How Long Does It Take for Cocaine to Wear Off?

You may have ingested cocaine and are wondering, “How long does it take for cocaine to wear off?” The answer to that question is it depends. The length of time that the effects of cocaine last is affected by various factors. Read on to learn how long the effects of cocaine might last.

The Short-Term Effects of Cocaine

Cocaine, or coke, is a white powdery drug that stimulates the central nervous system, causing an energetic high. Cocaine is consumed in a variety of ways, including snorting the powder, smoking (crack), or injecting a liquified version. Regardless of the method, someone who uses cocaine will experience a rush of effects due to dopamine production:

• Boost in energy
• Sharper mental focus
• Euphoria
• Feeling invincible
• Increased stamina
• A need for less sleep
• Increased activity
• Suppressed appetite

However, there are also some notable adverse short-term effects. These may include:

• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Aggressive behavior
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Increased body temperature
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Impulsive, reckless behaviors
• Cravings

How Long Does the Cocaine High Last?

Once cocaine is consumed, regardless of the method, its effects occur almost immediately. Cocaine has a short-lived high, a fact that helps explain why people tend to take several consecutive doses. This practice is to delay the cocaine withdrawal effects, and to extend the desired effects of the drug.

When someone asks, “How long does it take for cocaine to wear off?” there is no concrete answer. This is because of the variances between the different forms of cocaine being consumed and how each is metabolized. The main factor that affects how long the cocaine high lasts is the speed at which it enters the blood stream.

For example, the duration of the cocaine high when the person snorts or gums the drug lasts about 30-60 minutes. Contrast this with smoking or injection the cocaine, where the high lasts 30 minutes or less.

How Long Does Cocaine Remain in Your System?

People may wonder, “How long does it take for cocaine to wear off and vacate the system.” On average, cocaine can be detected in the system for 1-4 days, although it can persist for a couple weeks. Things that influence the speed at which cocaine is eliminated from the body include:

• The purity of the cocaine
• Whether cocaine was combined with other substances
• How much cocaine was consumed
• Kidney function
• Dehydration

Long-Term Risks of Cocaine Abuse

When cocaine is used consistently for an extended period, it can lead to a host of health risks. If someone is asking, “How long does it take for cocaine to wear off?” they may have a cocaine problem. Ongoing cocaine use can lead to the following adverse effects:

• Addiction
• Heart attack
• Seizures
• Nasal tissue damage
• Brain damage
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage
• Muscle damage
• Psychosis
• Malnutrition
• Depression or anxiety
• Accidental overdose

Other negative effects of long-term cocaine abuse are financial troubles, job loss, and relationship problems.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a highly addictive Schedule II controlled substance. Prolonged use of cocaine impacts the brain’s reward system, which leads to psychological addiction. As the cocaine use continues, tolerance to its effects increases, leading to higher consumption of the drug.

Signs of cocaine abuse or addiction include:

• Mood swings. Cocaine causes changes in mood and personality. The person may become irritable and easily agitated. They may exhibit symptoms of mania followed by extreme fatigue and apathy.
• Reckless behaviors. Cocaine causes impulsivity, which can result in high-risk behaviors that have dire consequences. It can also cause hypersexual behaviors leading to unsafe sexual practices.
• Decline in work performance. Cocaine addiction often impacts job performance. It may cause excessive absenteeism from work, and a general lack of focus and motivation. This may result in termination of employment.
• Physical symptoms. Cocaine addicts exhibit sudden weight loss due to the stimulant effects and the impact on appetite. They may have insomnia, muscle tics, bloodshot eyes, frequent nosebleeds, and be constantly sniffing.
• Financial fallout. Cocaine can quickly deplete financial resources. Once the savings accounts are emptied, the person turns to credit cards. Bills go unpaid, which can result in a car being repossessed or foreclosure on the home.

Someone addicted to coke will continue to use the drug despite all the negative consequences it is causing.

Entering Recovery for Cocaine Addiction: Detox

When the individual is ready to break free from the grip of a cocaine addiction, they will need professional support. Trying to kick a cocaine addiction on their own is next to impossible. This is because the withdrawal symptoms are so uncomfortable that they give up and return to the cocaine use.

The first step in recovery is cocaine detox. A structured inpatient detox and withdrawal program provides the oversight, medical and psychological support needed to successfully quit the drug. A team of trained detox specialists continually monitor the person’s vital signs and withdrawal symptoms. As symptoms increase in severity, medications are provided to offer relief. Cocaine detox takes 1-2 weeks to complete, depending on the severity of the addiction.

Treatment Options for Cocaine Addiction

After the individual successfully completes detox and withdrawal, they will begin the treatment program. Residential treatment is the recommended level of care for cocaine addiction. This is because inpatient treatment provides constant support, greatly reducing the risk of relapse.

The residential rehab includes:

• Psychotherapy. There are several types of therapy that are effective for treating cocaine addiction. These include CBT, DBT, and contingency management.
• Group sessions. Small groups of peers in recovery meet to discuss recovery topics.
• 12-step program. The themes of N.A. or A.A. are woven into the treatment program.
• Relapse prevention. Acquiring new coping skills can help support recovery efforts and reducing the risk of relapse.
• Holistic. Holistic and experiential methods help control stress. These include psychodrama, mindfulness meditation, spiritual exercises, yoga classes, and art therapy.

Pacific Bay Recovery’s Luxury Rehab for Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Pacific Bay Recovery, owned and operated by physicians, is a trusted leader in the addiction recovery and dual diagnosis field. If you are wondering how long does it take for cocaine to wear off, you may benefit from our comprehensive residential treatment program. Give us a call today at (866) 745-7056.