Josh Chandler | April 26, 2024

Cocaine Overdose Symptoms and Dangers

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you overdose on cocaine,” you should be aware that yes, you can. If you use cocaine, an illicit drug that is only rarely offered in medical/clinical settings during some surgical procedures, you risk overdose. Cocaine is a powerful and addictive stimulant drug that can deliver a potent and pleasurable high. When high on cocaine, people report feeling increased energy, euphoria, and increased confidence. Although many people find cocaine to be a ‘feel-good’ drug, it doesn’t always deliver a pleasurable high. Some people experience negative effects such as increased anxiety. Moreover, abusing cocaine carries a serious risk of cocaine overdose. 

 

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Understanding Cocaine and Its Effects

Cocaine is considered to be among the world’s most addictive substances. Cocaine is synthesized from a South American plant known as the coca plant. When taking cocaine, users can experience a euphoric high characterized by increased energy and alertness. Although many users report feeling intensely good when taking this drug, it’s not uncommon for some people to feel anxious or even paranoid due to how cocaine alters the brain. When taking cocaine, there is a serious risk of overdose.  Cocaine is also addictive, so individuals who abuse this drug are at risk of developing a substance use disorder. 

Can You Overdose on Cocaine?

Using cocaine with other drugs or alcohol can heighten the risk of overdose. Moreover, purchasing cocaine on the street is dangerous as this drug isn’t regulated. Some drug sellers lace their cocaine with other substances that increase the drug’s potency; this also elevates the risk of overdose. 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose

It’s important to understand the symptoms of cocaine overdose so that you can call for timely medical intervention if needed. When experiencing a cocaine overdose, a person might display a couple or several symptoms of the medical emergency. Some of the most common symptoms of cocaine overdose include:

  1. Dilated pupils
  2. Chest pain
  3. Increased heart rate
  4. Rise in body temperature
  5. Tremors
  6. Panic attack
  7. Increased anxiety
  8. Delirium
  9. Seizures
  10. Coma

A cocaine overdose can cause medical emergencies such as heart attacks. If someone has become unconscious, contacting emergency medical services is essential.

The Immediate Dangers of Cocaine Overdose

So, what happens when you overdose? The immediate dangers of cocaine overdose involve the symptoms listed above. Many of those symptoms are treatable, but it’s important to obtain emergency medical care in the event of a cocaine overdose. Even what appears to be a mild increase in unpleasant drug side effects can quickly escalate into a medical emergency, so it’s important not to delay calling for help if you suspect an overdose. If you begin to experience these symptoms, it’s important not to wait to call for help. Your symptoms could render you unable to call if you become debilitated. 

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Long-Term Consequences of Cocaine Abuse and Overdose

Cocaine can cause overdose, but that’s not all. Cocaine is a toxic substance. It can cause damage to vital organs in the body, like the heart. Prolonged cocaine abuse can lead to frequent nosebleeds, depression, anxiety, increased lethargy, agitation, and, of course, the development of drug dependence and addiction. If you are addicted to cocaine, your mental and physical health are at risk. Also, overdosing on this drug comes with health risks. Cocaine overdose survivors may be left with organ damage as a result of the overdose event. In some cases, overdose can lead to long-term or permanent mental and/or physical health damage. In short, a drug overdose can cause life-altering consequences even if the individual survives the initial emergency. 

Responding to a Cocaine Overdose

If you suspect that someone is experiencing a cocaine overdose, you should call for emergency medical services at once. After making the call, be sure to remain with the individual. If they are unconscious, be sure to turn them on their side so that if they vomit, they won’t choke on it. If they are awake, try to speak reassuringly to them. If the individual feels warm because of increased body temperature, you can place a cold compress on their head. If the person experiences seizures, keep them from anything they could fall on and become injured. 

 

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start your recovery today!

 

Prevention and Risk Reduction

You can prevent a cocaine overdose simply by not using this drug. Otherwise, there isn’t a way to eliminate the risk of cocaine overdose. If you are addicted to cocaine, never use it with other drugs or alcohol, as this increases the overdose risk. You should get help dealing with your addiction by enrolling in a high-quality addiction treatment plan that includes medical detox. At Muse Treatment, you can get support during your recovery journey. Our treatment plans are customized for each client. If you are living with a cocaine addiction, you can get help ending your dependence on this drug and transforming your life and health for the better. 

Treatment and Recovery from Cocaine Addiction at Muse Treatment

Muse Treatment offers cocaine addiction treatment at our safe and welcoming rehab facility. We feature licensed and experienced clinicians who specialize in addiction treatment. Our cocaine addiction rehab in Los Angeles offers comprehensive treatment that allows our clinicians to meet clients wherever they are in the recovery process. 

Contact Muse Treatment Center online or call us at 800-426-1818 to learn more about our substance abuse programs. Whether you enroll in inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment, you can get the support you need to achieve long-term recovery. Muse Treatment accepts many forms of health insurance for drug rehab. If you have questions about insurance, treatment costs, or our therapeutic approaches, be sure to call us. We look forward to helping you put your addiction in your past. 

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Josh Chandler
Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.


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