Cocaine overdose can happen to a chronic cocaine abuser or someone trying it for one night. That’s why it’s so important to know how to recognize the symptoms of cocaine overdose—and where the nearest cocaine rehab center is in your area. Call 844.875.5609 to speak with someone from Promises Behavioral Health about spotting cocaine overdose symptoms and how our cocaine rehab centers throughout the United States can help you or a loved one.
What Does Cocaine Overdose Feel Like?
Cocaine impacts neurotransmitters and depletes dopamine. Cocaine overdose symptoms can wreak havoc on the central nervous system, as well as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Depending on the amount of cocaine and level of cocaine toxicity, the physical effects of overdose can make some people feel like they are dying. For example:
- It’s hard to breathe, and they may gasp for air.
- There is heaviness in the chest, and the person may feel like they have a heart attack.
- Blood pressure may become irregular, causing dizziness.
- The body’s systems go haywire and can render them unconscious.
If someone mixes cocaine with alcohol or other drugs, there is an even greater risk of overdose which can result in death.
What Are the Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose?
Physical effects and symptoms of cocaine overdose may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Tremors
- Increased body temperature
- Faster heart rate
- Irregular breathing
- Seizures
- Bad headache
- Tremors
- Stomach pain
- Loss of consciousness
Psychologically, cocaine overdose symptoms include anxiety, agitation, delirium, panic, paranoia, and psychosis.
Can a Cocaine Overdose Be Reversed?
Acting quickly and getting to an emergency room can save lives. But the symptoms of cocaine overdose present a medical challenge. There is no pharmaceutical cure for the symptoms of cocaine overdose. An overdose requires multiple levels of care. Some of these approaches may temporarily stop a person from dying, but more must be done. Saving someone amid an overdose requires restoring:
- Respiration
- Body temperature
- Heart and kidney function
Some people who overdose may have a heart attack or stroke. Those who survive may end up on a respirator to help them breathe. Others end up in a coma. Death is also possible during or after an overdose.
If the person is addicted to cocaine, they will have withdrawal symptoms that must be managed. If someone survives overdose symptoms and dangers, they will need continued help. This help is available in residential addiction treatment with a reputable treatment provider.
Which Drugs Make Cocaine Overdose Worse?
Drug and alcohol combinations are dangerous and can make the symptoms of cocaine overdose harder to treat. Substances that can cause severe damage when combined with cocaine include:
- Alcohol
- Heroin and other illicit drugs
- Sedatives
- Opioids and other prescription drugs
One of the most dangerous developments in cocaine overdose is the growing trend of dealers who mix drugs and sell cocaine cut with fentanyl. The presence of the potent opioid fentanyl in cocaine is contributing to drug overdose deaths. This is a problem for people using cocaine only occasionally and recreationally, as well as those with signs of cocaine addiction. In most cases, the drug user does not know that fentanyl is in the cocaine.
What Should You Do in the Event of a Cocaine Overdose?
If you suspect someone has overdosed on cocaine, call for help immediately. Emergency healthcare providers can administer medication to restore their heart rate and blood pressure.
Promises Behavioral Health offers specialized cocaine detox and rehab programs in multiple locations across the United States. Contact Promises immediately if you’re ready to get help or are worried about a loved one. Our caring team of experts can help you get the treatment you need to recover from cocaine addiction or overdose.
Find Cocaine Detox and Addiction Treatment with Promises Behavioral Health
It can feel impossible to reach out for help when you are addicted to cocaine. But recovery is possible, and sobriety is the only way to prevent cocaine overdose. With the help of the right treatment center, detox, and addiction treatment can save a life. Contact Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn more.