Man high on cocaine looking at his watch to learn how long cocaine will stay in his system

How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System? 

With continuous use, cocaine never leaves the person’s system. This leads to adverse health consequences, including gastrointestinal problems, heart diseases, stroke, and others. Once the person stops taking cocaine, it leaves their body in around four to five days.

Once cocaine leaves the system, the rehabilitation process begins. Inland Detox provides detoxification and rehabilitation services to people with cocaine addiction and helps them regain a chance at leading fulfilling lives.

Many people struggle with substance use disorders and can feel alone in their battle with addiction. Many options are available when people are ready to attend a treatment program to recover from their cocaine abuse. Inland Detox in Southern California has a proven track record of supporting people as they start their journey to sobriety.

Do I Need to Detox from Cocaine?

If a person wants to stop taking cocaine and battle their addiction, they need to detox. During the detoxification process, the substance and related toxins leave the body and allow it to start healing. Many of the short-term effects of cocaine addiction can be felt during detox. 

Cocaine detoxification takes around four to five days. During this time, the final traces of the substance leave the system. While a person is at a cocaine addiction treatment center, they may experience withdrawal symptoms that range in severity. 

Such symptoms include the following:

  • Tremors
  • Chills
  • Aches and pains
  • Fatigue and exhaustion
  • Nightmares
  • Depressive thoughts
  • Anxiety
  • Increased appetite
  • Problems with concentration

Once the substance is no longer in the system, physical symptoms of withdrawal subside. However, psychological consequences remain. During rehabilitation, it’s essential to address them thoroughly, learn how to fight cravings, and get life back on track.

People always have the option to detox on their own. However, many addicts can’t handle the symptoms and cave back into using. That’s why seeking professional assistance and a cocaine addiction treatment program is crucial. 

During the detox process, individuals need to:

  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Consume sufficient vitamins and minerals
  • Implement relaxation techniques
  • Get enough fresh air
  • Live in comfortable conditions

People who go through detox in a professional rehabilitation center can access experienced medical professionals. These medical professionals can prescribe medication that eases withdrawal symptoms.

The right approach to withdrawal sets the stage for the entire rehabilitation process. If done properly, a person has an easier time fighting the addiction. Overall, the first part of rehabilitation can take between 30 and 90 days.  

Once the person finishes a course of addiction treatment programs, they can continue getting assistance in support groups.

What Are Cocaine Treatment Options?

Cocaine is an illegal substance with highly addictive properties. People can get addicted to cocaine after the first use and struggle with the addiction for the rest of their lives.  About 2% of the adult American population uses cocaine. Many of these people never seek substance abuse treatment programs.

Those with a fighting chance of getting their lives back on track. Many different treatments for cocaine addiction exist. Depending on individual situations, clinical teams at  a rehab center can combine several treatments.

Support Groups

Peer support groups play a significant role in successful rehabilitation. Patients can find the nearest group in their area or join online sessions. These groups create a place for ex-cocaine users to share their experiences with people who understand their struggle.

Peer groups do an excellent job of helping people fight cravings and prevent relapses. Being a part of the group eliminated the feeling of loneliness and despair that often accompany addiction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches people how to make new connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions to help them avoid relapses.

A patient works with a therapist to learn that destructive thoughts and behavior are counterproductive. They figure out how to change their way of thinking through individual therapy to focus on positive things in their lives.

Drug abuse often begins because people search for a “pain reliever” for negative thoughts and emotions. CBT addresses the root problem, helping patients overcome negativity through addiction therapy.

Meditation

While a person is going through rehabilitation, they can benefit from stress-relieving therapies. These therapies may include yoga, meditation, physical exercise, and massage.

Besides helping a person relax and avoid negative thoughts, these practices can work toward restoring their physical health.

Medication

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is yet to approve any medication that helps treat cocaine addiction. A doctor can prescribe a pain reliever or other meds to ease physical cocaine withdrawal symptoms.

Once the drug leaves the system, patients can take advantage of behavioral therapy, counseling, support groups, and recovery groups.

Vaccine

Researchers are currently working on a cocaine vaccine. The vaccine aims to reduce or eliminate the feeling of being high in people who use cocaine. This can help individuals stop using the drug and start the detoxification process faster.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient for Cocaine Treatment

Cocaine addiction recovery can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

  • Inpatient – living in the rehab facility and working with a clinical team throughout the day.
  • Outpatient – living at home and coming to a rehab center to work with a clinical team.

Both inpatient and outpatient treatment involve CBT, group therapy, and other options. While outpatient drug addiction treatment may seem more convenient, it’s not always as effective as inpatient treatment. This is especially true for people who just went through detox.

Studies show that outpatient treatment has a higher rate of failure in the early stages of rehab than an inpatient treatment option.

Besides being more effective, inpatient treatment creates a special safe environment for a person who is struggling with addiction. They don’t have an opportunity to face the outside world’s problems and return to their bad habits.

Once the patient completes inpatient rehabilitation, they can continue getting help on an outpatient basis. For example, Inland Detox offers follow-up and aftercare services for patients discharged from our inpatient care.

Find Help with Cocaine Addiction at Inland Detox

While a serious condition, and cocaine use disorder is highly treatable. With the right approach to detoxification, rehabilitation, and follow-up care, it’s possible to fight the addiction and prevent relapses.

Inland Detox offers a comprehensive detox and rehab program that helps people get cocaine out of their system and start recovery. We help patients stabilize their physical and mental health as we support them on their journey to recovery.

Learn more about Inland Detox rehabilitation options for people with cocaine addiction today.