How to Recognize a Cocaine Overdose

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that has a high potential for misuse and dependency. Despite the temporary euphoria it may create, it poses serious health risks and other dangers. Cocaine overdose is a medical emergency – it can be hazardous and even fatal, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances. Therefore it is important to know the signs of cocaine overdose to respond appropriately.

What are the Symptoms of a Cocaine Overdose?

Overdose means that there is more of the substance present in the body than it can handle. Cocaine overdose is a life-threatening condition that demands immediate medical attention. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose from cocaine use, call 911 immediately.

Thus it is important to know cocaine overdose symptoms. Overdose symptoms are not always the same and can vary from one person to the next. Unlike overdoses from opioids, where symptoms such as pinpoint pupils and slowed breathing are prominent, a cocaine overdose typically presents with extreme paranoia, hallucinations, and intense cardiovascular symptoms like high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. It’s crucial to note these distinctions, as the appropriate response can vary significantly.

Cocaine overdose may include the following physical or psychological symptoms:

Physical Symptoms

• Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure

• Chest pain

• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing

• Extremely high body temperature and profuse sweating

• Seizures and tremors

• Intense, uncomfortable itching

• Nausea or vomiting

• Pale or blue skin

Psychological Symptoms

• Extreme anxiety and agitation

• Confusion or severe disorientation

• Paranoia

• Hallucinations

• Aggression

How to Respond to a Cocaine Overdose

Can Naloxone Reverse a Cocaine Overdose?

Naloxone, commonly known by its brand name Narcan, is a life-saving medication specifically designed to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and rapidly restoring normal respiration. However, naloxone is not effective in treating a stimulant or cocaine overdose.

Cocaine overdoses involve different mechanisms, primarily affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems, leading to symptoms such as severe agitation, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and seizures. In cases of cocaine overdose, emergency medical treatment typically focuses on managing these symptoms through supportive care, including medications to control seizures, blood pressure, and heart rate.

However, if there is a potential that opioids have been consumed, either because someone is unconscious and not breathing, or because drugs were mixed or unknowingly contaminated, naloxone may still be lifesaving.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “If there is the potential that opioids have been consumed, either because someone is unconscious and not breathing, and whether drugs were mixed or unknowingly contaminated, naloxone may be lifesaving. Naloxone can reverse the effects of any opioid that might be involved. No harm will be caused by the naloxone if opioids are not involved.”

How Much Cocaine Does It Take to Overdose?

The amount of cocaine required to create an overdose differs from one person to the next. A person who uses cocaine regularly can develop a tolerance to the drug. This means they need to use more of the drug to achieve the same effects. 

The risk of overdose is increased if cocaine is used with alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant or downer, while cocaine is a stimulant, so they have opposite effects. Some may think that using a stimulant and alcohol together will balance out or cancel their side effects, but in reality, combining a stimulant drug and alcohol may mask the effects of one or both drugs. This can deceive a person into believing the drugs aren’t affecting them, which can increase the risk of overdose.

The best overdose scenario is one that never occurs. Treatment for cocaine addiction, or stimulant use disorder, can help to prevent overdose and reduce problems associated with cocaine use. Cocaine addiction means that the person continues to use cocaine despite it causing problems in their life.

Cocaine Use in the United States

Cocaine use remains a persistent issue in the United States, with approximately 5.5 million people aged 12 or older reporting past-year use in 2019, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) conducted by SAMHSA. Young adults aged 18 to 25 show the highest rates of use, with about 2.8% reporting past-year cocaine use in 2019.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that overdose deaths from stimulant use, including cocaine, rose by nearly 400% from 2015 to 2022, with a steep increase in deaths that involved a combination of stimulants and opioids.

The Signs of Cocaine Use

Cocaine use can significantly impact health, relationships, and overall quality of life in the following ways:

• Significant weight loss and malnourishment because the drug often suppresses appetite

• Frequent Nosebleeds or Runny Nose from snorting cocaine

• Dilated Pupils

• Increased Energy and Hyperactivity

• Decreased need for sleep

• Problems with relationships, poor work performance, and financial concerns

Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

The type of drug rehab program and level of care necessary for a person with a cocaine use disorder will depend on the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. Factors such as their substance use history, the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders, their physical wellness, and the individual’s support system, all play critical roles in determining the appropriate level of care.

Modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are often used in treating those with cocaine addiction. CBT is an evidence-based therapy used in all levels of addiction treatment. It helps patients identify and change negative behaviors and thought patterns associated with substance use, empowering them to develop healthier coping mechanisms through addiction treatment.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is also effective for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This therapeutic approach combines traditional cognitive behavioral therapy with Eastern mindfulness practices, providing a unique and effective method for addressing addiction.

1. Detox

The first step for many people seeking substance abuse treatment is detoxification. Detox is needed if the person has a physical dependence on cocaine and involves medically supervised withdrawal to safely manage the withdrawal symptoms and wean the body off the substance. It is important to note that detox is not treatment but rather, safe removal of cocaine from the body before addiction treatment begins.

2. Residential Treatment

Residential treatment offers a structured and supportive environment, requiring more intensive care. Residential, or inpatient, treatment provides 24/7 supervision and a comprehensive approach to recovery, including therapy, medical care, and holistic activities. The immersive nature of residential addiction treatment helps people focus entirely on their recovery without distractions from the outside world.

3. Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment offers flexibility, allowing patients to receive therapy and support while maintaining their daily responsibilities. This treatment usually includes individual and group counseling, behavioral therapies, and education on coping strategies to manage cravings and triggers. Someone with a mild cocaine addiction or who has just completed more intensive treatment may be a fit for ongoing outpatient care.

4. Aftercare Programs

After completing an initial evidence-based addiction treatment program, aftercare is meant to help with maintaining long-term sobriety. These programs provide ongoing support through continued counseling, support groups, and resources to help reintegrate into their communities and sustain their recovery. Aftercare ensures that patients and their families have the tools and support needed to prevent relapse and build a fulfilling, drug-free life.

Additionally, many substance abuse treatment programs offer holistic approaches that address physical health, nutrition, exercise, and vocational support. Patients may also receive medical care to address any physical health issues resulting from substance use, as well as assistance in rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society.

Take the Next Steps Toward Addiction Help

Taking the first step toward recovery is courageous, and we’re here to provide support every step of the way. To learn more about our programs and how we can help, visit our About Us page or call us at (504) 399-5383. Let Longbranch Recovery & Wellness be your partner in the journey to healing and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430976/

2. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine#what

3. https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/polysubstance-use.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/polysubstance-use/

4. https://www.healthline.com/health/cocaine-and-alcohol#a-toxic-mix

5. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-military-life