. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we have the skills and programs designed to assist you in attaining sobriety. For any questions regarding our cocaine addiction treatment program, contact GBAC today at 877.920.6583 or fill out our secure online form.
