Over 4 million people over the age of 12 admit to using cocaine, according to a national survey. Cocaine is a powerful drug that is highly addictive. It is made from the leaves of a coca plant and inhaled into the sinuses. If you are addicted to this powerful substance or are trying to help a loved one who is addicted, you may be left wondering, “How long does cocaine stay in urine?”
Cocaine is an addictive stimulant with strong effects. While it is most often snorted, it can also be injected or smoked. No matter how it’s ingested, cocaine can be detected in the urine after use. Many drug tests from employers or probation officers are urine tests that look for the presence of cocaine.
Here’s what you need to know.
Where does the coca plant grow?
The coca plant grows best in the mountain or jungle regions of South America. Natives often chew coca leaves as a stimulant or to treat illness due to altitude. In its natural form, coca leaves are about as strong as a cup of coffee. Once processed into cocaine, the effects are much stronger and more addictive.
Cocaine creates an intense high, but the euphoria is short lived. People often require more and more of the drug to stay high, often called a frenzy. Coming down off cocaine can be uncomfortable, even if you aren’t addicted. It is not uncommon for people to binge drink to make up for the uncomfortable feeling after a cocaine frenzy.
How long does cocaine last?
Users feel the effects of cocaine pretty quickly, depending on how it’s ingested. When cocaine is snorted, it must first pass through mucous membranes before reaching the blood system which can take a few minutes. If cocaine is smoked or injected, the effects are felt much more quickly.
Cocaine typically has a 1-hour half-life. This is the amount of time it takes for the drug in your system to be reduced by half. Regular cocaine use or cocaine addiction can often result in a longer half life making it easier to detect in the user’s system.
How long does cocaine stay in urine?
So, how long does cocaine stay in urine? The length of time cocaine can be detected in your system depends on the method of testing and frequency of use. Cocaine can be detected in the urine up to 3 days after last use for those who do not use it frequently. Heavy users and cocaine addicts may have cocaine present in their urine for up to 2 weeks after last use.
Cocaine can be detected in the bloodstream and in saliva for up to 2 days. However, a hair follicle test can detect cocaine for multiple weeks and possibly even years after last ingestion. The heavier and more frequent the drug is used, the longer it will stay in the user’s system.
Cocaine is a dangerous drug.
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that is highly addictive. When answering the question, “How long does cocaine stay in urine?” one must consider the amount and length of time the drug was used. If you or a loved one is addicted to this powerful drug, you should get medical help to stop. A medical professional can help you detox off cocaine safely and more comfortably. Even infrequent use is dangerous. If you have used cocaine in the past, it is important to stop immediately. If you need help, seek medical assistance to start the detoxification process and stop using this dangerous drug.
