Cocaine is an incredibly dangerous stimulant abused worldwide. This drug affects the central nervous system, creating intense short-term effects. It is these effects, including euphoria and increased energy, that get people addicted to the drug.
If you abuse cocaine, you will have noticed that its effects do not last long. You may even take more of the drug to get the same result. Not only is this extremely hazardous to your health, but the drug will stay detectable in your system for a long time.
Should you have to undergo a drug test at work or a police officer stop you, and you test positive for cocaine, it can lead to several legal consequences.
How Your Body Metabolizes Cocaine
When you ingest cocaine, your liver metabolizes it. During this process, the drug is broken down into metabolites, including benzoylecgonine. This is ultimately detected in urine, blood, saliva, and hair.
So, how long does cocaine stay in your system? It depends on how much and often you use it, as well as your body’s metabolism rate. It also depends on the type of test used.
Urine Test
The most common test for cocaine use is a urine test. The detection window is two to four days after single use. If you are addicted to cocaine, the drug will stay in your system for longer than a week.
When your liver creates benzoylecgonine, it is excreted in your urine. A standard urine test will look for this metabolite in your urine.
Urine tests are incredibly sensitive and can detect tiny traces of benzoylecgonine. This is why these tests are used for those dependent on cocaine and once-off users. They are also non-invasive, which makes them easy to administer. But, they are not effective after more than a week or two of cocaine use.
Blood Test
Blood tests are not as common for cocaine detection. However, they are exceptionally accurate when it comes to detecting recent cocaine use.
As soon as you ingest cocaine, it becomes detectable in your blood. A blood test looks for cocaine in your blood and not only metabolites. This also means that cocaine can only be detected in the blood for around 12 hours after use.
Blood tests are impractical for everyday drug testing, mainly because they are invasive procedures.
Saliva Test
A saliva test can also detect cocaine in your body. Saliva tests can pick up both cocaine and its metabolites in saliva. It is possible for a saliva test to detect cocaine for up to two days after use.
Still, saliva tests are less sensitive than urine or blood tests and are not as accurate. This is why they are mainly used for on-the-spot testing.
Hair Follicle Test
When you consume cocaine, traces of it will travel through your bloodstream and end up in your hair follicles. As your hair grows, these cocaine deposits will stay locked inside the hair shafts.
For this reason, hair follicle tests are done to detect long-term cocaine abuse. These tests can detect cocaine traces in hair for up to 90 days. However, it cannot detect recent drug use. A hair follicle test is also more expensive than the other options and, therefore, not as commonly used.
Sweat Test
A sweat test is another option for detecting the presence of cocaine metabolites as your body excretes the drug. Cocaine can stay in your system and your sweat for up to two weeks after you ingest the drug.
These tests are also less commonly used and come into effect if drug use needs to be monitored over a long period.
Factors That Affect Detection Times
Several factors influence how long cocaine ultimately stays in your system. These include:
- Your metabolism rate. If you have a faster metabolism, your body will process and eliminate cocaine faster.
- Frequency and amount. The more often you use cocaine, and the higher the dose, the longer your body will take to clear it. This is why those addicted to cocaine retain traces of the drug in their bodies for several weeks to months.
- Body fat. Cocaine is fat-soluble, which means it tends to accumulate in fat cells. If you have a higher body fat percentage, you may retain cocaine traces for longer.
- Health and hydration. If you have not been using cocaine for a long time, you may still have normal liver and kidney function. This will help process cocaine and eliminate it from your body. If you drink a lot of water, it will also help to excrete cocaine through your urine.
DIY Cocaine Test Kits
In Australia, you can use an over-the-counter cocaine test kit to check if you still have cocaine in your system. These are similar to those used in drug rehab centres.
A DIY test kit typically comes with urine test strips that change colour when cocaine is detected. Some kits offer multiple tests for different types of drugs.
It is important to note that DIY tests are less sensitive than professional ones. They are, therefore, not as accurate and can yield false positives or negatives.
Law Enforcement Testing
Australian police use a variety of testing methods if they suspect someone has ingested cocaine. These tests are usually conducted at traffic stops. They may also be used as a part of a wider drug-related investigation.
Saliva tests are common roadside options when a driver is stopped on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs. If an officer stops you and becomes suspicious of your drug use, they may also have a blood test administered.
Getting Help for a Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine destroys lives. If you have been using it and don’t know how to stop, getting tested is not enough. You have to get professional help so that you can rid yourself of your addiction.
It is time to stop asking how long cocaine stays in your system and get the tools and treatment you need to never use it again.
HARP Offers the Help You Need
HARP (Hills & Ranges Private) offers all the treatments and therapies you need to break a cocaine addiction. You will be offered a treatment program that is tailored to your needs. You can also stay in touch with your loved ones throughout the treatment process.
HARP provides holistic in-patient programs, including access to nature, gourmet meals, and a private suite.
If you are ready to get the help you need, contact HARP and get started on your recovery.
