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how long does the effect of cocaine last

How Long Does Effects of Cocaine Last?

Cocaine is still used as a party drug for the most part. Continuing to use cocaine or any other drugs will eventually ruin your life with work, social, and legal consequences. So, you may be wondering, how long do the effects of cocaine last? Read on to learn the facts about cocaine and how long the high will last while under its influence. The dependency of any substance will eventually ruin opportunities and your life. Reach out to our treatment team for a confidential assessment (877) 328-1968.

Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine (“coke”) is made from the coca plant that is grown in certain areas of South America. It is a potent stimulant drug that ramps up the central nervous system. By speeding up the heart rate and breathing rate, it causes the person to become hyperactive.

Cocaine can be used in many ways. The most common way of ingesting cocaine is to snort it, but it can also be smoked, injected, or rubbed on the gums. The drug will produce effects fastest when injected or smoked, being felt within seconds.

How Long Do the Effects of Cocaine Last?

The cocaine high is quite short-lived. In most cases, the person will feel the effects of cocaine for just 15-30 minutes, to an hour at the very longest. This short-lived high will often cause the person to chase the high by taking dose after dose. In this way, they can attempt to prolong the desired experience.

Just as the method of using the coke affects how fast its effects are felt, this also affects how quickly they fade. When someone injects or smokes cocaine the effects will wane in 5-15 minutes.

The comedown phase may involve unpleasant effects, such as headaches and irritability. These side effects may last for a few days as the cocaine clears the system.

How Long Does Cocaine Stay in the System?

There are some factors that influence how long cocaine will remain in the system. The most obvious factor is the amount of cocaine ingested. The more of the drug that ends up in the bloodstream, the longer it will be detectible. Someone who tried cocaine one random time will have detectible amounts of the drug in the urine for up to three days. Someone who is a chronic cocaine addict will have the drug present or up to 14 days.

Other factors that affect how long cocaine is in the body include the method of use and cocaine purity. Also, each person’s body chemistry can affect this timeline, and whether the person used other substances, too.

how long does a cocaine high last

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction sets in when the drug is used repeatedly. Cocaine affects the brain’s reward system and imprints the experience as something positive to repeat again. The more often cocaine is used the sooner the body acquires tolerance to its affects. This is the trek to addiction.

Common symptoms of cocaine addiction include:

  • Manic mood.
  • Weight loss.
  • Sleeping less.
  • Nosebleeds
  • Hyperactivity
  • Muscle tics.
  • Agitation
  • Engaging in risky behaviors.

Cocaine is very hard on the body. Long-term use of cocaine can result in serious health problems, such as:

  • Kidney damage.
  • Increased risk of stroke.
  • Enlarged heart.
  • Cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Heart attack.
  • Lung damage.
  • Increased blood pressure.
  • Increased risk of dementia.
  • Psychosis
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Other Dangers of Cocaine Abuse and Addiction

One well-known adverse effect caused by cocaine addiction is the damage it causes to nasal tissues and cartilage. This can become so severe that the nose must be surgically reconstructed.

Financial ruin is yet another result of cocaine addiction. The drug is pricey, which causes people to go into deep debt to prolong the use of this drug.

Finally, cocaine addiction increases the risk of an overdose. In recent years, cocaine is often cut with fentanyl. The person buying the drug is not aware of this and will overdose, often with a fatal outcome. However, there are some who seek out this combination of drugs to do something termed speedballing. Speedballing, too, can be lethal.

What to Expect During Cocaine Withdrawal?

The path to recovery begins with cocaine detox and withdrawal. This is the process that involves abstaining from the drug and then allowing the body to slowly adjust to its absence.

During the detox process, there will be discomfort. For this reason, it is advised that any attempt to stop using cocaine be done under the care of a doctor or detox team. This allows the provider to provide medical support to reduce the withdrawal effects.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Chills
  • Restlessness
  • Increased appetite.
  • Nightmares
  • Agitation
  • Sleep problems.
  • Headaches
  • Exhaustion
  • Slowed thinking.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Cravings
  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoid thoughts.
  • Suicidal thoughts.

Succeed in Cocaine Addiction Recovery

A residential drug rehab program is needed in order to be able to overcome the strong cravings of a cocaine habit. The treatment program teaches the client how to respond differently to cravings and triggers. Only with these new coping techniques, and the support of the rehab team, can someone beat a coke habit.

After detox, it is time to enroll in a comprehensive program. Rehabs are highly structured and offer many classes, therapy sessions, and activities throughout the day. The more engaged someone is in the treatment process, the better they will do over the long term.

Treatment for a cocaine addiction involves the following:

  • Therapy. One-on-one and group therapy are the basis of addiction treatment. The clinical team uses evidence-based therapies to achieve the best outcomes.
  • Contingency Management. CM uses a reward system to shape your behavior choices while you are learning to live without cocaine.
  • CBT. CBT teaches better ways to respond to cocaine cravings or other triggers. With the guidance of a CBT therapist, you can address the dysfunctional thought patterns that fueled the cocaine use.
  • Holistic methods. Holistic health involves the mind, body, and spirit. In treatment, you will be counseled to improve wellness by eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and managing stress.
  • 12-step program. AA’s 12-step program provides a step-by-step roadmap for recovery.
  • Classes. You will be better prepared to prevent relapse by using the new coping skills learned in rehab.

Now that you know how long does the effect of cocaine last, it is clear why some people may repeat their dose multiple times. Cocaine abuse swiftly leads to addiction, which can have a terrible impact on someone’s life. Reach out for help today.

Bodhi Addiction Treatment and Wellness Provides Treatment for Cocaine Abuse and Addiction

Bodhi Addiction Treatment and Wellness is a holistic themed addiction treatment center that treats people with cocaine addiction. Reach out to our intake team with any questions about our program at (877) 328-1968.