How to Get Cocaine Out of Your System

How to Get Cocaine Out of Your System

Published: 03/4/20


Cocaine is a very commonly used illicit drug that gives users a short, euphoric ‘high’, quickly followed by a ‘crash’ that leaves them wanting more. This dangerous cycle makes the drug very addictive.

Cocaine comes in many forms, and you may hear it called by street names which include: ‘crack’, ‘coke’, ‘flake’, ‘rocks’, and ‘snow’. If you are dependent upon or addicted to cocaine, you need to understand the detox process and how to get it out of your system.

How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?

Cocaine is unique in that it can be taken in a number of ways. Users usually smoke or snort it, but it can also be injected or taken orally. The method of ingestion will affect how long the drug stays in the system.

Smoking cocaine (typically crack) causes an intense high that lasts around 5 to 10 minutes. Snorting it, on the other hand, causes a less intense high that usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

When it comes to drug tests, cocaine can be detected by certain forms of testing for up to 90 days after the last use. Several factors affect how long cocaine is detectable in your system. These include:

  • Use specifics: People who abuse cocaine more heavily, for longer, will get a build-up of the drug in their system. Detox usually takes longer for heavy users.

  • Metabolism: Everyone processes drugs at different rates. Factors such as age, weight, health, and height can influence drug metabolism.

  • Health/other substance abuse: People with healthy bodies tend to process drugs like cocaine at faster rates. If you are unhealthy, old, overweight, or abusing other drugs, all of these could make cocaine stay in your body longer.

Can You Speed up Cocaine Detox?

There is nothing you can do to safely speed up the detox process from cocaine. A quick internet search will surely yield several results of products that advertise themselves as “fast detox aids”. Do not fall victim to these products—they are ineffective, and can be very dangerous.

The only way to get cocaine out of your system is to let your body go through its natural process. You can aid your body in this process by taking better care of it. Drinking plenty of water, sleeping well, exercising, and eating healthy foods are all ways to keep your body in good shape so it can detox smoothly.

It is important to remember that cocaine withdrawal and detox can include unpleasant symptoms and very intense cravings for the drug. It may be best to visit a certified cocaine treatment center to undergo detox there. 

If you choose to go through detox at a treatment center, you are setting yourself up for a successful and smooth recovery.

What to Expect During Cocaine Detox

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms will occur when someone who has used a lot of the drug stops taking it or cuts their use. Withdrawal symptoms can show up even if a user still has some cocaine in their bloodstream.

Withdrawal from some drugs such as heroin and alcohol can include intense physical symptoms like vomiting, shaking, and fever. Cocaine withdrawal is not known to be this intense, but it can be uncomfortable enough that it makes users relapse.

To avoid relapse, the safest bet is to detox from cocaine at a detox center. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Depression
  • Extreme lethargy and tiredness
  • An overall feeling of discomfort
  • Increase in appetite
  • Vivid dreams and nightmares
  • Strong cocaine cravings

During withdrawal, cravings for cocaine can be extremely powerful. In long-term, heavy users, cravings may last for several months after cocaine use is stopped. It is not wise to underestimate the power of cocaine cravings. 

The best environment for a successful cocaine rehab is at a cocaine treatment center. Here, an immersive environment and frequent drug testing ensure that patients stay sober during their recovery.

How to Stop Using Cocaine

The first step towards gaining control over your cocaine abuse is calling a treatment center. You will start with a consultation, where you will talk with doctors and counselors about your history and recovery goals.

From here, you can begin your rehab process. Depending on your specific situation, addiction staff will recommend a treatment plan just for you. This plan may include some or all of the following elements:

  • Inpatient rehab: At inpatient rehab, you will live alongside staff and other addicts in recovery. You will be totally immersed in the recovery process, stripping away all distractions to focus on your sobriety and wellbeing.

  • Outpatient care: In certain cases, outpatient care might be suitable. If your drug use is not severe and you are otherwise stable and high-functioning, you may be able to live at home while receiving cocaine treatment.

  • Therapy: No matter your treatment setting, therapy is likely to find its way into your care plan. It is very important to understand your triggers and underlying causes for cocaine use. Therapy can help with this.

If you are ready to stop using cocaine and turn your life around, call Recovering Champions today. We can help you get cocaine out of your system and start your road to recovery. Remember, cocaine overdose can be fatal. No amount of cocaine use is safe.

A better life is just one call away!


  1. Cocaine withdrawal: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.)
  2. How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System? (2013, March 14).
  3. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). How is cocaine addiction treated?