Recognizing Cocaine Overdose Symptoms

Cocaine overdoses continue to claim the lives of tens of thousands of Americans as the years go by. The physical and psychological harm caused by cocaine use is largely incremental, deteriorating the mind and body over the course of months or years. Overdoses, in contrast, are as dangerous as they are sudden. Cocaine overdoses happen most frequently among heavy cocaine users, but first-time users are not in the clear by any means.

The dangers of cocaine use are not a mystery to those with a cocaine use disorder. Many continue using knowing the risk, sinking deeper into the cycle of addiction, often ignoring cocaine overdose symptoms. Getting help for cocaine use disorder fast and early is essential, which is where Greater Boston Addiction Centers comes in. Our cocaine addiction treatment program can put you or your loved one on the path to recovery. Contact our team at 877.920.6583, and learn about how we can help you overcome withdrawal, mend relationships, and renew the lost sense of stability.

What Are the Common Signs of a Cocaine Overdose?

The typical cocaine overdose symptoms often deviate from the usual high in subtle, noticeable ways. Some of cocaine’s effects can mask the overdose symptoms, making overdoses hard to detect until they’ve progressed. Common signs of cocaine overdose include:

• Sweating
• Increased body temperature
• High heart rate
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Tremors
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Intense chest pain

These symptoms are likely to differ from person to person. Additionally, there are complications due to the presence of other drugs in some impure cocaine, including opioids, methamphetamine, or others. Drugs cut with additional substances are growing in popularity, are usually cheaper per unit of measurement, and are much more unpredictable as a result of their cocktail-like composition. These drugs, as well as their interactions with cocaine, can more easily lead to an overdose than pure cocaine.

If you notice the signs of a cocaine overdose, there can be no hesitation. Ensuring the individual survives requires immediate action. Situate the individual in a safe position, preventing choking from occurring, and call for emergency services as soon as possible.

Other Dangers of a Cocaine Use Disorder

Overdoses are the most sudden, unpredictable results of continued cocaine usage, but they are far from the only health detriments that exist. The increased heart rate and blood pressure that cocaine induces do, over time, stress the cardiovascular system and leave it weak. This strain eventually may culminate in a heart attack, seizure, or stroke, which can be just as much of a surprise as an overdose—if health is left unchecked.

Additionally, cocaine abuse, in general, causes a number of effects that aren’t strictly medical. The financial cost involved in maintaining a cocaine addiction is steep, and the legality nationwide still puts individuals in peril of legal consequences. Cocaine users stand to lose so much, and as a friend or family member, it can be extremely taxing to witness it all play out.

Find Relief for Cocaine Abuse at Greater Boston Addiction Centers

Knowing the common cocaine overdose symptoms can be lifesaving information, but putting it into practice is hard. Those who have lived the longest with a cocaine use disorder find themselves at the highest risk of overdose, while more recent cocaine users face the prospect of an addiction of their own. In short, the only safety from a cocaine overdose is to avoid it altogether, but this is magnitudes easier said than done.

We know how hard living with a cocaine use disorder can be. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we spare no expense in making sure your recovery is as safe and comprehensive as possible. Our cocaine addiction treatment program can help you overcome the difficulties of recovery. We’re here to help around the clock—just call 877.920.6583 or connect with us online today.