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Cocaine Overdoses: How Deadly Are They?

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In 2021, 22 out of every 100,000 Delaware residents died from a cocaine overdose. There are approximately 989,946 people in the state. This means approximately 218 people died from an overdose related to this substance. The good news is this is preventable, and understanding what to look for and what you should do when one happens can allow you to keep your loved ones safe. 

At SUN Behavioral Health Delaware, we understand how distressing it can be to see the statistics and not know how you can make sure it doesn’t happen to you. This is why we like to provide education on things that can save someone’s life. Today, we are going to discuss one of those crucial pieces of information – cocaine overdose. 

Cocaine Overdose: What You Should Know

A cocaine overdose happens when someone takes more of the substance than their body can handle. It does not matter if it is someone’s 1st or 50th time taking it. It also doesn’t matter if the person has taken the same dose before, as each time can be different. This is a medical crisis that can lead to death if left untreated. 

The liver is in charge of processing and removing substances in the body, but it can only handle so much. When someone takes more cocaine than it can keep up with, the body can become overwhelmed. 

Since cocaine is a stimulant that comes from the coca plant, when someone takes it, they experience several side effects that include feelings of happiness, energy, and alertness. It can also lead to a heightened heart rate and blood pressure. These symptoms can lead to severe consequences, as many of the body’s systems may shut down or stop working properly. 

cocaine overdose what you should know

Signs & Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose

There are generally many signs that someone will have if they are experiencing an overdose. These symptoms are indicators that a loved one may be taking cocaine:
  • Altered mental state
  • Seizures
  • Chest pain
  • Headaches
  • Paranoia
  • Vision loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Hyperthermia
  • Restlessness
  • Confusion
Typically, a cocaine overdose will occur in 3 stages. The 1st stage often includes symptoms such as headache, vertigo, hallucinations, euphoria, and hyperthermia. As it progresses into the 2nd stage, the person may experience seizures, hypertension, gasping, and irregular breathing. In the 3rd stage of a cocaine overdose, the person may experience a coma, heart attack, blue nails or lips, and a loss of vital functions. Getting your loved one to the emergency room is essential no matter what stage.

Overdose Dangers

The most significant danger of cocaine overdose is death. The person who is experiencing it cannot sleep it off, and there are no medications that will reverse the effects. But all hope is not lost if someone is experiencing an overdose. Medical professionals possess the tools necessary to treat someone experiencing this condition. They will be able to monitor your loved one and treat any complications. These complications include heart attacks, strokes, and seizures. 

If Someone Is Experiencing an Overdose, What Should You Do?

First of all, remain calm and dial 911. Any sign of an overdose requires immediate medical attention, even if the person can tell you they are fine. Please stay on the line with the operator as you await first responders. They can relay any changes to the people on their way to help. It is also essential to be able to answer any questions they might have regarding the overdose.

According to The Good Samaritan Law, if you are seeking medical care, you and your loved one are protected from legal charges related to the overdose in Delaware. This means that you or your loved one will not receive charges related to possessing cocaine or paraphernalia. 

Because there are no medications you can give a person who is experiencing a cocaine overdose, it makes medical care even more critical. Sometimes, people who take cocaine may combine it with an opioid to increase the strength of the side effects or to make them last longer. It can be impossible to tell through your senses if someone was taking both substances together. However, if you suspect they may have, you can administer naloxone. This medication will only reverse the effects of the opioid. If they did take both substances, it would buy your loved one more time while waiting for the paramedics. 

Risk Factors for a Cocaine Overdose

A cocaine overdose can happen to anyone who has taken the substance. Between 2021 and 2022, 17,000 people took cocaine in Delaware, and all of them had a risk of experiencing an overdose. If someone has a cocaine use disorder, they are at an increased risk due to regularly consuming the substance. Specifically, it can occur if they increase their dose due to a tolerance. There are also some other risk factors.

A cocaine overdose is more likely to occur when it is hot than when it is cold. A 2023 study found that people had a 33% higher chance of dying from a cocaine overdose on a hot day than they did when it was cooler. As the weather increases in the summer in Delaware, it is vital to keep an extra eye on your loved ones or encourage them to stop taking the substance.

An overdose can also occur if someone is taking more than one substance at the same time. This is often done to increase the supply, lower the cost, and improve the effects of the product. Cocaine’s effects don’t last a long time, which makes combining them with more potent substances, such as fentanyl, appealing. But this practice is unpredictable and hazardous. It doesn’t matter if someone has taken those substances together in the past. Each time it is done, there is still the risk of an overdose.

If someone returns to use following treatment, they may be at a higher risk of developing an overdose. This is because, after treatment, their body is no longer used to the amount of cocaine they were taking beforehand. Most people will return to the dose they had before treatment, which can create concerns in their bodies.

Other things that may increase someone’s chances include:
  • Previous overdoses
  • Mental health conditions
  • Physical health conditions
  • Genetics
  • Peers who take cocaine

The Most Effective Cocaine Overdose Prevention Method

Not taking cocaine is the best way to prevent a cocaine overdose. For some people, that may seem like common knowledge. For others, it might seem like an impossible request. Perhaps they have tried to stop taking it in the past. After several hours, they found themselves back with the substance in hand. If they have other signs of a cocaine use disorder, it could indicate they have this condition. 

When someone attends and actively participates in treatment for cocaine addiction, this prevention method can be more manageable. During treatment, people will learn how they can keep themselves safe as they let this substance go. Lessons in return for using prevention and other skills will provide them with these tools. They will be able to form relationships with people they can lean on when the cravings for the substance come. 

signs and symptoms of cocaine overdose

Receiving Cocaine Use Disorder Treatment in Delaware

Reaching the place where you have realized cocaine has played a significant impact in all areas of your life can be a challenging time. You may know you need help but don’t know where to turn. When you consider your goals, you want somewhere that will understand what you are going through and provide care tailored specifically to your needs.

At SUN Behavioral Health Delaware, we provide a no-cost care assessment. During the evaluation, you will meet with one of our representatives, who will work with you and your doctors. They will consider your previous medical history and current conditions to design the treatment plan that will best benefit you. 

Located in Georgetown, SUN Behavioral Health Delaware solves unmet needs. If you have an unobserved mental health condition on top of your cocaine use disorder, we can treat both, which can prevent a return to use. If you have any questions or are ready to start treatment, call us at 302-604-5600 today. 

FAQs About Cocaine Overdose

What should I do if someone is overdosing on cocaine? If someone is experiencing a cocaine overdose, it is essential to remain calm and get medical attention as soon as possible. Call 911 and stay on the line with operators. They can update the paramedics who are on their way with any changes that occur on the way.

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