When people use cocaine, they are solely interested in the short-term effects. The alertness and euphoria they feel only last for so long, and then they use more to achieve the same high. It is highly addictive and dangerous. Overdoses happen due to the cocaine in a persons system reaching toxic levels, essentially poisoning them. The amount or dosage depends on the individual user. Some people have overdosed after ingesting a few hundred milligrams, while others can use several grams of the drug without overdosing. Experts estimate that the lethal dose is around 95 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. That would be about six and a half grams for a 150-pound person.
Approximately 15,000 people in the United States die each year from overdoses involving cocaine. If you have been regularly using cocaine and now recognize that you have a problem, you may want to consider checking yourself into a cocaine detox center.
Table of Contents
What Are Some Cocaine Overdose Symptoms?
Most people who die from cocaine overdoses have a heart attack or stroke. The drug significantly elevates your heart rate beyond what the body can handle, and the drug blinds them to what is happening until its too late. The following are some of the symptoms of a cocaine overdose:
- Increased blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Chest pains
- Labored breathing
- Blurred vision
- Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
- Hyperthermia (high blood pressure)
Cocaine overdoses occur when someone takes too much of the drug over a short period of time. With cocaine, the use of alcohol or marijuana may muddy the waters and put you in danger of an overdose.
Treatment for Cocaine Overdose
When someone overdoses on cocaine, the first thing done when they are in the hospital is a sedative to lower their heart rate and blood pressure. The sedative of choice is usually a benzodiazepine, which decreases the chances of a stroke or heart attack. The person who overdosed must stay calm. Agitated or excited behavior will only increase the chances of complications. Lowering the body temperature with ice packs or cold towels will help prevent the fever from escalating. They should try to relax through calm and even breathing, lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
What to Expect in Cocaine Detox
Medication-assisted therapy will help to counteract the symptoms of withdrawal. Most of the withdrawal symptoms for cocaine are psychological. They may experience slowed thinking and have difficulty concentrating. They may be either restless or exhausted, depending on the physiology of the patient. Depression and anxiety are common, as are an increased appetite and nightmares. Fortunately, all these symptoms are remedied through talk therapy. For instance, we use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to target negative thoughts and emotions associated with stopping the use of cocaine. Withdrawal symptoms typically last for 7-10 days but can start as soon as 90 minutes after cocaine use has stopped.
Reach Out to Ethan Crossing Recovery Today
Cocaine takes many people by surprise. Being a social drug, people feel pressure to keep up with the other people they are doing the drug with, which can lead them to do more than their body can handle. Combining it with alcohol and marijuana can mask some of the effects of the drug, making its users unaware that they are becoming increasingly erratic and agitated.
At Ethan Crossing Recovery near Springfield, Ohio, our cocaine detox program combines medication-assisted therapy with psychotherapy. We utilize evidence-based treatments alongside holistic treatments like yoga and music therapy to treat the addiction. We also offer one-on-one care in a relaxing setting. There is a game and lounge area, a gym, a calm room, and a host of wellness services. Anyone can get help at any point. Ethan Crossing Recovery serves the Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Ohio area. Contact us today.
FAQ’s
How Much Cocaine Can Cause An Overdose?
It depends on the person. Some people are hypersensitive to cocaine, while other people are less so, regardless of their body weight, age, or history of substance use. Even a small amount of cocaine can cause an overdose and serious side effects including high blood pressure and psychosis.
What Increases The Risk Of A Cocaine Overdose?
First-time users are vulnerable to overdosing, but so are people who have detoxed from cocaine. Once youve detoxed from cocaine, your body can no longer tolerate it in the same way, and even a small amount can be very toxic. Many cocaine overdoses happen when people relapse for this very reason - they underestimate the effect a hit of cocaine will have on them. Another issue is that its impossible to assess the strength or purity of cocaine before you take it. People can easily overdose if the quality of the cocaine is higher than what theyre used to taking, or if its been cut with other dangerous drugs like fentanyl or heroin.
What Should I Do If Someone Overdoses?
Call 911 immediately and monitor them so you can give emergency services information about their condition. If youve taken cocaine and are experiencing any side effects including dizziness, nausea, or chest pain, call 911 and stay where you are. If a friend or family member is nearby, ask them to wait with you until help arrives.
