With all the demands of modern life, it can be hard to stay on top of everything. Your energy and attention may be pulled in many directions between work or school, relationships, household responsibilities, and concerns about how you will pay your bills with seemingly no end in sight to rapid inflation. Some people try to numb feelings of stress and overwhelm with alcohol, marijuana, or benzodiazepines. Others try to quell anxiety and fear by taking on extra jobs or going back to school but need a boost from energizing substances like caffeine, methamphetamines, or even cocaine to help them push through an exhausting schedule.
While it is understandable that you want to do whatever it takes to keep your head above water, stimulants like cocaine have a number of hazardous side effects. Get to know more about this powerful stimulant drug, how long it stays in your system, and how it can harm your future.
If you or someone you know needs help to quit cocaine, 5 Palms offers comprehensive cocaine addiction treatment in Florida. Our whole-person approach emphasizes your physical, emotional, and mental well-being to set you up for recovery success.
The Origins of Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug derived from the coca plant. It has a long history of use as far back as ancient times when Andean civilizations used the drug for medicinal purposes. These people would chew the leaves of the coca plant, steep them to make tea or apply them to the skin to alleviate discomfort from cold, hunger, or altitude sickness. They also chewed the coca leaves to provide stamina and energy, which is what draws most people to cocaine today.
Based on its origins, cocaine may come across as a beneficial substance like many nutritional supplements that are available on store shelves. However, it is important to distinguish between the coca leaves used for thousands of years by Indigenous people and the cocaine that circulates in the United States today, which is a highly addictive drug that can have devastating consequences.
The process of creating cocaine from the coca plant involves dangerous chemicals, including gasoline, ether, and acetone, which results in a much more potent and toxic substance. Cocaine is extracted from the leaves and processed into a fine white powder that is snorted. The powder can also be dissolved in water and injected or heated and smoked.
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?
Cocaine induces an intense high within a couple of minutes that dissipates in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Although you may no longer feel the energizing effects after this time, the drug can remain in your system much longer. This may be of particular concern if you are required to take a drug test. The results of a drug test can show positive for cocaine for different lengths of time, depending on the type of test used and the amount of cocaine consumed:
- Blood and saliva tests can detect cocaine up to two days after the last use.
- Urine tests can detect cocaine up to four days afterward.
- Hair follicle tests can show evidence of cocaine use for up to 90 days.
This information is helpful if you anticipate needing to take a drug test. But whether or not you need to undergo drug testing, you should keep in mind that cocaine is highly addictive, and long-term cocaine abuse can lead to:
- Chronic respiratory issues
- Cardiovascular problems
- Impaired cognitive function
- A wide range of mental health challenges
Cocaine is a substance that should be taken seriously. It’s not harmless and, over time, can be dangerous to you and those you love. If you’re struggling, reach out for help today.
Schedule an Evaluation for Cocaine Addiction Treatment at 5 Palms Today
At 5 Palms, we understand that everyone comes to substance misuse for different reasons, so we provide nonjudgmental addiction treatment designed to address your personal needs. Get the support you need to quit cocaine and achieve your goals for a healthier, more secure future by calling us now at 1.844.675.1022. You can also submit the online form and we will get back to you.