There is no getting around it: Cocaine destroys lives. If you use cocaine, it affects not only you but those around you, too. Your physical and mental health will continue to decline. Your loved ones will lose their faith and trust in you. You may lose your job and get in trouble with the law.
If you are already addicted to this strong stimulant, you must get professional help. This means entering a rehabilitation program at a reputable rehab centre.
Entering rehab is the most crucial step toward recovery. It means you take responsibility for both your actions and your recovery.
When you enter rehab, you will also find answers to critical questions. This includes ‘How long does cocaine stay in your system (in rehab and before rehab)? You will also learn more about withdrawal symptoms and what to expect during your recovery.
Cocaine Has Different Detection Windows Based on Different Tests
When you enter rehab, it does not automatically mean the cocaine leaves your system. It will still be detectable in your body, especially if you are a heavy cocaine user.
The length of time cocaine stays in your body depends on several factors. These include the amount of cocaine you use and how often you use it. It also depends on your body mass, health, metabolism rate, and age.
When you consume cocaine, your body breaks it down into metabolites. One of these, benzoylecgonine, is excreted in your urine.
When you undergo a urine test, benzoylecgonine can be detected for up to four days after your last use. However, if you are a heavy user, this metabolite may be detected in your urine for up to two weeks.
Cocaine is also absorbed in the bloodstream, but it is not detectable for long. If you have a blood test to detect cocaine in your bloodstream, it will only be viable if you have the test done within two days.
This is also why blood tests are not commonly used for routine drug screening. It is better suited to test for cocaine within a clinical setting or after an overdose.
A saliva test can also detect cocaine in your body for up to two days after your last use. These tests are not as invasive as urine or blood tests but are also not commonly used for drug screening.
Another test that detects cocaine is a hair follicle test. The more cocaine you use and the more your hair grows, the more of this stimulant gets locked in the hair follicles. If your hair is tested within 90 days, it may come back positive for cocaine traces.
Hair follicle tests are not often used in rehab settings because of the long time frame. Generally speaking, a hair follicle test is more useful for establishing a pattern of cocaine use.
Detox in a Rehab Setting
Since you are more than likely to have cocaine in your system still when you enter rehab, you will have to undergo a detox process. When compared to opioid or alcohol withdrawal, cocaine withdrawal is not typically life-threatening. But, the process can be incredibly uncomfortable and challenging.
The goal of detox in rehab is to have a clinical team oversee the process. This ensures that your withdrawal symptoms are managed. You will also get prompt medical care if you need it.
There are no specific medications to relieve or aid the withdrawal process directly. Medicines and therapies are used to lessen the physical and mental impact of this process on you.
This means you will be closely monitored by doctors, nurses, psychologists, etc. The rehab team will keep track of your heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature as your detox process starts.
You will likely experience a wide range of emotions as well. You may become irritable for no reason or feel anxious. Depression is common during detox, and unfortunately, so are cravings for more cocaine.
Once you have completed the detox process, you should be given enough time to undergo cognitive behavioural therapy (alongside other therapies). This will help you identify the thought patterns that motivate you to use cocaine. When you know why you want to use cocaine, it becomes easier to resist by converting a negative thought pattern to a positive one.
You may also experience insomnia while undergoing detox in rehab. The rehab team can help you find ways to improve your sleep routine during and after detox.
If you have co-occurring mental health disorders such as ADHD, these will also be addressed during your stay at a rehab facility.
Rehab Timeline and Withdrawal Symptoms
Now that it is clear how long cocaine stays in your system, whether in rehab or not, it is also important to learn about the recovery timeline.
It is crucial to be monitored by a professional team before you start experiencing withdrawal symptoms. When you stop using cocaine, you will likely experience a ‘crash’ (the opposite of a high). You will crave more of the drug, become anxious and fatigued, and find it hard to concentrate on anything else.
Your withdrawal process may last days to weeks. The symptoms above will intensify, and you will find it hard to sleep (or stay awake). You may experience muscle aches or tremors.
As you move towards the end of your detox and withdrawal process, your withdrawal symptoms will gradually ease. But, it is important to remember that cravings and psychological symptoms can persist for a long time. This is particularly true during times of stress or if you are triggered by something.
HARP Can Help You Recover
HARP (Hills & Ranges Private) has the answers, treatments, and therapies you need to leave your cocaine addiction in the past.
The HARP clinical team knows how complex an issue cocaine addiction is. This is why their treatments will address your recovery’s physical, mental, and social aspects.
One of HARP’s reputable detox partners will oversee and monitor your detox process. When you are clean, you will start a personalized treatment program. This includes holistic treatments and therapies that will allow you to identify the root causes of your addiction. You will learn coping mechanisms and build the strongest possible foundation for long-term recovery.
HARP also provides a comprehensive relapse prevention plan and aftercare support to ensure you do not fall back into your old patterns. Your loved ones will become part of this process so that you always have a strong support system.
