Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that is highly addictive. Also called coke, crack, snow, blow, and rock, this illegal drug leads to a surge in the levels of a natural chemical called dopamine in the brain. This, in turn, causes signs and symptoms such as intense emotions like happiness or anger, high alertness and energy, extreme sensitivity to sights, sounds, and touch, paranoia, and decreased appetite.
Regular use of cocaine can lead to serious side effects and health problems. In addition to long-term health consequences, cocaine abuse is associated with a more immediate danger – cocaine overdose.
Please continue reading to learn how to recognize the symptoms of cocaine overdose and what to do if it occurs.
Can you overdose on cocaine?
Yes, you can overdose on cocaine or coke. It is a stimulant drug that causes your heart to beat faster and your blood pressure and respiratory rate to increase.
Cocaine can be deadly if it is taken in large doses. It is particularly dangerous if it is mixed with other drugs or alcohol. For example, combining cocaine and heroin (“speedballing”) is associated with a higher risk of overdose death.
Can you die from cocaine?
Yes, you can die from a cocaine overdose. Drug overdose deaths involving cocaine occur because the heart stops beating and the person stops breathing.
A overdose of coke can also lead to a heart attack, stroke, coma, and ultimately, death.
How much cocaine does it take to overdose?
It is impossible to predict how much cocaine will lead to an overdose in any given person. The dose that causes an overdose can vary widely from person to person. It also depends on the purity of the cocaine, the method of use, and other factors.
It is worth noting, however, that even small amounts of cocaine can lead to an overdose. You can overdose and die from cocaine use the very first time you use the drug or unexpectedly afterwards.
In general, individual doses of cocaine range from 10 mg to 150 mg. A person may suffer a cocaine overdose from a few hundred milligrams while someone else may not overdose even after using several grams of cocaine. Injecting cocaine is the most dangerous. This method of using cocaine can lead to fatal overdoses with as little as 20-50 mg of the drug.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the practice of cutting cocaine with fentanyl has been on the rise in recent years. Fentanyl is an opioid and has heroin-like effects. Even a tiny amount of cocaine that contains fentanyl can cause an overdose.
What does a cocaine overdose feel like?
Small amounts of cocaine typically make a user feel energetic, euphoric, alert, talkative, and sensitive to sights, sounds, and touch. These effects appear almost immediately after taking cocaine and disappear in about an hour. However, larger doses of cocaine can lead to overdose and death.
Cocaine overdose symptoms may include:
- Hallucinations
- Extreme agitation or anxiety
- Confusion
- Teeth grinding or chattering
- Unrelenting energy
Signs of cocaine overdose can also include:
- High blood pressure
- Fast or irregular heart rate and rhythm
- Excessive sweating and high temperature
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Muscle twitches
- Headache
A cocaine overdose can lead to serious health complications such as:
- Kidney failure
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Coma
- Death
What to do in case of a cocaine overdose?
A cocaine overdose is a medical emergency. There is no special antidote that can reverse the dangerous effects of this drug. Treatment for a cocaine overdose must take place in a hospital setting and usually involves the use of sedative drugs like benzodiazepines.
If you know or suspect that someone has overdosed on coke, call the emergency number in your area. If the person is not breathing, does not have a heartbeat, or is not responsive, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), if you know how, until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Other measures you can employ to help a person who has overdosed on cocaine include:
- Lay the person on their side. This can help to prevent choking on vomit.
- If the person is having a seizure, remove any sharp objects nearby that might cause injuries.
- Apply a cold compress to bring down body temperature
- Stay with the person until emergency medical personnel arrive.
- Try to keep the person calm by having them focus on their breathing.
Seeking treatment for cocaine addiction
If you are not sure whether you or a loved one is addicted to cocaine, a self-assessment test is a good starting point. If you know there’s a cocaine problem, the best way to put the dangers of cocaine overdose behind you is to seek treatment for cocaine addiction.
There are several long-term benefits of seeking professional cocaine addiction treatment from experts in addiction medicine, including long-term recovery, better mental and physical health, and improved relationships.
At Rosglas Recovery, we offer evidence-based, high-quality drug rehabilitation for cocaine users at our luxury therapy retreats with complete confidentiality assured.
Our highly experienced team of addiction experts works on one patient at a time to ensure complete privacy and an individualized treatment approach. We also offer a range of complementary therapies such as reflexology, massage therapy, tai-chi and more, for a comprehensive and lasting recovery from cocaine addiction.
If you or a loved one is battling cocaine abuse, get in touch with us at today at +353 1 458 3575 and talk to us about a treatment plan that will address your specific needs.
