Cocaine, in all its forms, is an illegal stimulant drug. A person taking this highly addictive substance can have intense short-term and long-term side effects. The cocaine overdose amount becomes highly toxic and may lead to death.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cocaine overdoses in the United States have more than quadrupled since 2015, with more than 10,000 people dying from overdoses in 2016 alone. In 2017, the number of cocaine-related deaths continued to rise, reaching more than 14,000.
Cocaine overdoses often occur when people use the drug in higher doses or more frequently than they are used to, which can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening effects. The exact overdose amount differs for each person based on their age, tolerance level, and health. The purity of the cocaine also factors into whether a person needs immediate medical attention from a cocaine addiction treatment program.
Do you need to know more about cocaine addiction rehab? Call us today at 866.262.0531 for more information.
What Is a Cocaine Overdose?
An overdose happens when a person takes a large amount of cocaine. Dehydration or use with other drugs makes the cocaine overdose amount dangerous. Signs and symptoms that a person has taken too much include:
- Agitation
- Chest pains
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme anxiety
- Fast heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
Kidney failure is another sign that a person will need a cocaine addiction treatment program. Ingesting too much cocaine may lead to seizures or convulsions. A person could die within 30 minutes without immediate care.
Is There a Cocaine Overdose Amount?
It is hard to predict the exact amount of cocaine it takes for a person to overdose. A chronic cocaine user can build a tolerance to this dangerous drug before reaching an excessive level. They may not have an adverse reaction with the same amount that causes a novice user to overdose.
The high a person gets from cocaine rarely lasts longer than one hour. The danger of a cocaine overdose amount happens when they take increasing amounts to maintain their original high. They may think ingesting some incrementally expands their time being high.
However, they are not measuring how much cocaine is going into their body. Their focus is on the intense excitement cocaine brings. This becomes a recipe for disaster.
Cocaine is usually sniffed, swallowed, smoked, or injected. The method a person uses, plus their tolerance and the cocaine’s purity, factor into how much it takes to overdose. Mixing the drug with other substances can increase the chance of a fatal overdose.
Treatment for Cocaine Overdose
Medical intervention is vital for treating symptoms of cocaine overdose. Lowering blood pressure and heart rate may be necessary once the person arrives at the hospital. This initial care can prepare the person to enter a detox facility for specialized treatment.
Treatment continues with behavioral therapies to address the motivations and reasons for using, as well as any underlying psychological issues. One effective form is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Receiving this type of therapy can help a person alter their thinking and actions toward cocaine abuse.
In some cases, medications may be necessary to help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be useful in this process.
Treatment for cocaine addiction is an ongoing process. It requires dedication and commitment from both the individual seeking recovery and their support system. With proper care, it is possible to achieve long-term sobriety.
Avoid an Overdose by Taking the First Step Today
Crestview Recovery can help you or someone you love break free from cocaine abuse. We make sure the danger of an overdose is behind you, and a better future is ahead.
Our facility provides high-quality, evidence-based treatments such as:
- Individual counseling and trauma therapy
- Extended 90-day treatment
- Aftercare
At last, take the right step forward and reach out to us today at 866.262.0531. We are here to guide you on a healing journey.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
