Cocaine is an illegal and highly addictive stimulant derived from the coca plant. For centuries, cocaine was used to treat a variety of ailments and was even an ingredient in Coca-Cola until 1903. Once the dangerous side effects of this substance were discovered, the drug market was stripped of it in 1914. Unfortunately, many people struggle with addiction. As a Delaware rehab center, we know that a cocaine overdose is not only possible but can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.
What Happens if You Overdose (OD) on Cocaine?
An OD on cocaine occurs when someone ingests too much of it to the point where their brain and body begin to shut down. Because cocaine is a stimulant, it works by increasing activity in the central nervous system, which can affect the heart, brain, and lungs. When someone ingests a toxic amount of cocaine, they may experience severe reactions.
A dangerous aspect of cocaine addiction is that an overdose is not measured by the amount that was ingested. In other words, for some people, the cocaine overdose amount can be as small as a few milligrams, while another individual may snort several grams and not overdose. Because cocaine is such an unpredictable drug, the occurrence of an overdose is hard to predict.
Cocaine potency also varies depending on where and from who the individual obtained it. To make more profit with less product, drug dealers and manufacturers will cut cocaine with other drugs and additives like heroin, fentanyl, laundry detergent, boric acid, procaine, creatine, laxatives, and more. The potency of a gram of cocaine from one seller may be different from another. Because there is no way to tell what additives the product contains, the user’s risk of overdosing increases exponentially.
The signs of a cocaine overdose will also vary depending on the cutting agents the substance contains. Recent years have even seen a spike in instances of fentanyl-laced cocaine, a substance that is 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin, and this highlights the very real dangers associated with illicit drug use.
Because cocaine is so addictive, it can be difficult for users to quit even when they experience adverse side effects. At Banyan Treatment Center Delaware, we offer residential treatment that requires patients to live onsite where they can receive the unique and round-the-clock care they need to recover. Our team of clinical professionals is trained with the tools necessary to help these individuals to make life-changing recoveries.
Cocaine Overdose Symptoms
The signs of a cocaine overdose can be difficult to spot, especially if the person’s addiction was hidden from others. When a person ingests cocaine, they may experience an increase in body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. During a cocaine overdose, these side effects are more severe. The severity and noticeability of an overdose may vary depending on the person and the amount they took.
Signs and symptoms of cocaine overdose can include:
- Hyperthermia (increase in core body temperature)
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pains
- Heart attack
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors or uncontrollable shaking
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Delirium
- Seizures
- Heart failure
Cocaine is also associated with cardiovascular disease. Overdosing on coke can also cause heart attack and heart failure, both of which are life-threatening. It is why detox in Delaware is proud to offer a program for this kind of addiction, designed to comprehensively address the unique facets and symptoms of cocaine withdrawal.
Get Cocaine Addiction Treatment With Banyan
Not only can you OD on coke, but you can also die from it. Cocaine’s effects on the brain and the body can be life-threatening. Most people who become dependent on this drug are unable to quit without professional help. Luckily, our Delaware drug rehab offers substance-specific programming for cocaine dependencies, ensuring that patients suffering can get the most appropriate care for their needs. Addiction is not an easy thing to overcome, especially on one’s own. That is why our team of professionals is ready and waiting to help you take the first steps down the road of recovery.
If you or a loved one is caught in the throes of cocaine addiction, Banyan Delaware offers a variety of addiction services that can help. Call us now at 888-280-4763 for more information.
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