Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that affects our brain and body in various ways. Although some people may use cocaine for recreational purposes, its misuse can lead to irreversible health consequences such as overdose.
Recognising the signs of cocaine overdose is essential to prevent addiction and other life-threatening situations. In this blog post, join our experts from Sierra Recovery as they explore the symptoms of a cocaine overdose, its risk, and available treatment options.
What is Cocaine Overdose?
Many of us don’t know exactly what a cocaine overdose is. This condition occurs when you consume too much cocaine, which can lead to severe physical symptoms and psychological effects that your body cannot handle.
Cocaine is a substance that stimulates your central nervous system (CNS) and increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and even your body temperature. When you use too much cocaine, there’s a high tendency for your cardiovascular system to be overwhelmed, which increases the risk of potential heart attacks, seizures, or even strokes.
In addition, cocaine overdose may also happen when it is mixed with other substances, such as fentanyl or heroin. Considering that cocaine users may not be aware of the potential dangers of the substance, the risk of overdose is higher than they realise.
Signs of a Cocaine Overdose
Cocaine overdose can be identified by its signs and symptoms. Here are the early telltale symptoms and severe or life-threatening indicators that someone may have a cocaine overdose:
Early Warning Signs
It’s important to be aware of the early signs of cocaine overdose because it can save your life. Some of the initial symptoms you could experience include restlessness, anxiety, paranoia, sweating, nausea or vomiting, and tachycardia or rapid heart rate. These signs are indicative that your body is struggling to handle the stimulant effects of cocaine.
Severe and Life-Threatening Symptoms
As the cocaine overdose worsens, physical and psychological symptoms become even more intense to the extent that your body can no longer function properly. In this case, you may experience a seizure, which can result in permanent brain damage or even death.
In addition, some people may also experience loss of consciousness and high body temperature or hyperthermia, which can lead to multiple organ failure if left untreated. Call emergency services immediately if this happens to you or someone you know.
How Much Cocaine is Too Much?
The amount of cocaine that leads to an overdose varies from person to person. Several factors, such as your body weight, tolerance to cocaine, what method was used, and whether cocaine is mixed with other substances, all play a role in increasing your risk of developing an overdose.
Some cocaine users may overdose on a relatively small amount, while others may take more before they can experience severe effects. However, it has to be clear that there is no safe amount of cocaine use because each dosage carries a potential risk, and repeated use can lead to long-term damage.
What Are The Dangers of Cocaine Use?
Cocaine is a highly addictive substance and poses multiple dangers beyond the risk of overdose. In terms of physical health, excessive cocaine consumption is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular problems and multiple organ damage.
Your mental health is also at risk when you use cocaine, as this substance can cause severe anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
Generally, the more frequently you use cocaine, the harder it becomes for you to control your consumption, making it increasingly dangerous over time.
What To Do If Someone Overdoses on Cocaine?
If you suspect someone is overdosing on cocaine, you need to call emergency services immediately because it could be fatal without prompt medical intervention.
Keep them calm and conscious, and try to monitor their symptoms or watch for signs such as seizure or irregular breathing. Don’t leave them alone; stay with them until medical help arrives.
While there’s no specific antidote for cocaine overdose, emergency medical teams can provide treatments to stabilise them and prevent potentially fatal complications.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine addiction can be treated with a wide range of interventions, such as:
Cocaine Detox
Cocaine detox involves allowing your body to naturally remove the drug while managing your withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, irritability, and cravings. A medically supervised detox ensures that the process is safe and that complications will be managed immediately. It’s important to remember that detox at home is not recommended.
Therapies
Several therapies can be used to treat cocaine addiction and help promote long-term recovery. Some of the most commonly used are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). These approaches will help you identify the underlying cause of cocaine addiction and provide you with essential tools to deal with stress, triggers, and cravings.
Holistic and Alternative Therapies
Other helpful interventions for cocaine addiction are holistic and alternative therapies that focus on your overall well-being. These may include practising yoga and meditation, using art and music therapies, involvement in nutritional counselling, and regularly engaging in exercise programmes.
Inpatient Rehab
Cocaine addiction is best treated when you enter residential or inpatient rehab. This programme offers 24/7 medical supervision and intensive counselling and therapies while living in a structured and drug-free environment.
Inpatient rehab can help you focus entirely on your recovery without outside distractions or temptations. In addition, you’ll receive aftercare services to aid your transition back into your daily life while maintaining your sobriety.
Get Help and Prevent a Cocaine Overdose
Every decision you make today shapes your tomorrow. If cocaine use has taken control of your life, know that change is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
At Sierra Recovery, we are here to guide you and provide you with tools to help you rebuild a life beyond cocaine addiction. Take that first step now, not because you have to, but because you deserve a future where you are in control.
