The Risks of Cocaine Use and How to Stay Safe

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that is used for recreational purposes. 

It’s classified as a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency due to its high misuse potential. In the US, drug overdose remains a leading cause of death with nearly 108,000 fatalities reported in 2022. 

Whether you’re trying to pass a drug test or worried about the adverse drug reactions of cocaine, knowing about how long cocaine stays in the system can be helpful.

Is there a way to flush cocaine quickly? Let’s explore and debunk common myths.

What are the effects of cocaine on the body?

Before learning about cocaine’s metabolism, it can be helpful to know about its effects on the body.

Cocaine is a highly addictive substance that comes with a variety of systemic effects. It causes people to experience a “high” typically lasting between 15 to 20 mins. That said, cocaine has a profound impact on the body.

Short-Term Effects of Cocaine

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Feelings of anger and irritability
• Alertness, euphoria, and confidence

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine

• Cardiovascular events like heart failure
• Severe mental health issues like anxiety or depression
• Cocaine use disorder- severe addiction that alters the dopamine pathways of the brain

Keeping the effects in mind, many people look for alternative ways to get rid of cocaine quickly. Luckily, there are a variety of treatments available to combat the problem.

How Long Does Cocaine Stay in the Body?

Although cocaine highs are short-lived, the drug can be detectable in the system for much longer.

Cocaine can be detected in urine, blood, saliva, and even hair. Testing methods vary based on the approach required. For a routine exam, the most commonly employed test is a urine test. Whereas for evaluating chronic abuse, a hair test is better suited. 

The detection window varies based on the specimen and may vary from person to person. Moreover, the detection of cocaine does not guarantee that the drug is principally active. 

Factors that impact Cocaine Detection

Several factors can change how long cocaine stays in your body. Some of which may lead to longer detection times. These include:-

• Frequency of cocaine use (chronic vs occasional)
• Age, Sex, and Body Fat Percentage
• Liver health status
• Route of Administration (snorting or injecting)
• Hydration levels
• Nutritional status

Best Way to quickly get cocaine out of your system

When it comes to how to get cocaine out of your system fast, there are many myths surrounding the topic.

What will not work

• Drinking excess water: Staying hydrated will support detox, but it will not speed up the clearance rate.
• Cocaine detox diets: No study supports the practice of taking substances to rapidly clear cocaine.
• Healthy eating and exercise: While this will help keep liver health optimal, it does not impact how fast cocaine leaves the body.

What Will Work

Time: Our natural detox system is specialized enough to clear substances by itself. No method can drastically speed this up.

• Abstinence
• Rest and Sleep

The best way to allow natural clearance is by giving the body the time and rest it needs.

Do DIY Cocaine Detox Kits work?

The rise of detox culture has caused a sharp increase in the popularity of unsafe detox kits and diet regimes. It takes one quick scroll on the web to come across thousands of cocaine detox kits that promise wellness and quick recovery.

But do detox drinks work for cocaine? 

Cocaine detox drinks (drug kits) are sold with the objective of allowing people to outrun a drug test. These kits are sold for a variety of drugs, including opioids and alcohol as well.

Through a number of mechanisms, these kits attempt to mask metabolites present in the sample. While this seems like an easy and harmless solution, the reality is these kits pose health risks as well as legal troubles to those who use them.

Health Risks

Most of these substances are not FDA-approved. The ingredients present inside them are unknown which can give rise to negative health outcomes.

Legal Risks

Trying to evade a drug test is a serious offense. If you are found to be tampering with the results of a test, you may face repercussions like criminal charges, jail time, or even expulsion from the facility.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Doing a cocaine cleanse is not as straightforward as waiting for the drug to clear your system. 

Since cocaine changes the way your brain works, quitting the drug can be challenging. You may find that you experience high highs followed by horrific crashes that lead to feelings of uncertainty, hopelessness, and depression. 

For this reason, medical detox therapies are the best treatment for overcoming your addiction. 

Medical detoxes are safe and transparent. A multidisciplinary team of professionals works together to manage your symptoms. A holistic care plan is advocated where factors like the psychological and physical aspects of withdrawal are taken care of.

How long will a Cocaine Detox take?

Acute Phase: It can take you anywhere from 5 to 7 days, with the effects being most pronounced in the first 48 hours.

Full Recovery: The entire recovery process, including behavioral therapy and counseling, can take several weeks or even months depending on the severity of the problem.

Final Thoughts

The best way to clear cocaine from your system is by letting your body naturally eliminate the drug. Alternatives like detox kits and excessive water drinking are not effective and can come with health risks.

If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine use, seeking professional help in the form of a medical detox is the safest and most reliable option.