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Can you overdose on cocaine? The short answer is yes, you certainly can, and cocaine overdose can be extremely dangerous.
Cocaine misuse is on the rise in the UK and it was reported last year that drug-poisoning deaths in England and Wales hit the highest level in 30 years, fuelled by a 30% rise in fatalities involving cocaine. Overdose risks can be amplified by unknown purity and the use of cocaine in combination with other substances. It’s important to know the risks and to seek help if you believe yourself or someone close to you to be affected by this drug.
What Is a Cocaine Overdose?
Cocaine overdose, also known as acute cocaine toxicity, refers to the adverse effects that can affect the user after taking too much cocaine. Any cocaine use can have negative effects such as anxiety, paranoia, nausea and increased heart rate. The term ‘overdose’, however, generally refers to very serious symptoms that can be potentially life-threatening.
A cocaine overdose can affect anyone who uses the drug. This includes both first-time users and those with more experience. There is no one ‘threshold dose’ that can lead to an overdose. Lots of individual factors can come into play, including the amount taken, strength, purity, the way it is taken, other substances used and the cardiovascular and overall health of the user.
How Cocaine Affects the Body
Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. It can cause effects that people seek out, including euphoria, increased energy and confidence.
The stimulant effect is largely caused by the drug blocking the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, including the ‘feel-good’ chemical dopamine.
The flood of stimulant chemicals can also have less pleasant short-term effects, including:
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
Excessive or repeated use can put a great deal of strain on the heart and the rest of the cardiovascular system. This can lead to a range of serious problems, including cardiac stress, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), seizures, stroke, hyperthermia and organ damage.
Cocaine is also very addictive. Cocaine addiction can lead to a vicious cycle of increasing tolerance and usage that in turn puts the user at more risk of physical and psychological harm.
Taking cocaine with other drugs can also cause other problems. For example, when cocaine and alcohol are mixed it can result in a new psychoactive called cocaethylene, which can be both longer lasting and more toxic.
Signs and Symptoms of a Cocaine Overdose
Symptoms of a cocaine overdose can occur very soon after using the drug and can escalate quickly.
Major physical signs of a cocaine overdose could include:
Rapid heartbeat and/or palpitations
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Dangerously high body temperature
- Seizures, tremors and muscle rigidity
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of consciousness
- Stroke
- Cardiac arrest
Some psychological and behavioural symptoms could include:
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Restlessness
- Panic
- Extreme agitation
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Delirium
Factors That Increase Overdose Risk
There are a number of factors that can affect the risk of overdosing on cocaine. The most obvious one is the amount and strength of cocaine used, but it is not always possible to accurately gauge this, even for people with extensive experience of using the drug. The strength and purity of any batch may vary, and the cocaine you buy may be ‘cut’ with other drugs or substances. In some cases, this may be a combination that increases the risk of overdose or serious harm in and of itself.
Some other factors that may increase the risk could include:
- The route of administration: The way the drug is taken and the speed of absorption can have an effect. Injecting can increase the risk of an overdose and present other dangers, such as the risk of infection. Smoking freebase or crack cocaine is also very dangerous as this form of the drug is more potent. However, it should be remembered that there is no safe way to take cocaine.
- Poor health: Cocaine use puts a great strain on the cardiovascular system and other parts of the body. A user with a weak heart or other issues may be at greater risk of overdose, or of suffering severe consequences including heart attack.
- Frequency of use and addiction: Chronic use places accumulated stress on body systems. Even of the user was previously in good health, repeated use of cocaine can make them more vulnerable.
Additionally, some people may be less tolerant of the drug and more susceptible to overdosing than others.
What to Do in a Suspected Overdose
You should call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or someone you are with has taken cocaine and exhibits symptoms such as those listed above.
If waiting for help, you should keep the person safe and monitor breathing and consciousness. Do not encourage them to ‘sleep it off’.
Unlike opioids, there is no universal antidote for cocaine overdose. Hospital treatment will be supportive and will look to stabilise the patient’s condition.
Long-term Complications and Consequences of Overdose
Even beyond the short-term risks, experiencing a cocaine overdose can have lasting effects. These can include long-term damage to the heart and cardiovascular system, potential brain injury, the possible effects of a stroke, kidney failure and tissue breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).
Any of this potential damage can also increase the risks of further overdose if the person continues to use the drug. An overdose is very frightening and can have a psychological impact, including trauma and potentially triggering mental health issues or exacerbating existing ones.
Recovering from an Overdose and Path to Treatment
A follow-up medical evaluation is very important after experiencing a cocaine overdose, as it can cause long-lasting damage and ongoing problems that may need further treatment or management. Hopefully, any overdose will serve as a catalyst for stopping the use of the drug, and you may also need help with this, particularly if you are addicted.
Some options available could involve a supervised physical detox, psychotherapy, counselling, peer support or a complete holistic cocaine rehab programme.
Awareness Saves Lives: Help is Available
Cocaine overdose is a very real and dangerous risk, but with the proper knowledge and action, that risk can be reduced. The only way to completely avoid the risk of cocaine overdose is to stop taking cocaine. This can be difficult, but recovery is possible, and support is always available.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing cocaine-related harm, contact Rehab Clinics Group now for confidential support and guidance on treatment options. Call us today on 03301 596 494.
