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Can You Overdose on Cocaine?

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Cocaine is a potent and illicit Schedule II controlled substance, but can you overdose on cocaine?

The answer is yes, you can overdose on cocaine. Overdoses may occur in cases where a larger or more potent dose than normal is taken. At this point, the individual’s body cannot physically handle the levels of cocaine in their system. In these cases, immediate action should be taken to help prevent dangerous or even fatal side effects. 

This guide examines the following issues:

  • Can you overdose on cocaine?
  • How much cocaine does it take to overdose?
  • How to stop a cocaine overdose.
  • How to treat a cocaine overdose.
  • What is the most effective treatment for cocaine overdose?

What is a Cocaine Overdose?

Cocaine overdose occurs if you take so much of the drug that it triggers potentially serious adverse effects. While cocaine can produce feelings of euphoria and increased energy, it can also cause a range of dangerous and even deadly side effects when taken in excess.

When someone overdoses on cocaine, it means they have taken a dose that their body cannot physically handle. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as using a larger amount of cocaine than usual or taking cocaine that is more potent than normal. In some cases, cocaine overdose effects may present if someone takes cocaine that is laced with other substances – fentanyl or other opioids, for instance. Mixing cocaine with any other substance increases the risk of overdose.

It is possible to overdose on cocaine even if you are not physically dependent on the substance. Any use of this illicit stimulant carries the risk of life-threatening overdose.

If someone is experiencing a cocaine overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention. In many cases, prompt medical treatment can help to prevent serious or permanent harm. Treatment for a cocaine overdose may involve supportive care, such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and medications to control seizures or other symptoms. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to monitor the person and provide ongoing care.

Preventing a cocaine overdose requires taking precautions to minimize the risks associated with cocaine use. This may include avoiding cocaine altogether, using small amounts of cocaine, and being aware of the potency and purity of the cocaine being used. Additionally, seeking professional help for substance abuse or addiction can be important in reducing the risk of a cocaine overdose and other negative consequences of drug use.

What Happens When You Overdose on Cocaine?

A cocaine overdose can be dangerous and possibly life-threatening. When someone overdoses on cocaine, the following symptoms may present:

  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Raised heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Respiratory failure
  • Delirium
  • Confusion
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Heart attack
  • Coma

Can You Die from a Cocaine Overdose?

Although rare, a cocaine overdose can be a potentially deadly outcome of using the powerful stimulant drug. Cocaine affects the heart, blood vessels, and CNS (central nervous system), and consuming large amounts can result in a range of life-threatening symptoms.

Some of the symptoms of a cocaine overdose include heart attack, seizures, respiratory failure, stroke, hyperthermia, and kidney failure. The risk of a fatal overdose is influenced by factors such as the amount of cocaine used, the purity of the drug, and the route of administration (such as smoking, snorting, or injecting).

If you or someone you know is experiencing a cocaine overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Treatment for a cocaine overdose typically involves providing supportive care to manage symptoms effectively. Medications may be administered to reduce blood pressure and control seizures, and medical monitoring can help to ensure proper oxygenation and breathing. Taking steps to prevent cocaine use altogether or seeking professional help for substance abuse or addiction can also reduce the risk of a cocaine overdose and other negative consequences of drug use.

Signs and Symptoms of a Cocaine Overdose

What does it feel like to overdose on cocaine? A cocaine overdose can have severe physical and mental consequences that can be detrimental to physical and mental health. Cocaine overdose symptoms may vary, but some common signs of cocaine overdose include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Elevated body temperature
  • High blood pressure
  • Hallucinations
  • Agitation
  • Extreme anxiety

More severe cocaine overdose signs may include:

  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Seizures
  • Stroke

Experiencing a cocaine overdose can be a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. Seeking immediate cocaine OD treatment is crucial in preventing permanent damage or death. Take steps to prevent cocaine use and seek professional help for substance abuse or addiction to reduce the risk of a cocaine overdose and other negative consequences of drug use.

What Does a Cocaine Overdose Look Like?

When cocaine is ingested, it can cause the heart rate to increase, which may trigger cardiovascular complications. The high blood pressure levels caused by cocaine can also result in severe health complications.

The most commonly reported symptoms of a cocaine overdose are both physical and psychological. These symptoms include:

  • Elevated body temperature
  • Increased heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Tremors
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Delirium
  • Paranoia

Overdose Signs To Look For

If you suspect that someone may have overdosed on cocaine, it is beneficial to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Some of the most common signs of a cocaine overdose include:

  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Rapid or difficult breathing
  • Increased heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures or tremors
  • Dilated pupils
  • Sweating and chills
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Loss of consciousness

If you notice any of these symptoms in someone who has taken cocaine, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. A cocaine overdose can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical intervention to prevent permanent damage or death.

Symptoms of a Cocaine Overdose

The symptoms of a cocaine overdose can vary based on several factors such as the amount of cocaine ingested and the individual’s tolerance to the drug. Some common symptoms of a cocaine overdose include:

  • Rapid heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Tremors and seizures
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Paranoia and hallucinations
  • Panic attacks
  • Coma

Experiencing cocaine overdose can be a dangerous situation that can have severe physical and mental consequences. Knowing what to do for a cocaine overdose can be instrumental in preventing permanent damage or death. Taking steps to prevent cocaine use and seeking professional help for substance abuse or addiction can also reduce the risk of a cocaine overdose and other adverse outcomes associated with drug use.

Get Treatment for Cocaine Addiction at Ohio Recovery

If you have developed an addiction to cocaine or crack cocaine, we can help you initiate a sustained recovery at Ohio Recovery in Cincinnati. We specialize in the outpatient treatment of substance abuse disorders like cocaine addiction, mental health disorders, and combinations of the two known as co-occurring disorders.

Choose from the following evidence-based cocaine addiction treatment programs:

  • PHP (partial hospitalization program)
  • IOP (intensive outpatient program)
  • Dual diagnosis treatment program

Our PHP for cocaine addiction provides the most immersive and intensive form of treatment outside of residential rehab, making it the ideal option for those with more severe cocaine addictions.

While there are no medications approved by the FDA to treat cocaine withdrawal and addiction, stimulant use disorders like cocaine addiction respond favorably to a combined approach that involves counseling, psychotherapy, and motivational therapies. You can also access a range of holistic therapies at our cocaine addiction treatment center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

When you are ready to move from active cocaine addiction into ongoing recovery, call (877) 679-2132 for immediate assistance.

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Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn