Cocaine can stay in your system longer than expected, influenced by factors like purity and dosage. This blog highlights detection times in different tests. Stay informed to protect yourself and your loved ones from potential risks.
Yes, you can overdose on cocaine. And it’s far more common than you might think in Australia. If you take too much, it could cause serious negative side effects or even death. So be very careful.
Cocaine is a dangerous and harmful stimulant that floods your brain with dopamine and makes you feel like you’re “speeding in a race car”. But too much of the drug, and you’re at risk of an OD.
The only way to truly prevent overdosing is by abstaining from using the drug altogether.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the signs and symptoms of an overdose, risk factors, and what to do in case you or someone you know is in the middle of one.
And finally, we’ll leave you with a word of hope. Whoever you are, you can recover from this if you get help immediately.
Can You Overdose on Cocaine?
Yes, you can 100% overdose on cocaine. If you think someone you’re with may have overdosed on cocaine, dial 000 or take them to a hospital immediately.
Overdosing is far more common than it should be in Australia. According to the University of New South Wales (NSW) in their paper Overdose and Drug-Induced Deaths in Australia 2021, there were 82 overdoses from coke in 2021 alone in Australia.
The reason is that coke is a stimulant that causes a rush of dopamine to your brain. The result is a feeling of invincibility and euphoria – you feel like you can do anything…and all you want is more, more, more.
But if you take too much, it could result in a heart attack, respiratory issues, or combined drug intoxication if you mix it with other drugs (e.g., mixing cocaine with alcohol – which is on the rise in Oz as well).
Another major issue here is that cocaine’s effects include paranoia, which coupled with feelings of invincibility is a recipe for disaster. Car accidents, violence, and even murder – thousands of cases around the world are linked to cocaine.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cocaine Overdose?
The signs of a cocaine overdose can feel similar to the effects of being high on cocaine, which makes it tricky to notice when too much is too much.
Cocaine often makes you feel euphoric and powerful, so you may not realise you’re in danger until it’s too late.
It’s important to stay cautious and watch out for these warning signs of a coke overdose:
- Chest pain
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Severe headache
- Extreme agitation or panic
- Seizures or tremors
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion or unconsciousness
If you or someone else shows any of these symptoms, get medical help right away. Cocaine overdoses can happen suddenly, so staying alert and recognising the signs early can save lives.
Be Warned: There is a growing fentanyl problem worldwide, and it’s no different in Australia. According to a study, “The gear could be cut with fentanyl which is starting to happen more in Australia”, published in Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy by Piatkowski, Timothy, et al., “deaths involving fentanyl, pethidine, and tramadol increased by close to 1000% between 2001 and 2021”.
So be warned: If you take cocaine, you are putting your life at risk. Even a small dose of fentanyl could be fatal.
Which Signs Should You Look Out For to Avoid a Cocaine Overdose?
There are a few signs that signal a person may be heading towards an overdose. If you’re aware of them, you could save your own or someone else’s life. Please take these signs to heart and always stay vigilant.
A few common signs of a cocaine overdose are:
- Taking larger doses than usual: Using more cocaine than their body is used to increases the risk. At the very least, it’s extremely dangerous for your overall health.
- Mixing cocaine with other drugs or alcohol: This can create unpredictable and dangerous effects.
- Increased tolerance: Using cocaine often might lead them to take higher doses to feel the same high.
- Ignoring physical symptoms: Pushing past chest pain, dizziness, or nausea instead of stopping.
- Using cocaine after a break: Their body may not be able to handle the dose they used before.
There are a few other signs you should be aware of as well. If you notice any of the following in someone while they’re taking the drug, it’s a very bad sign. Tell them to stop immediately and get help at once:
- Chattering teeth
- Severe chest pains
- Confusion
- High blood pressure
- High body temperature
Please be aware that this is not a joke. Cocaine overdose can be fatal. Get help immediately.
NOTE: A coke overdose may also be referred to as intoxication or cocaine toxicity.
Want
to Quit Cocaine
but Can’t
How Much Cocaine Does it Take to Overdose?
How much cocaine would it take you to overdose? The answer is – it depends.
That’s the danger of the drug. It’s impossible to say how much it takes to be fatal. Some say it takes at least 1 gram to be fatal, but there have been overdoses from a single small “hit” of just 30-50mg.
Other severe cocaine addicts can take grams of the illicit substance every day and not overdose. That’s why it’s impossible to say.
If your tolerance is high, it could be a large amount. But what if it’s cut with fentanyl? What if you’ve mixed it with alcohol? If you’ve never taken it before, it could be just a small amount. It totally depends.
Cocaine’s very nature is what makes it so dangerous: The high makes you feel invincible, so you don’t even notice you’re getting dangerously close to a cocaine overdose.
Other factors that could influence how much it takes to OD include:
- Whether you snort it or inject it (Taking cocaine intravenously is extremely dangerous. Even very small doses of the drug can be lethal if you’re injecting it)
- Your tolerance level
- The purity
What to do if Someone is Overdosing on Cocaine?
If you think someone is overdosing on cocaine, dial 000 immediately for medical help. They need to see a doctor immediately. They could potentially die if they don’t get medical attention. If you’re at a festival, find the nearest medical tent and get help.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help them before the medical professionals arrive:
- Turn them on their side to keep their airways open and prevent them from choking on their own vomit
- Keep talking to them, hold their hand, and assure them that help is on the way
- Avoid giving them any other substances
Treatment for Cocaine Addiction at the Cabin, Sydney Rehab Clinic
A cocaine overdose is a very real possibility when you take cocaine regularly. It’s one of the easiest drugs to OD on. And now, with the rise of fentanyl, it’s sadly easier than ever to die from taking cocaine.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their cocaine use, get help immediately. There is hope. The first thing you need to do is enter cocaine detox. Get the drug out of your system and get out of harm’s way. Then, you can begin healing.
…and here’s why that’s important.
Unless you quit cocaine for good and address the underlying causes of addiction, you’ll never be able to truly be safe from the dangers of the drug. As long as you continue to use it, you are at risk.
We offer inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services at our rehab clinic in Sydney. You can get treatment online or in person. Many of our cocaine-addicted patients didn’t even have to leave home or miss work while in recovery. And, if you’re suffering from severe addiction, we have a private luxury retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand nestled in the mountains.
During your time with us, you’ll experience different therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. We also recommend that you join an ongoing support group like Cocaine Anonymous.
If needed, we can help with medication, detox, and ongoing support. We can’t know unless you contact us today for your free intake evaluation.
At the very least, we can help you learn more information about getting the care that you need.
ARE YOU READY TO QUIT COCAINE FOR GOOD?
Choose Recovery & Take Back Control of Your Life Today!