What Does a Cocaine Overdose Look Like?

Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose

In the event of an overdose, you will need medical help as soon as possible. While drugs like naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose, there is no equivalent drug for cocaine overdose symptoms. Thus, the care you can provide while waiting is very limited. Monitor the individual’s breathing and be ready to conduct CPR if they stop. Make sure they are lying on their side to reduce the chance of choking on their own vomit.

Do not wait for all symptoms to be present before calling for help. Cocaine overdose is not always done purposely; in fact, it usually happens by accident. The individual might simply have taken too much, and there is also always a chance that the cocaine used was mixed with another drug creating a deadly combination.

Physical Signs

There are several symptoms to watch for in someone that could point to a cocaine overdose. Whether it be someone you know or even a stranger at a party, watching for physical changes can help you spot an overdose in the making. And if you find that you yourself are at risk of a cocaine overdose, noticing these signs early may be the only thing that can save you. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), physical signs of cocaine overdose include:

• Lots of sweating
• Extreme changes in body temperature and heart rate
• Pain in the chest
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Stroke

Mental Signs

Furthermore, there will be mental signs of overdose. Mental symptoms of cocaine overdose are not as pronounced as the physical symptoms, but can still help identify a serious situation. According to WebMD, many individuals will experience the following:

• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Again, not every symptom needs to be present to justify calling medical help. Overdose can lead to death if not treated in a timely manner. If you witness someone showing these symptoms after using cocaine, call help immediately. The ADF recommends dialing 911 to make direct contact with an ambulance.

Withdrawal and Long-Term Damage Associated With Cocaine Use

The Toll Over Time

Regular users of cocaine will find that the damage is not limited to the short-term. The drug takes a severe toll on the body and mind with prolonged use. Most addictive substances create these kinds of problems, but cocaine is one of the worst because so many individuals are willing to try it. According to the ADF, signs of long-term damage that individuals should be aware of include:

• Insomnia or irregular sleeping patterns
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sexual dysfunction
• Heart problems

Furthermore, cocaine is known for being inhaled though the nose, which also creates its own set of long-term problems. The ADF warns cocaine users of constant nose bleeds, nose infections, nostril tissue degrading and overall damage to the nasal cavity.

In order to truly avoid overdose and long-term health problems created by cocaine, entering treatment is the best course of action. While in treatment, you will undergo a forced withdrawal period. The ADF considers this period one of the hardest parts of treatment.

Stages of Withdrawal

According to the ADF, withdrawal begins one to two days after the last cocaine use and can last upwards of 10 weeks. It is best to undergo a supervised withdrawal with a medical professional, not by yourself. The process of withdrawal generally occurs in the following way:

• Crash – Within the first few days of withdrawal you will notice increased negative behavior. Agitation, depression, anxiety, hunger, cravings, poor sleep and fatigue are all common.
• Withdrawal – The official stage of withdrawal can last upwards of 10 weeks and will enforce negative behaviors. Cravings become more intense and you will feel more fatigued without cocaine in the body. Other symptoms of withdrawal include anxiety, anger, and anhedonia (inability to find pleasure in normally pleasurable activities).

• Extinction – After the initial 10-week period, the worst of the disturbances should be over, but periodic cravings will continue. This can last for varied periods of time based on the individual and their original addiction to the drug.

It is important to remember that everyone will experience withdrawal differently. Your personal relationship with the drug will impact the cravings and the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Why Do People Abuse Cocaine?

Cocaine has been around for a long time, even used in household goods at one point in history. The substance is classified as a stimulant drug which is why so many individuals are drawn to it. It speeds up the brain and gives a person more energy. According to the ADF, cocaine is found in three primary forms, allowing for different methods of consumption.

• Cocaine Hydrochloride – This form is a crystalized white powder that is bitter tasting. It is often “cut” with other white substances before being sold, in an effort to maximize profits.
• Freebase – This purer form of powedered cocaine is relatively free of impurities and additives.
• Crack – The most impure version of cocaine, often found in a solid crystal form.

None of these forms are healthy or safe for use, hence the classification as an addictive substance. Additionally, the different forms of the drug allow for different methods of use. All three forms can lead to cocaine overdose.

Cocaine hydrochloride is often inhaled through the nose, but can also be taken by injection. Many individuals also take the substance and apply it to their gums for a quick high. Users of freebase cocaine and crack often smoke it from a pipe.

The draw for many people is the stimulant side of cocaine. Stimulant drugs are known for increasing energy and happiness in users, making them popular party drugs. Everyone will experience cocaine differently based on various factors.

• Body size, weight and height
• The tolerance of an individual
• The mixture with other substances
• Dosage size
• Strength of each dose