Cocaine, also commonly referred to as coke, is one of the most potent stimulants to get you addicted to drugs and directly affects your nervous system. According to stats, in 2022, over 5.2 million in the USA were estimated to use cocaine over the past year. With that abundance of usage, you must have found yourself asking the question, “How long does cocaine stay in one’s system?” and we are going to answer that for you. Cocaine typically stays in your system for up to 3-4 days. But did you know how long does cocaine stay in your hair? Read ahead and find out.
We are also going to discuss in detail about:
- Why is Coke addictive?
- The factors that influence how long cocaine stays in a body and how it metabolizes it.
- How long is Cocaine detectable in different body parts?
You and your loved ones deserve to overcome Cocaine addiction. Start your recovery journey with ChoicePoint today.
Table of Contents
What is Coke, and Why is it Addictive?
Coke or cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug derived from the coca plant that produces a rapid and intense high by blocking the reabsorption of dopamine. It is associated with pleasure and reward. It accumulates dopamine in the brain, creating a short-lived feeling of only 5-30 minutes. Due to its short-lived effects, users take it frequently to maintain the high, which makes cocaine highly addictive.
Some other potent stimulant drugs include:
- Methamphetamine
- Adderall
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Modafinil
- Ritalin

Did you know That Cocaine is illegal for recreational use in most countries and classified as a Schedule II drug in the US?

Did you know That Cocaine is illegal for recreational use in most countries and classified as a Schedule II drug in the US?
Breakdown of How the Body Metabolizes Cocaine
Cocaine goes through a series of events in the body to be metabolized and eventually excreted. It is consumed through various methods like snorting, smoking, or injecting. Regardless of the method, it enters the bloodstream quickly. Once taken in, it rapidly spreads throughout the body, including a person’s brain. The impact is intense but short-lived. Take a deeper look below.
Metabolism
Cocaine is usually metabolized in the liver. The liver enzymes break down cocaine into several metabolites. The most predominant metabolite is benzoylecgonine, which remains detectable for longer periods. Ecgonine methyl ester and Norcocaine are significant but minor metabolites that stay in the body. The metabolites are then excreted through urine, some of which can be detected in urine even after 2-4 days.
Cocaine Half-Life
Cocaine has a half-life of approximately 1 hour, which means it is quickly metabolized and eliminated from the bloodstream. However, some of the metabolites, like benzoylecgonine, have longer half-lives, which extends their detectability in drug tests.
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?
For long-term or frequent cocaine abusers, cocaine can be detected for a longer period. Hair follicles are used to detect cocaine up to 3 months of consumption. Other than that, people who have an impaired kidney or a liver may find remains of cocaine in their body longer due to the slower pace of elimination. Here is a breakdown of how long Cocaine stays in different parts of your body:
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Urine?
In Urine tests, cocaine is not directly searched as it leaves the body quickly; instead, benzoylecgonine (BE), a metabolite that stays longer in the body, is looked up. It can be detected for up to 106 hours, typically 4.5 days after use.
How Long Does Coke Stay in Blood?
In blood, cocaine is rapidly metabolized; it is less common for drug detection. After approximately 7.5 hours, cocaine in the blood becomes undetectable.
How Long Does Coke Stay in Saliva?
Cocaine can be detected from saliva within 1-3 days, but since saliva tests are less invasive, they tend to be more expensive and thus not frequently used.
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Hair?
Cocaine from hair can be detected for about 90 days after the usage, and it is based on the average growth of hair. However, due to their complexity, hair tests for drugs are less commonly performed.
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Breast Milk?
Cocaine can also be detected in breast milk up to 36 hours after usage. Still, even small amounts of exposure to events can cause seizures, irritability, high blood pressure, etc, in infants, so breastfeeding mothers should entirely not take cocaine.

