Can You Overdose on Cocaine?

Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug derived from the coca plant, known for its highly addictive characteristics. While it’s widely recognized as addictive, can you overdose on cocaine? According to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stimulants were responsible for 57,497 U.S. deaths in 2022, with 18,000 of those deaths caused by stimulant-only substances and not ones combined with opioids like fentanyl.

Cocaine isn’t always thought of as lethal, gaining a reputation as a drug used among finance professionals and celebrities. However, the reality is quite the opposite. The rate of cocaine overdose deaths was stable from 2009 to 2013 at about 1.6 per 100,000 people. Yet, that figure nearly tripled in 2018 to 4.5. The COVID-19 pandemic caused another spike in drug overdoses, underlining the need for increased education on the dangers of cocaine. Let’s take the first step and explore whether or not you can overdose on cocaine and what makes the substance so addictive. 

Why Is Cocaine So Addictive?

In the U.S., cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means it can easily cause dependency but is permitted for medical purposes under the close supervision of a licensed doctor. Like the other most addictive drugs, cocaine’s potential for addiction mainly stems from its effects on the brain, utilizing reward and reinforcement mechanisms. 

This system works by disrupting the body’s natural dopamine neurotransmitters. Cocaine structures bind with dopamine transmitters, halting its reabsorption. The overabundance of dopamine floods the brain, triggering a short-term euphoria. Yet, these intense highs are often followed by crashes or withdrawal symptoms, training the brain to quickly associate the drug with pleasure and a need to avoid the subsequent discomfort of cocaine withdrawal.

In addition to its addictive qualities, cocaine users will begin building a tolerance from the first dose. These effects mean higher drug doses are necessary to experience the same high. So, for those asking, “Can you overdose on cocaine and how?” the answer is an urgent yes and far too easily. 

What Are the Signs of a Cocaine Overdose?

Recognizing the signs of a cocaine overdose can be critical to saving someone’s life. While these symptoms are specifically for people misusing cocaine, they may also help spot an overdose of other harmful substances. These signs are paramount amid the current fentanyl crisis, which has killed thousands of people just this year as it is unknowingly combined with drugs like cocaine.

Potential signs of a cocaine overdose include:

1. Increased heart rate.
2. Overheating or hyperthermia.
3. Elevated blood pressure readings.
4. Excessive sweating, often followed by chills.
5. Nausea or vomiting.
6. Dilated pupils that don’t react to light.
7. Agitation or an inability to stay still.
8. Chest pain.
9. Convulsions or seizures.
10. Paranoia and general confusion. 
11. Fainting and unresponsiveness. 

If you recognize any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of an overdose. It will be critical to stay calm and contact emergency services immediately. The dangers of a cocaine overdose are lethal and shouldn’t be handled without professional help. 

Additionally, unlike with opioids, there is no medicine to dissolve or halt a cocaine overdose. As a result, healthcare experts will be essential to stabilizing a person’s symptoms and giving them the best chance at surviving an overdose. 

How Much Cocaine Does It Take to Overdose?

The body can handle increasing amounts of the drug with continued use. However, it’s almost like a game of roulette attempting to gauge where the limit is, which will differ for everyone. Depending on a person’s history with cocaine, a dose as low as 1 to 2 grams can be fatal. Other factors like body weight, age, sex, and overall health will also be contributing factors. 

The purity of the cocaine can further affect the lethality of the drug. Cutting agents are often used when processing cocaine, which involves mixing it with other substances to cut costs and enhance its potency. This practice has caused a spike in overdoses for first-time users ingesting even small amounts of the drug because it can be nearly impossible to know before it’s too late.  

As a result, the best method for preventing a cocaine overdose is abstinence. Living Longer Recovery can assist in overcoming drug addiction and help educate anyone asking the question, “Can you overdose on cocaine?” 

Where Can I Get Treatment for Cocaine Addiction?

Beating a cocaine addiction isn’t easy, and it requires patience, perseverance, and a solid support system. Quality support can come from friends, family, medical professionals, support groups, or a mixture. The more people on your side and the more tools at your disposal, the higher the likelihood of staying off the drug for good and avoiding an overdose. 

Anyone seeking treatment for cocaine addiction has several options:

1. Detox Centers: These facilities help past users through the cocaine withdrawal phase, offering medical supervision to ensure patients get through the period successfully. 
2. Rehabilitation Programs: These programs offer therapy, counseling, support groups, and often detox treatments to safely overcome cocaine addiction.  
3. Therapists: Licensed professionals who specialize in addiction can offer coping strategies and help patients make a plan to avoid triggers while working through the emotional causes of the problem. 
4. Support Groups: Organizations like Narcotics Annonymous (NA) provide peer support from people with similar histories of addiction. The idea here is to learn and lean on others who have or are currently going through the journey of beating addiction. 
5. Healthcare Professionals: Doctors can offer tailored treatment by prescribing different therapies and medications while closely monitoring a person’s health. 
6. Hotlines: Various national helplines can connect users or concerned loved ones with local resources. A widely recognized hotline is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that promotes public health efforts. 

Living Longer Recovery is a drug and alcohol treatment center that could prove an invaluable resource to those looking to overcome addiction. We provide specialized help, including cocaine addiction treatment in California, and we offer inpatient and outpatient rehab, a detox program, partial hospitalization, various therapies, and more. 

How to Educate and Help Someone Wondering Can You Overdose on Cocaine

Education is the key to growth and change. Educating someone on the realistic dangers of cocaine and the risks of overdose can be the first step to recovery. However, it’s not always easy to do this alone, and is often best left to professionals. 

Here at Living Longer Recovery, we have a team of compassionate experts with years of experience successfully treating addiction. We provide inpatient addiction treatment and outpatient drug rehab programs to help people and their families through this difficult time. Call our helpline today at 866-714-3294 to book an assessment and learn more about our treatment programs. If you’re simply looking for answers about the dangers of the drug and wondering, “Can you overdose on cocaine?” we’ve got you covered and are ready to help.

National Sources

• National Institute on Drug Abuse — Drug Overdose Deaths
• National Center for Health Statistics — Increase in Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Cocaine
• National Institute on Drug Abuse — Cocaine