As one of the most well-recognized drugs in the world, cocaine is notorious for its ability to produce an intense and euphoric high. Unfortunately, it has also gained attention for its high risk of causing a drug overdose. If you or a loved one is experimenting with cocaine, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of cocaine overdose.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of an illicit stimulant drug overdose looks like may end up saving your life. Understanding the dangers associated with cocaine can also help you recognize that it may be time to seek professional help to stop using this drug for good.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine, also commonly referred to as coke, is a highly addictive stimulant drug that is derived from coca plant leaves. These leaves are processed several times until they have been reduced to resemble small white rocks, which can be processed still further into a fine white powder.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies cocaine as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it poses a high risk for abuse but maintains an accepted medical usage in the United States.
When differentiating between cocaine and crack cocaine, it is important to understand that these are not the same drugs. While they are both derived from the same source, crack cocaine is much more potent and can have more intense – and more dangerous – side effects.
There are several ways a person may use cocaine, including snorting, smoking, or injecting it, as well as rubbing it into the gums. Some people even mix cocaine with other substances to enhance the intensity of their high.
No matter how the drug is used or which version of it is being taken, cocaine is extremely dangerous. Even experimenting just once with this substance can have life-threatening consequences.
Can You Overdose on Cocaine?
Yes, you can overdose on cocaine. Not only is it possible to overdose on cocaine, but it can also be incredibly easy to do so. As a particularly potent drug, even small doses can have serious side effects on a person. This is especially true with crack cocaine, which is a more refined and powerful version of cocaine.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cocaine overdose is caused when a person takes a high enough dose of the drug for its levels in their system to become toxic. This causes a serious reaction, with the drug essentially poisoning their system.
What makes this particularly scary is that what one person may find to be a toxic dose for their body might not necessarily be the same for someone else. This means that there is no way to determine a “safe” dose of cocaine, as each person taking this drug can have a different tolerance level.
What Are the Signs of Cocaine Overdose?
There is no set dose that will lead to a cocaine overdose, it is important to know the answer to the question “what are the signs of cocaine overdose?” Here are the signs of cocaine overdose to look out for when you suspect that you or someone else has taken too much of this drug.
Some of the most common cocaine overdose symptoms include:
- Slowed breathing
- Respiratory arrest
- Extreme paranoia
- Elevated body temperature
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Cardiac arrest
If you recognize any of these coke overdose symptoms in yourself or someone else, it is important to seek emergency medical assistance as soon as possible. The coke overdose treatment process will generally include stabilization, hydration, and prolonged hospitalization for monitoring.
What Are the Signs of Coke Addiction?
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, this cannot be easy to admit. However, it is essential in order to start living a healthier and happier life. Some of the most coke addiction signs include:
- Using more and more of the drug to get the same effect.
- Developing a tolerance to the drug or needing to use more of it to get the same effect.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, and irritability when not using the drug.
- Having intense cravings for the drug, even when you know it is harmful to you.
- Being unable to control your use of the drug, even when you want to.
- Becoming preoccupied with the drug, thinking about it all the time, and making plans to use it.
- Giving up important activities in your life, such as work, school, or relationships, in order to use the drug.
- Getting into legal trouble, such as getting arrested for possession or use of the drug.
- Developing health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and liver damage
Cocaine addiction is a serious disease that can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Treatment for cocaine addiction is typically a long-term process that involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
How Is Cocaine Addiction Treated?
The goal of treatment is to help you overcome your addiction and achieve long-term sobriety. Professional treatment services can help you to understand the nature of your addiction, develop coping mechanisms for dealing with cravings and triggers, and build a support network to help you stay on track with your recovery.
Some of the most common treatment methods used for cocaine addiction include:
- Medications: There are several medications that can be used to treat cocaine addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms and improving your mood and cognitive function.
- Psychotherapy: Therapy can help you to understand your addiction and how it affects your life, as well as develop coping mechanisms for dealing with cravings and triggers.
- 12-step programs: 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous, can provide support and guidance to people who are struggling with addiction.
- Residential treatment: Residential programs provide a more intensive level of care. You will live at the treatment center full-time and receive around-the-clock care from a team of professionals.
- Outpatient treatment: Outpatient programs allow you to continue living at home while receiving treatment. This typically involves individual and group therapy sessions, as well as medication management.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Royal Life Centers
If you are ready to start your recovery from cocaine addiction and avoid the risks of a cocaine overdose, Royal Life Centers is here to help you achieve long-term sobriety in a safe and supportive environment.
Our state-of-the-art facility offers the comprehensive care you need to address every aspect of your substance abuse and start building better habits. We offer a variety of treatment programs and services to those who are struggling with cocaine addiction, including:
- Medical detox
- Residential treatment
- Aftercare programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Gender-specific treatment
- Behavioral therapies
No matter what level of care you feel is best for your recovery, we are here to provide the support and treatment you need to start living a better life. Reach out to us today to learn more about our treatment facility and how you can get started today!
