Medically Reviewed By: Kimberly Langdon M.D.
Coke’s typical high lasts only 15 to 30 minutes but may last up to two hours depending on how much you take and how you take it.
As a result, the highly addictive stimulant has an extremely high potential for addiction because the effects wane quickly. Cocaine abuse and addiction also increases the risk of overdose.
What Is Meant By ‘Cocaine High’?
Cocaine high refers to a short-term rush of euphoria — usually lasting from several minutes to one hour or so — that people using cocaine feel after using the drug.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) asserts that the high is experienced differently, but generally causes feelings of euphoria, excitement, energy, confidence, and alertness.
How Long Does It Take For The Onset Of A Cocaine High?
The time it takes for cocaine to reach the bloodstream will depend on how the person consumes it.
That’s because different methods of ingestion impact the metabolism and chemistry of the drug in different ways.
Onset Of High When Snorting Cocaine
When snorting cocaine, it takes about one to three minutes to reach your bloodstream. Cocaine gets absorbed through your nasal tissues and enters into your blood vessels.
Onset Of High When Smoking Cocaine
It takes only 10-15 seconds for the effects of cocaine to kick in when the drug is smoked.
Compared to other modes of ingestion, such as snorting or injecting cocaine, smoking crack is considered a fast way to get high.
Onset Of High When Injecting Cocaine
Effects begin to take effect within 10 to 25 seconds for people who use cocaine intravenously. Since cocaine enters your bloodstream through your veins, you will feel the effects immediately.
Onset Of High Gumming Cocaine
It takes about one to three minutes for that rush to kick in when you rub cocaine on your gums. As with snorting, it must first pass through mucous membranes before entering your bloodstream.
How Long Do The Effects Of A Cocaine High Last?
You can expect the effects of cocaine use to last anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours, depending on various factors, including the method of use.
Typically, cocaine high will last for about 30 minutes when snorted, 15 to 30 minutes when rubbed on your gums, and about 5 to 15 minutes when smoked or injected.
Factors That Contribute To The Duration Of A Cocaine High
While everyone reacts to cocaine differently, some common factors can affect how long a cocaine high lasts.
People with pre-existing medical conditions may experience longer-lasting side effects from using cocaine than those who don’t have any pre-existing conditions.
Like other opioids, how long a person has been using crack cocaine affects the period of intense high. People who use cocaine frequently may be able to feel its effects for a shorter duration than those who use it infrequently.
In addition, the purity of the drug can influence how long it takes to feel high. More pure forms of cocaine are typically more potent and create a longer-lasting high.
Mixing cocaine with alcohol or other drugs can make the cocaine high last longer and increase your chances of overdosing.
Treatment Options For Cocaine Addiction
People with a cocaine addiction and their loved ones can find addiction treatment and support through various avenues.
Cocaine addiction treatment programs typically involve psychotherapy (for mental health), medication, and in some cases, participation in a rehabilitation program.
To begin the process of addiction recovery from cocaine drug abuse, many people find that they need a detox to flush out the drug and help with cocaine withdrawal symptoms.
Medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and mood stabilizers are often used along with talk therapy to treat cocaine withdrawal symptoms.
Both outpatient and inpatient programs offer around-the-clock medical supervision and psychiatric support services aimed at substance use disorders.
Find Cocaine Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center
Bedrock Recovery Center can help you end cocaine abuse and addiction.
Contact us now for more information about our drug rehab facility and treatment for stimulant drug abuse. Let’s work together to end your dependence on drugs once and for all.
- Drug Enforcement Administration https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/drug_of_abuse.pdf
- Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal http://medcraveonline.com/FRCIJ/crack-cocaine-a-systematic-literature-review.html
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/3/584/htm
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov/drug-topics/cocaine
- NCSAW https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/files/TrainingPackage/MOD2/PhysicalandPsychEffectsSubstanceUse.pdf