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Cocaine Overdose: Signs to Watch For

One of the primary risks of cocaine use disorder is fatal overdose. Cocaine overdose looks different from other types of drug overdoses. The signs of overdose will depend on the substance in question.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the rate of fatal overdose is now historically high, with more than 107,543 deaths reported in 2022. For cocaine drug overdose, 29,918 deaths are reported in the United States. This represents an increase compared to the estimated 28,441 cocaine-related deaths in 2022. The following information can help you recognize the signs that someone is experiencing a cocaine overdose.
If you or someone you know has a cocaine use disorder, don’t wait for an overdose. Find the nearest addiction treatment center or call 877-978-6747.

What is Cocaine Overdose?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system, leading to a range of physiological and psychological effects. An overdose occurs when an individual consumes a toxic amount of cocaine, overwhelming the body’s ability to cope and leading to potentially fatal consequences.

Signs of Cocaine Overdose Includes the Following

Intense Euphoria Followed by Severe Agitation

Cocaine brings on intense feelings of happiness, but this can quickly turn into severe agitation and irritability. This sudden change in mood is a clear warning sign of an overdose. If someone becomes overly agitated or aggressive after using cocaine, it may mean they’ve taken too much.

Extreme Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Cocaine stimulates the brain, leading to extreme anxiety and panic attacks. This can manifest as sudden, intense fear, and a sense of impending doom. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help immediately. According to Sarah Vevers in Medical News Today, repeated and escalating use of cocaine can lead to heightened irritability and restlessness. Additionally, individuals may experience paranoia, panic attacks, and psychosis.

Profuse Sweating and Hyperthermia

Cocaine can cause a significant rise in body temperature, resulting in excessive sweating and hyperthermia. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If someone is sweating profusely and seems overheated, this indicates that they are experiencing an overdose.
In an article by Eric Nougnay in the New York Times, researchers reported in The Annals of Internal Medicine that cocaine not only raises body temperature but also impairs the body’s ability to cool itself. This effect makes it difficult for users to recognize when they are overheating and to take actions such as seeking a cooler environment.

Irregular Heartbeat and Chest Pain

Cocaine has a powerful effect on the cardiovascular system, often causing an irregular heartbeat and chest pain. These symptoms can signal a heart attack or other serious heart conditions. Immediate medical attention is necessary if someone exhibits these signs.

Nausea and Vomiting

They are frequently observed symptoms of a cocaine overdose, indicating gastrointestinal distress. Cocaine disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system, often leading to these discomforting symptoms. Persistent vomiting can result in dehydration and other related complications.
According to Jessica Caporuscio in the New York Times, ingesting cocaine orally can cause digestive system side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. These effects can be both short-term and long-term. Long-term use can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening issues, including perforation or bleeding in the digestive tract.
Hallucinations and Paranoia

Hallucinations and Paranoia

High doses of cocaine can make people experience hallucinations and paranoia. These symptoms can cause individuals to see or hear things that aren’t really there and become excessively suspicious of others. Recognizing these signs early on is crucial to prevent potentially dangerous situations.

Seizures and Tremors

Cocaine impacts the nervous system and can cause seizures and tremors. These symptoms indicate severe neurological distress and require immediate medical intervention. Seizures are particularly dangerous as they can result in injury or even death if not treated promptly.
In an article by Kathryn Watson in Healthline, it is explained that prolonged flooding of the brain with dopamine can damage its structure, leading to seizure disorders and other neurological conditions. Cocaine use also slows glucose metabolism in the brain, causing neurons to function more slowly or die off.
Difficulty Breathing

Difficulty Breathing

Cocaine can affect respiratory function, making it difficult for someone to breathe. This can be due to airway constriction or fluid in the lungs. Difficulty breathing is a serious sign of overdose and should be treated as a medical emergency.
According to research in the National Library of Medicine, cocaine can induce changes in the respiratory tract due to its pharmacological effects, which can occur locally or systemically, its method of administration (smoking, sniffing, injecting), or its impact on the central nervous system’s regulation of pulmonary function.

Loss of Consciousness

Losing consciousness is one of the most severe signs of a cocaine overdose. If someone passes out after using cocaine, it indicates a critical level of overdose that requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Cardiac arrest, a critical consequence of cocaine abuse, occurs when the user’s heart stops beating, leading to a loss of consciousness. Prior to this, the user may experience hyperventilation or severe dizziness. Cardiac arrest is one of the primary causes of death from cocaine overdose.

Dilated Pupils and Visual Disturbances

Cocaine causes pupils to dilate, which can lead to visual disturbances. This symptom, coupled with any of the above signs, can help confirm suspicions of an overdose. It is important to observe these changes and act quickly.
According to Adam England, one of cocaine’s most noticeable effects is pupil dilation, meaning it makes your pupils appear larger than usual. Being a stimulant, cocaine can trigger the release of chemicals and endorphins in the brain.

Solution And Treatment Approach

Effective treatment for cocaine addiction involves a holistic approach that considers both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. Firstly, detoxification is crucial to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to transition to a stable state.
Following detoxification, partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are essential in addiction treatment, offering structured, intensive care that bridges inpatient and outpatient services. PHPs provide a combination of medical supervision and targeted pharmacological treatments, such as propranolol for reducing cravings and managing acute withdrawal symptoms.
Alongside these treatments, PHPs incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the psychological aspects of cocaine addiction.
This comprehensive approach not only manages withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings but also helps patients identify and alter harmful thought patterns and behaviors, significantly enhancing long-term recovery prospects and minimizing relapse risk.
Medications may also be prescribed to reduce cravings and stabilize mood, supporting the therapeutic process. This holistic approach considers the various dimensions of cocaine addiction, providing essential support for individuals seeking sustained sobriety.
Addiction Terms

How Does Sunrise Recovery Help?

At Sunrise Recovery, we understand the complexities of cocaine addiction and offer specialized programs designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. Our approach combines evidence-based therapies, medical supervision, and not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Our team utilizes evidence-based practices combined with innovative therapeutic techniques to ensure comprehensive care.

Recap

Cocaine Addiction presents serious risks and requires immediate intervention. Recognizing the signs—such as intense euphoria followed by agitation, extreme anxiety, profuse sweating, irregular heartbeat, nausea, hallucinations, seizures, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and dilated pupils—is crucial for timely medical help.
Cocaine addiction is on the rise, with overdose deaths increasing significantly. This concludes the urgent need for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
For those seeking assistance with cocaine addiction, Sunrise Recovery is an ideal choice. With a compassionate team and tailored treatment plans, our center is dedicated to supporting individuals through every step of their recovery journey.
To know more information or immediate assistance, contact Sunrise Recovery today on +1 (877) 978 – 6747 or visit our website to learn about our programs and support options. If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction, we are here to help.

Next steps

Now that you have learned the signs to watch for cocaine overdose. Ready to take the next step? Learn about Sunrise Recovery’s blogs here.

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