Many users wonder, “How long does cocaine last?” At Recovery Ways, we know the answer. The effects of cocaine on the central nervous system can occur within 5 to 30 minutes. The high is intense but does not last long. At most, the effects may continue for an hour. Several factors determine the actual amount of time that cocaine lasts. Let’s look at a few below.
How Long Does Cocaine Last in Your System?
It depends on how it enters the bloodstream. There are several ways to take cocaine. How a person ingests the substance will determine how quickly it acts and how long it lasts. The most common methods for ingesting cocaine include:
Snorting
People snort cocaine into the nose using any device at their disposal, but how long does cocaine last in your system? Snorting cocaine can get the substance in the bloodstream fast. Effects usually occur within five minutes and last for up to 20 minutes. Since the results are short-lived, users snort several times in a single session to continue the feeling. This reaction is how many overdoses occur.
Smoking
Smoking sends ‘crack’ cocaine from the lungs directly to the heart and then on to the brain. For some people, this method is slower. However, most users experience a high within ten seconds of the first puff. Effects usually last up to 20 minutes. Users typically take multiple puffs in a single session.
Intravenous Use
Shooting up is another common form of using cocaine that produces fast results. Average time for a person to feel the effects is five to ten seconds. They will continue on the high for up to 20 minutes. While intravenous use is highly effective, it is also highly risky for several reasons – mainly because of the dangers associated with sharing needles.
Oral Ingestion
Oral ingestion takes some patience from the user. However, it delivers a more intense high for an extended period. It takes about 30 minutes for it to activate. Once the effects set in, a user may enjoy the high for up to 90 minutes. It is not uncommon to overdose after you swallow. The reason for this is that it takes more significant amounts to get high than other methods.
Treatment for Cocaine Overdose and Addiction
How long does cocaine last? The side effects of a cocaine overdose can last a lifetime if you do not get proper treatment immediately.
Because the effects only last for a few minutes, users often overdose due to multiple uses or large dosages in a single session. An overdose can lead to high blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, seizures, high temperature, vomiting, and confusion, or dizziness. For this reason, immediate medical attention is crucial to avoid terminal health problems or fatality.
Find the Answer to How Long Does Cocaine Last at Recovery Ways Today
How long does cocaine last? Find out more at Recovery Ways. We offer a comprehensive cocaine addiction treatment program, which includes detox, rehab, and aftercare at our addiction treatment center in Utah. Contact us at 888.986.7848 to get started with your treatment today.