How Long Does Cocaine Stay In Urine?

The period of time that cocaine remains detectable in urine depends on the amount consumed, how it was consumed, and other factors. Cocaine detection through other avenues, such as blood, may be more effective drug tests.

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Dr. Langdon M.D.

Medically Reviewed By: Kimberly Langdon M.D.

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Cocaine, also known as coke, snow, and blow, among other names, is an illegal stimulant drug that causes dangerous health problems, including heart attacks and strokes.

How long does cocaine linger in your system or that of a loved one?

If you’re concerned about how long cocaine stays in your system, know that it depends on various factors.

Cocaine Detection Time In Urine

That said, the average detection window for cocaine metabolites (which is what drug tests detect) in the urine is four days.

Each type of drug test (urine tests, saliva tests, hair follicle tests, and blood tests) have different drug-screen timeframes.

Factors That Contribute To Cocaine Detection Times

Ingestion method (method of cocaine use), your weight and body fat, testing method, and whether you smoke all play a role in the time it takes for cocaine to be detected.

Amount Of Cocaine Used

The more cocaine you consume, the longer it will remain in your system after you stop taking it.

That’s true for any other type of drug abuse as well. People who consume large amounts of cocaine may have cocaine metabolites in their urine even after four days since the last use.

Frequency Of Cocaine Abuse

People who consume the drug once may only test positive in the short term.

However, cocaine use that occurs frequently or for an extended length of time may be identified for much longer.

The longer a person uses cocaine, the longer it will stay in their system, the more serious the addiction problems, and the worse the withdrawal symptoms may become.

Method Of Cocaine Use

Gummed or snorted cocaine stays in your system for a more extended period of time than smoked or injected cocaine.

People often use the drug by snorting it (inhaling the powder form of the drug into their noses) or by using needles to inject it into their veins.

Cocaine Purity

In contrast to cocaine that has been cut with other chemicals, drugs, or substances, pure cocaine stays in your system for a longer duration.

Presence Of Alcohol

If you mix cocaine and alcohol or other opioids, be aware that alcohol might prolong the half-life of specific cocaine metabolites, such as ecgonine.

Drinking alcohol when taking cocaine slows down the liver’s metabolism of the stimulant drug. This gives your body more time to digest and eliminate cocaine.

Treatment Programs For Cocaine Addiction

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the effects of cocaine drug use can cause various problems, such as an increased risk of heart attack and blood pressure.

This is why you should look for qualified substance use disorder treatment to manage addiction long-term.

The good news is that there are many treatment options for cocaine addiction.

The first step in recovering from cocaine drug addiction or any other substance use disorder is enrolling in a detox program.

Some people prefer residential (inpatient) or outpatient treatment programs, while others opt for 12-Step support groups or individual, family, or group therapy. Treatment professionals can help you determine which level of care is right for you.

Find Substance Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Bedrock Recovery Center can help you if you’re battling a cocaine addiction.

Begin your journey to recovery now by scheduling a discreet, no-obligation consultation with one of the best cocaine addiction treatment centers on the east coast.

  1. Journal of Analytical Toxicology https://academic.oup.com/jat/article/34/2/57/759133
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma12-4668.pdf

Written by Bedrock Recovery Center Editorial Team

© 2024 Bedrock Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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