Cocaine typically stays in your system for a variable amount of time depending on the type of test and individual factors such as usage frequency, amount, metabolism, and body composition. Detection windows by test type:
- Blood: Cocaine can be detected for about 12 to 48 hours after last use, with light users closer to 12 hours and heavy users up to 48 hours
- Urine: Cocaine metabolites, especially benzoylecgonine, can be detected in urine generally from 2 to 10 days. One-time users usually test positive for 3 to 5 days, heavy users up to 7 days, and chronic users up to 14 days or more
- Saliva: Cocaine can be detected up to 2 days after use
- Hair: Cocaine can be detected in hair samples for up to 90 days after use
Metabolism details:
- Cocaine itself has a short half-life of about 1 to 1.5 hours, meaning it is quickly broken down.
- The primary metabolite tested for is benzoylecgonine, which has a longer half-life (about 5.5 to 12 hours) and can remain detectable for days after cocaine use
- Factors such as how often and how much cocaine is used, the method of use (snorting, smoking, injecting), body fat percentage, metabolism speed, and alcohol consumption can all affect how long cocaine and its metabolites stay detectable
Summary:
- Cocaine itself clears from blood within 1-2 days.
- Metabolites can be detected in urine for up to 10 days or longer in heavy or chronic users.
- Hair tests can detect cocaine use up to 3 months.
- No scientifically proven methods reliably speed up elimination, though hydration may have a minor effect
In essence, cocaine can stay detectable in your system anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks depending on usage patterns and testing methods.
