How long does cocaine stay in your body?

What is cocaine and its effects?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America. It is commonly found in two forms: powdered cocaine and crack cocaine. Powdered cocaine is usually snorted or dissolved and injected, while crack cocaine is smoked.

Cocaine is classified as a Class A drug in the UK and a Schedule II drug in the US, meaning it is illegal for recreational use and has a high potential for abuse.

Cocaine metabolism

Once cocaine has been ingested, metabolism of the drug primarily occurs in the liver and involves several steps:

1. Initial breakdown: Cocaine is rapidly metabolised by enzymes in the liver and blood. The primary enzymes involved are plasma esterases and liver cholinesterases.
2. Formation of metabolites: The main metabolites produced are benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester. When alcohol is present, another metabolite called cocaethylene is formed, which is more toxic than cocaine itself.
3. Excretion: These metabolites are then excreted through the kidneys into the urine. Only about 1-5% of cocaine is excreted unchanged.
4. Half-Life: Cocaine has a short half-life of about one hour, meaning that within an hour, half of the cocaine dose is metabolised. The complete elimination from the body can take a few days, depending on various factors like dosage and frequency of use.

The duration for which cocaine stays in your system can vary based on several factors, including the amount used, frequency of use, individual metabolism, quantity consumed, hydration levels, liver and kidney health, and body mass.

Cocaine testing

Cocaine, as is the case with most drugs, is detectable in tests. However, the results can vary depending on the specific test type and its timing.

Fingernail testing: Detection up to 3-6 months

When it comes to detecting cocaine use, the fingernail test offers an extended window of up to 6 months. Cocaine, once consumed, enters the bloodstream and gradually gets deposited within the keratin fibres of your fingernails as they grow. Samples are collected by clipping off 2–3 mm of nails from all fingers (100 mg).

This testing method, while powerful in identifying cocaine use over a more extended period, does have some limitations. It can confirm the presence of cocaine within the last 6 months but does not provide precise details about how frequently or in what quantities the drug was consumed.

Despite these limitations, the fingernail test plays a vital role in uncovering historical cocaine use, making it a valuable tool in legal and forensic contexts.

Hair testing: 3 to 12-month cocaine profile

Advanced hair drug testing can identify cocaine use as far back as four months after ingestion. What makes this method particularly informative is its ability to reveal a month-by-month drug consumption history within a 3 to 12-month timeframe. It is also possible to test a single 1 cm segment to provide a one-month history.

Each 1 cm section of hair offers a snapshot of drug use during an average one-month period. While it’s a powerful tool for assessing long-term cocaine use, it’s essential to note that there’s a waiting period of up to three weeks after consumption before traces of the drug show up in hair, making it less effective for detecting recent use.

Urine testing: Detection from 2 to 14 days

Urine testing is a widely used method for detecting cocaine use and offers a detection window of up to 14 days after the last use. However, this window can vary depending on factors such as an individual’s metabolism and the quantity of cocaine consumed. Urine tests are often preferred in legal and clinical settings due to their relatively extended detection period and accuracy. This method is especially valuable when it comes to monitoring cocaine use over a moderate timeframe

Blood testing: Detection from 24 to 48 hours

Blood tests are highly effective for pinpointing recent cocaine use. Within the first 24 hours after consumption, blood tests are most accurate. However, they can still provide valuable information for up to 48 hours.

This testing method is often used in conjunction with urine tests to obtain precise data on drug consumption. Blood tests offer a level of accuracy that can be confidentially shared with healthcare professionals and legal authorities, making them a valuable tool for time-sensitive assessments of cocaine use.

Saliva testing: rapid detection from 24 to 48 Hours

The saliva or oral test is a quick and effective method for detecting recent cocaine use, offering results within just 20-30 minutes after swabbing. This test is commonly employed in criminal cases, especially when law enforcement needs to establish whether an individual is under the influence of drugs. It provides a relatively short detection window of 24 to 48 hours, making it ideal for identifying recent cocaine use. Its speed and convenience make it a valuable tool for on-the-spot drug assessments, ensuring public safety and compliance with legal standards.

Effects of cocaine use

Cocaine has a range of effects on the body, both short-term and long-term. Here’s a breakdown:

Short-Term Effects

• Euphoria: A feeling of intense happiness and well-being
• Increased energy and alertness
• Dilated pupils
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Decreased appetite
• Restlessness and anxiety

Long-Term Effects

• Addiction: Cocaine is highly addictive and can lead to dependency
• Cardiovascular issues: Long-term use can cause heart problems, including heart attacks and strokes
• Nasal damage: Snorting cocaine can damage the nasal tissues and lead to a perforated septum
• Respiratory problems: Smoking crack cocaine can cause severe lung damage
• Mental health issues: Prolonged use can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations

Additional Risks

• Mixing with other substances: Combining cocaine with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of severe health issues, including overdose.
• Infections: Sharing needles or other equipment can lead to infections and diseases.

Support

If you are looking for the right cocaine rehab centre to help you make critical changes in your life, UKAT can help. We offer inpatient cocaine addiction treatment programmes that take everybody’s needs into account and provide you with the support you need to recover.

We offer a wide range of therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), meditation, group therapy and 12-step work to focus on every aspect of your addiction. These will help you understand your addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms and build a solid foundation for recovery.