Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America. Typically made available in a white powder form, it is snorted, smoked, or injected to produce a short-lived but intense feeling of euphoria and increased energy. Because of these effects, cocaine is highly addictive and can lead to overdose.
Cocaine works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, a chemical linked to feelings of reward and pleasure. However, repeated use disrupts the brain’s ability to produce natural dopamine, leading users to feel like they can’t function without the drug. This cycle of repeated use and dependence often leads to addiction, which increases the likelihood of dangerous consequences. Knowing how cocaine affects the body, what happens during a cocaine overdose, and the long-term health risks of cocaine use can prepare someone for preventing cocaine overdose and addiction.
Can You Overdose On Cocaine?
Yes, you can overdose on cocaine. Cocaine overdose occurs when a person has taken so much cocaine that they experience unpleasant, sometimes dangerous physical symptoms that leave them ill and impaired. In extreme cases, cocaine overdose symptoms include coma and death.1
From 2021 to 2022, the number of overdose deaths involving cocaine in the U.S. increased nearly 13%, with roughly 28,000 U.S. residents dying in 2022 from cocaine-involved drug overdose.2
Signs of Cocaine Overdose
Generally speaking, cocaine’s effects are similar to those of other stimulants. However, the speed and intensity with which these effects take hold contribute to the drug’s physical and even psychological risks. Signs of an overdose on cocaine include:1
- Anxiety, agitation, confusion
- Muscle tremors, such as in the face and fingers
- Enlarged pupils
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Paleness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever, sweating
- Seizures
- Loss of urine control
- High body temperature, severe sweating
- Bluish color of the skin
- Quickened breathing or difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
What Causes Cocaine Overdose?
Also known as cocaine intoxication, cocaine overdose can be caused by taking too much cocaine, taking a too-concentrated form of cocaine, using cocaine in combination with other substances like alcohol or heroin, or using cocaine when the weather is hot, which can lead to dangerous side effects because of dehydration.1
The reason a person would risk cocaine overdose involves the increased levels of dopamine, a chemical associated with feelings of pleasure that is produced naturally in the brain. This boost of dopamine is intense but short-lived, causing some users to take larger and larger amounts of cocaine within shorter and shorter time periods.
The repeated use of cocaine in this way can cause the brain to produce less dopamine, which leaves the user feeling like they are unable to function properly without the drug. This feeling of deficiency can lead to the development of physical or psychological dependence on cocaine, which can lead to addiction.2
Influencing Factors for Cocaine Overdose
Certain risk factors could contribute to the potential of an overdose. This makes it almost impossible to reduce the risk of or prevent an overdose. Factors include:
- Bodyweight
- Age when first using cocaine
- History of substance abuse
- Use of other substances
- Method of ingestion, for example, if you snort, smoke, or inject cocaine
How Much Cocaine Does it Take to Overdose?
Because it is an illicit substance, there is no way of identifying a “safe” amount of cocaine to take. Even a small amount can cause serious side effects in some users, depending on their body weight, age, their history of substance abuse, and their method of ingestion.1
Also, cocaine is often adulterated or “cut” with other substances to add weight or increase its potency. Some cocaine cutting agents include relatively harmless substances like flour, talcum powder, or cornstarch. However, heroin and fentanyl have been found in cocaine to make the substance more powerful and more likely to cause an overdose.3 Also, the strong anti-parasitic medication levamisole may be mixed into cocaine to add weight. Exposure to levamisole can cause skin blisters and seizures. Unfortunately, it is impossible to reliably identify the presence of illicit substances in cocaine by appearance, taste, or smell.4
What to Do if Someone is Overdosing on Cocaine
If you believe someone is experiencing a cocaine overdose, seek medical care immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number and stay with that person until medical help arrives. Be prepared to give information about the kind and amount of substances the person took.
If you suspect that a person’s overdose was caused by fentanyl or another opioid, you might consider using naloxone, better known by its brand name, Narcan™. Available as an injectable solution and nasal spray, naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal medication that can restore normal breathing for people whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to opioid overdose.5 Unfortunately, naloxone has no effect on cocaine overdose.
Long Term Risks of Cocaine Use
Long-term cocaine use can have serious, possibly life-threatening effects. Physical tolerance to cocaine can lead users to take higher or more frequent doses of the drug, while sensitization can increase toxic effects like anxiety or convulsions.
Different methods of cocaine use can also affect the user’s health in different ways. For instance, snorting cocaine can damage nasal tissues while smoking cocaine harms the lungs and injecting cocaine increases infection risks such as hepatitis C and HIV.3,6
The long-term risks of cocaine use include:3,6,7
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Pneumonia
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDs
- Increased seizures related to epilepsy
- Movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease
- Gastrointestinal complications, including ulcers
- Increased risk of stroke
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
The best way to prevent an overdose is to deal with the cocaine addiction at hand. Cocaine addiction is a substance abuse disorder, a disease that alters a person’s ability to stop taking the drug despite harmful consequences to their life. However, the condition is treatable through evidence-based treatment.
Long-term recovery is achievable through the help of a treatment center. This can offer support in managing withdrawal symptoms, dealing with the root of the addiction, and teaching tactics to deal with cravings.
If you or someone you know is struggling, then there are a range of treatment options that can help you take your first steps to recovery.
After finding a rehab program, you will receive addiction treatment on an outpatient or inpatient basis. You will receive individual therapy, group therapy, stress management, medication-assisted treatment and more. These techniques have been proven to support patients in working toward a sober and healthy future.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
At our Atlanta rehab center, we understand that drug addiction differs for everyone. We offer well-rounded recovery experience delivered by our team of experts. Our addiction therapy options include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-focused therapy
- Complementary therapies (ex. yoga, meditation)
- Family therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- And more
Our addiction rehab programs focus on long-term recovery to help you get back to living a sober and happy lifestyle.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Empowered Recovery Center is here to help. Contact us today to discuss treatment options for you. From choosing a treatment program, to insurance and payment options, our compassionate rehab admissions team is here to assist you every step of the way. To get started with treatment, call us or verify your insurance benefits today.
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