While cocaine can legally be used for medical purposes, such as local anesthesia, it is illegal to use it recreationally. Nevertheless, a 2022 study notes that approximately 24.6 million people around the world use cocaine. Cocaine, also known as coke, coca, snow, blow, and flake, is snorted through the nostrils, rubbed into the gums, injected into the veins, or smoked via a pipe or cigarette. Using cocaine can be dangerous, as it can cause severe issues including a heart attack, stroke, and overdose. This article explores the causes, symptoms, effects, diagnosis, and treatment of cocaine overdose.
What Is a Cocaine Overdose?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 19,000 people died of cocaine overdose in 2020. In fact, the number of deaths due to cocaine overdose has been increasing significantly every year. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Causes of a Cocaine Overdose
A cocaine overdose can occur if someone:
Takes too much cocaine in one go Takes an overly concentrated form of cocaine Does cocaine whilst drinking alcohol Mixes cocaine with other drugs, such as heroin Consumes an adulterated form of cocaine that contains other drugs, such as amphetamines or fentanyl—this is considered the most common cause of overdose, and the reason why the number of deaths related to cocaine overdose have spiked Uses cocaine in warm weather, as dehydration can worsen the side effects of the drug
Symptoms of a Cocaine Overdose
These are some of the symptoms of cocaine overdose:
Fast or labored breathing Rapid, rambling speech Anxiety and agitation Confusion and restlessness Lack of awareness of surroundings Muscle tremors, particularly in the hands and face Dilated pupils that don’t shrink even when a light is shined into them Rapid or irregular heart rate Increased blood pressure Nausea and vomiting Lightheadedness Paleness or blue-tinted skin Fever Excessive sweating Bladder incontinence Hallucinations Seizures
Effects of a Cocaine Overdose
A cocaine overdose can affect several organs in the body, which can cause permanent damage and result in:
Stroke, seizures, or paralysis Severe mental health conditions, such as chronic anxiety, depression, or psychosis Reduced cognitive function Heart attack, sudden cardiac death, reduced heart function, or other heart irregularities Kidney damage or kidney failure, which may require dialysis Muscle breakdown, which may require amputation
Diagnosing a Cocaine Overdose
Healthcare providers may perform the following tests to diagnose cocaine overdose and determine whether any organs have been affected:
Vital signs, including pulse, temperature, breathing rate, and blood pressure Cardiac enzymes, to check for a heart attack or other heart damage Electrocardiogram (ECG), to measure the heart’s electrical activity Chest x-ray, to check for lung damage Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head, in case a head injury or internal bleeding is suspected Toxicology screen, to check for drugs and other substances Urinalysis, to check for drugs and other substances
Treating a Cocaine Overdose
Treating a cocaine overdose involves managing the symptoms and treating them as required. However, it’s important to note that there is no medication that can specifically treat or reverse a cocaine overdose. Treatment for a cocaine overdose can involve:
Monitoring vital signs Injecting fluids intravenously Providing breathing support, which may involve inhaling oxygen through a face mask, a tube inserted down the throat, or a ventilator Restoring blood flow to the heart, in case of a heart attack Restoring blood flow to the brain, in case of a stroke Stopping and preventing seizures Prescribing medication for symptoms such as nausea, pain, high blood pressure, anxiety, or agitation Treating other complications such as muscle or kidney damage
If the person survives the cocaine overdose, it’s important to help them get the treatment they need for substance addiction. Treatment may involve:
Detoxification: A period where the remnants of the drug are flushed out of the body. The detox process may need to be undertaken at a hospital or recovery facility as the person may experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, headaches, fatigue, depression, slow thinking, insomnia, and nightmares. Counseling: Once the physical symptoms of withdrawal subside, the person can begin counseling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help the person understand why they were using cocaine, identify the impact of the cocaine use on their life, and learn coping strategies to help them avoid the substance. Contingency management is another therapeutic approach that rewards people for staying drug-free. 12-step programs: Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Cocaine Anonymous (CA) are community-based recovery programs that take a 12-step approach to recovery. Members of the group help each other recover by sharing experiences, confiding in each other, and offering support and advice.
A Word From Verywell
If you or someone you know uses cocaine, it’s important to recognize the addiction and seek treatment for it as soon as possible. Cocaine is an addictive drug that can cause a fatal overdose at any time. Alternatively, it can result in permanent damage or cause long-term health effects.
