Cocaine is a numbing powder that comes from the coca plant in South America. It is used as a stimulant with shorter-acting effects that are similar to amphetamines. Cocaine can be snorted, smoked, injected, or consumed orally. The effects of cocaine are consistent regardless of how it is ingested (aside from dose and intensity); the primary difference is the amount of time it takes for the effects to kick in and how long it stays in the body.
TestClear Cocaine Drug Test Kit
If cocaine use is threatening a potential job, legal issue, or participation in an organization, don't stress. There are ways you can pass drug tests and detox despite having recently used cocaine.
In this blog, we'll discuss how long cocaine can stay in your system, how to pass a urine test, and other steps you can take to ensure cocaine use doesn't prohibit you from reaching your personal and professional goals.
How Long Is Cocaine Detectable In Your System?
Depending on how frequently the drug is used, cocaine metabolites can be detected on a urine drug test for up to three days, a saliva drug test for two days, and hair follicles for several months (or even years).
For heavy users, cocaine can stay in the system much longer and can be detected on a urine test for up to two weeks.
If you've been exposed to cocaine, testing at home is a practical first step to ensuring the drug is no longer in your system.
Testclear's cocaine at-home test allows you to confirm your system is clear before your official drug test. Our test results are available in just five minutes and provide peace of mind.
Factors Impacting Cocaine's Effect On Your System
There are a few factors influencing cocaine metabolism and its presence in the body. These factors are unique to the person who ingested the drug and can vary depending on how much and how often cocaine was used.
Dose
Because cocaine can be ingested in different ways, the doses may vary. An average snorted dose of cocaine is between 30 to 70 mg, while a smoked dose is between 15 and 70mg. The larger the dose, the more likely the drug will stay in your system longer.
Purity
Purity depends on how pure or clean the cocaine is or if it's mixed with other products or chemicals. Cocaine is commonly mixed or cut with ingredients like boric acid, creatine, caffeine, and many others.
Frequency
Prolonged cocaine use can extend how long it will stay in your system, making it easier to detect via testing. If you use cocaine once, it will remain in your system for 2-3 days on a blood or saliva test.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can cause cocaine to stay in your system longer and cause many other adverse effects on your overall health.
Understanding Cocaine's Half-Life
Not sure what a drug's half-life means? A drug's half-life is the amount of time it takes the body to eliminate half of the cocaine currently in the bloodstream.
Cocaine's half-life is around one hour. The more frequently the drug is used, however, the longer it takes the body to break down the drug and excrete it through urine.
Different Types of Drug Tests to Detect Cocaine
Depending on what type of drug test you take, cocaine use can be detected anywhere from two days up to years for heavier users. Let's break down the various tests that detect cocaine use.
Urine Test
A urine drug test is the most common way to showcase cocaine use. It's convenient and quick for employers and other organizations to use at random or as they see fit. There are also rapid urine tests available that can detect any presence of cocaine in a few minutes.
Blood Test
Cocaine remains detectable in the bloodstream for up to two days after use, providing a narrower time frame for detection of recent usage compared to other drug tests.
Image by National Cancer Institute via Unsplash.
Saliva Test
The saliva test is often used in workplace or roadside screenings because of its detection window within two days of last use. For heavy users, cocaine can be detected for over a week via saliva tests.
Hair Follicle Test
If you've used cocaine in the last 90 days, it may be detected in your hair follicles. This method is ideal for examining long-term drug patterns in individuals and is often used in treatment centers and workplaces.
What Influences Cocaine Metabolism
Cocaine metabolism is how the human body processes cocaine and eventually flushes it out. By understanding what affects cocaine metabolism, individuals can make better choices about their cocaine use and avoid failing drug tests.
Metabolic Rate
The body's metabolic rate impacts how fast cocaine leaves the system. With a fast metabolism, the body can eliminate the drug quicker than those with a slow metabolic rate.
