Cocaine dependency quickly turns into an addiction as soon as a user loses control over their cocaine intake, relying solely on cocaine for happiness. There are quite a few known interactions between cocaine and other substances, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications and other drugs. Doctors don’t have medicine that can reverse the effects of a cocaine overdose.
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Again, it depends on how you ingest it and a few other factors. The methods that get cocaine into your bloodstream faster allow it to wear off faster, too. “It’s really important to give them the same education and information that we are doing here in syringe exchange programs with the usual heroin user,” Kharieh said. Kharieh said those looking for this particular concoction are still in the minority, though. In response to recent overdose data, her organization has started providing naloxone training to college students and others who might use cocaine.
Symptoms of an Overdose
- A blood cocaine test looks for cocaine or its metabolite in the blood plasma.
- The chest x-ray may show signs of pulmonary edema, pneumothorax, or even aspiration pneumonia.
- Cocaine is a highly addictive drug, known for its stimulant effects.
- This information will help professionals address the overdose better.
- A cocaine antidote has been studied in mice, according to a 2016 article published in the journal Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters.
Keep in mind that the duration and intensity of a cocaine high aren’t the same for everyone. However, some people may also experience increased anxiety, panic, or paranoia choosing an alcohol rehab treatment program from using cocaine, according to a research report from the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Healthline does not endorse the illegal use of any substances.
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Sometimes, the long-term side effects of cocaine use are a sign of brain damage. Cocaine, whether in powder or crack form, has adult children of alcoholics a powerful effect on the body and the brain. Using cocaine can damage brain cells, even after a few times of heavy use.
These drugs can be highly addictive and have limited or no acceptable medical use in the United States. Having poor health or certain health conditions may affect how much of a drug it takes to fatally overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 107,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States during 2022.
Some of the side effects of cocaine depend on how you take the drug. If you snort it, you might have nosebleeds, loss of smell, hoarseness, alcohol and insomnia nasal irritation, runny nose, or trouble swallowing. Smoking crack can damage your lungs and worsen asthma symptoms.
His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. It is very common for someone who is overdosing to throw up during their overdose. If this happens, then you should turn them on their side immediately in order to prevent the individual from throwing up and choking on their vomit.
If you or someone around you is experiencing a cocaine overdose, it’s important to call 911 or local emergency services. Asking for help is a huge and important step toward recovering from cocaine use disorder. They may refer you to a substance abuse counselor or recommend community-based programs. Normal amounts of dopamine can make us feel happy, alert and focused. Large amounts may make us feel powerful, euphoric and filled with energy. When people use cocaine, their brains release lots of dopamine.
Cocaine use, being one of the most powerful stimulants, can seriously affect the functionality of the central nervous system. The coca plant that cocaine is derived from contains naturally-occurring opioids and, when turned into cocaine, it becomes highly addictive and very dangerous. If you’re worried about your cocaine use and want help, you have options. Consider talking to your primary healthcare provider if you’re comfortable doing so. Patient confidentiality laws prevent them from sharing this information with law enforcement.
In severe cases, a cocaine overdose can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, coma, and even death. As listed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), cocaine is classified as a Schedule I drug. This means that cocaine is considered one of the most commonly used and abused illicit drugs, with cannabis being slightly more widely used.
