Younger individuals, particularly those aged 18 to 25, are more likely to experiment with cocaine, increasing their risk of intoxication. Adolescents and young adults may be more vulnerable to peer pressure and may not fully understand the dangers of cocaine use. Conversely, older adults with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, are at higher risk of severe complications from cocaine intoxication. In some cases, individuals may experience a cocaine overdose after using synthetic or adulterated versions of the drug. These altered forms can vary significantly in purity and potency, often being laced with other powerful substances like fentanyl, which adds another layer of unpredictability and danger.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse – Causes, Symptoms, Addiction, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Cocaine, a powerful stimulant, is responsible for a substantial number of overdose-related hospital visits and deaths annually. According to the CDC WONDER database, the rate of overdose deaths involving cocaine rose from 12,122 in 2015 to an estimated 19,447 in 2020. A cocaine overdose occurs when the body becomes overwhelmed by the toxic levels of the drug, leading to severe or life-threatening complications such as heart attack, stroke, or respiratory failure. Recognizing the early warning signs and symptoms of a cocaine overdose—such as chest pain, rapid heart rate, seizures, or difficulty breathing—can be crucial, as timely intervention can save lives. Cocaine intoxication occurs when someone consumes cocaine, leading to a range of physical and psychological effects. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that affects the brain’s reward system, causing a surge of dopamine, which produces feelings of euphoria.
- The share of all drug overdose deaths that involved fentanyl increased faster among adolescents than adults in recent years (Figure 2).
- In severe cases of cocaine intoxication, patients may require emergency interventions such as intubation or mechanical ventilation if they experience respiratory failure or other life-threatening complications.
- Emergency department and urgent care doctors and nurse practitioners are involved with initial treatment, while intensivists, cardiologists, and hospitalists continue care.
- Long-term cocaine abuse can cause marked changes in brain chemistry and structure.
- Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug that has a strong addictive potential.
Crack Overdose Prevention
For some users, this effect is appealing, cocaine overdose: symptoms and prevention especially those who may already have body image concerns. Once the immediate crisis is handled, the next step is to seek long-term support through a cocaine addiction treatment program. Treatment can address the underlying causes of addiction and provide individuals with the tools to break free from cocaine use. While both forms of cocaine are dangerous, crack is generally considered more addictive and poses an even greater risk of overdose due to its rapid and intense effects.
Cocaine Overdose Symptoms and Treatment Options
This can lead to dangerously high blood pressure levels, increasing the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications. The risk is especially high in individuals with pre-existing hypertension or those who use cocaine frequently or in large amounts. Overdosing from cocaine can cause one’s body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. Also known in medical terms as hyperthermia, this symptom is often accompanied by excessive sweating and may result in stroke or even death.
- The patient’s fever should be managed, and one should rule out hypoglycemia as a cause of the neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- Over the years, cocaine use has been increasing in the United States, with nearly two million people reporting use in 2016.
- The immense stress an overdose puts on vital organs leaves them susceptible to future trauma and damage.
Lastly, the bursts of energy and talkativeness caused by cocaine use make it a popular drug of choice for parties. Cocaine is often used in social settings because of its sought-after effects on people who want to feel more confident and alert in social situations, which makes it one of the leading causes of cocaine addiction. The bottom line is that the likelihood of a cocaine overdose depends on different unknown factors, even when one has taken the same amount they have always consumed in the past. Considering the high unpredictability and addictive potential of cocaine, the best way to avoid the risk of an overdose is still to refrain from using the substance.
Cocaine overdose: symptoms and treatment
Respiratory support may be necessary for breathing difficulties and intravenous fluids may help combat the adverse effects of rhabdomyolysis such as kidney failure. Crack cocaine, commonly known as “crack,” is a solid, crystallized form of cocaine that is typically smoked. It is derived from powdered cocaine by processing it with baking soda or ammonia, creating a substance that can be heated and inhaled as a vapor. Unlike powdered cocaine, which is often snorted or injected, smoking crack allows the drug to reach the brain almost instantly, producing an intense and euphoric high within seconds. However, this high is short-lived, typically lasting only 5 to 15 minutes, prompting users to take repeated doses to prolong the effects. This cycle of rapid highs and crashes makes crack highly addictive, leading to compulsive use, increased tolerance, and a higher risk of overdose.
Seizures and hyperthermia are among the leading causes of death due to a crack cocaine overdose. Other common causes of death due to cocaine overdose include respiratory failure and cardiovascular toxicities. A cocaine overdose is a serious, life-threatening event that requires immediate action. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early and seeking professional help can prevent fatal outcomes. The journey to recovery may be difficult, but with the right support, it is possible to live a life free from addiction. If you or a loved one are facing the challenges of cocaine addiction, don’t wait.
Cocaine is an illegal, highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that can be snorted, smoked, or dissolved and injected into a vein. Long Island Interventions will help guide you throughout the entire process of your loved one’s intervention and recovery. Our professional interventionists are board certified, licensed, and trained in every single aspect of substance use treatment.
In severe cases, medicine will be administered to ameliorate risky symptoms. Benzodiazepine is usually given to high-risk patients exhibiting signs like high heart rate, high blood pressure, and seizures. Prompt medical attention is crucial to treating cocaine overdose and preventing fatality. Healthcare providers generally focus on managing the symptoms and curbing life-threatening complications. More than 6 in 10 adolescents report receiving information on drug and alcohol use disorder and prevention in school (Figure 4).
Additionally, as of 2023, just over half of the nation’s largest school districts reported they mandate stocking naloxone. Some states, such as Washington and Oregon, have also passed legislation that integrates fentanyl education into school curricula. As a street drug, cocaine is often cut with other substances to increase the profit margin for dealers.