Frequency of Use
Occasional cocaine use or low dosages can drastically decrease the metabolites in the body, meaning the detection window is much shorter.
General Health
A healthy diet, proper hydration, exercise, and sleep all impact cocaine's metabolism in the body. The healthier you are, the quicker your body can flush the metabolites from your system.
How to Pass a Cocaine Drug Test
If you've recently used cocaine or are expecting a drug test from your employer, don't stress. There are products available to help you pass your test. First, you must know what type of test you'll be taking. Not all cocaine drug testing is created equal; the detection windows are all different.
When preparing for a professional or personal drug test, it's essential to understand the type of test you'll be undergoing to ensure accurate and compliant results.
For urine tests, Testclear offers the Powdered Urine Kit, designed to simulate the properties of natural, drug-free human urine, including uric acid. This kit is handy for unsupervised tests, requiring only the addition of water to the powdered formula.
When a hair follicle test is required, Testclear provides specialized shampoos. These products are formulated to cleanse the hair and scalp, helping to remove impurities and ensure the integrity of your test results.
Testclear's Toxin Rid Rescue Wash Mouthwash is a convenient option for saliva or oral tests. This mouthwash can be used shortly before a test to cleanse the mouth. Its compact size makes it discreet and easy to carry, offering peace of mind and reliability moments before your test.
These products are tailored to assist individuals in fulfilling the diverse requirements of professional or personal drug testing protocols and are best coupled with actual lifestyle changes for optimal results.
Identifying Cocaine Addiction and Substance Abuse
Image by Michal Renčo from Pixabay
Cocaine addiction is genuine and can be incredibly dangerous to anyone living with a substance use disorder. Symptoms of cocaine and substance abuse include:
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Increased energy and alertness
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Dilated pupils
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Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
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Decreased appetite
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Overconfidence and euphoria
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Paranoia and anxiety
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Erratic and impulsive behavior
If you are struggling with cocaine addiction or any other type of drug abuse, please seek help from professionals in your area or consider going to an addiction treatment center to recover. Substance abuse should not be taken lightly; if you need assistance, resources are available.
FAQ
Get all your questions answered about drug tests related to cocaine here.
What is the most common test used to determine cocaine use?
Urine testing is the most common and effective test used to detect any cocaine in the body. The primary metabolite in cocaine is benzoylecgonine, which is excreted through urination after it passes through the liver. This compound is detectable in the urine after a few hours and remains present for up to 4 days.
This is why a pee test is the most effective test for cocaine and why so many companies, treatment centers, and organizations use urine testing for accurate results.
What shows up on a 10-panel drug test?
Many companies utilize a 10-panel test to maintain a safe workplace, reduce liability, and ensure employees follow internal policies. This test detects the following substances:
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Amphetamines
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Cocaine
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THC
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Opiates
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PCP
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Barbiturates
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Benzodiazepines
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Propoxyphene
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Methadone
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Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
Does the way you ingest cocaine impact how long it stays in your body?
Yes. Cocaine can be ingested by snorting, smoking, taken orally, or injected. Each of these methods impacts the way the drug is metabolized in the body. When smoked or injected, cocaine metabolizes much faster than when snorted or taken orally.
What factors affect cocaine detection?
The main factors impacting detection include the test type, how often you use the drug, how you ingest it, and the purity level. Other factors include your body composition and whether or not you drink alcohol while using cocaine, which can cause some of the metabolites to stay in the system longer than usual.
Don't Sweat Drug Testing with Testclear
Cocaine use can pose severe challenges in areas like employment, organizational involvement, or legal and custodial matters. Testclear offers solutions for those navigating these challenges to help eliminate cocaine from the system.
Our 10-day detox and other detox kits are designed to clear your body of toxins naturally and help you stay clean if that's your goal, while our at-home drug testing kits can offer you peace of mind and accurate results.
With these tools, you can confidently face drug testing scenarios and step towards a healthier lifestyle.