How Long Does Cocaine Take to Leave the Body?
Factors that Influence the Duration of Cocaine in the System
Cocaine is a fast drug that leaves the body relatively quickly despite being in the system for very long because the body rapidly adjusts to the changes caused by cocaine.
1. History of Abuse
It is proven that cocaine remains in the body longer for long-term users. Cocaine Detoxification in their body takes longer compared to people who do not use it as frequently, and hence, the substance can be detected easily in the bodies of long-term users. This is because they develop high tolerance and tend to take higher doses.
2. Cocaine Dosage
When the cocaine dose is larger, consequently, it has a longer elimination period. Adding to it, pure cocaine has more long-lasting effects and stays in the system longer. So, the amount of intake matters.
3. Frequency of Cocaine Usage
Constant use of cocaine makes it harder for the body to eliminate the drug. The body’s elimination system becomes less effective with frequent use.
4. Drug Interactions
Using other substances along with cocaine can increase the danger. For example, some people may combine alcohol with cocaine or Xanax and cocaine. This produces cocaethylene, a substance more dangerous and long-lasting than cocaine.

Did you know That it is advisable to avoid driving for at least 24 hours after use but longer if you still feel impaired after using Cocaine?

Did you know That it is advisable to avoid driving for at least 24 hours after use but longer if you still feel impaired after using Cocaine?
Onset and Duration of Cocaine’s Effects by Method of Use
The onset and duration of cocaine’s effects vary by method of use:
- Snorting: Effects start within 3-5 minutes and last up to 20 minutes.
- Smoking: The reaction starts within 5-10 seconds and lasts up to 20 minutes.
- Intravenous use: Effects start within 5-10 seconds and last up to 20 minutes.
- Oral ingestion: The reaction may start within 10-30 minutes and last up to 90 minutes.
What to Expect During a Cocaine Drug Test?
Cocaine drug tests use urine, blood, hair, or saliva to detect the presence of the drug or its metabolites. Here are some things to expect from your drug test:
- The test identifies metabolites such as benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester, byproducts of cocaine metabolism
- Drug tests can be conducted in a doctor’s office or clinical setting.
- Rapid screening results are available in minutes
- Urine and saliva tests are the most common
- While hair tests can detect cocaine use months later, they may be less accurate.
If you do not have time and want at-home drug testing services, ChoicePoint can help! Call us at 844.445.2565 and request your at-home drug testing today!
Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
How Long Does Coke Stay in Your System?- In A Nutshell
In conclusion, by now, we hope you can tell how long cocaine stays in a system and the rapid yet brief effects of cocaine that make it highly addictive for human consumption. It influences the brain by increasing dopamine levels, causing a short-lived euphoria that leads users to seek frequent usage of drugs. In 2022, it was estimated that more than 42 million people consumed cocaine in the USA at some point in their lives, which shows the intensity of cocaine addiction. The factors due to which cocaine stays longer in the system include frequent usage, amount of dosage, mixing it with other substances, and history of use. We hope that by knowing this information, preventive majors can be taken to avoid excessive cocaine use.
ChoicePoint has a team of highly vigilant DEA-certified practitioners who accept most insurance and offer the Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program. If you or a loved one is looking for a clinic in Fairlawn, New Jersey, contact us at 844.445.2565 now!
How Long Does Coke Stay in Your System?- Some Further Clarifications
Here are some more questions and answers to clear your understanding regarding How Long Does Cocaine Stay in your System?
Can Second-hand Cocaine Smoke Cause a Positive Drug Test?
It’s unlikely that secondhand cocaine would cause a positive. However, high exposure in a closed environment might lead to detectable levels.
How Accurate Are Home Drug Tests for Cocaine, and Can Prescription Medications Affect Cocaine Test Results?
Home drug tests can be accurate but may have false positives or negatives. Certain medications can cause false positives; always inform the testing provider about prescriptions.
How Long Does It Take for Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms to Appear, and What Are Common Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?
Withdrawal symptoms can appear within hours of the last use and peak within a few days. Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
- fatigue
- depression
- increased appetite
- agitation
Is There a Safe Level of Cocaine Use, and Can You Develop a Tolerance to Cocaine?
No, any level of cocaine use carries risks and potential for addiction. Yes, repeated cocaine use can lead to tolerance, requiring more of the drug to achieve the same effect.
Can You Test Positive for Cocaine From Kissing Someone Who Used It?
It’s highly unlikely but not impossible if direct contact with saliva exists.
References
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/806271/past-year-cocaine-use-us-adults/
- https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/cocaine/Global_cocaine_report_2023.pdf
- https://www.uwmedicine.org/sites/stevie/files/2018-11/Is-This-Safe-Take-While-Breastfeeding-English.pdf
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.