Learn how to identify and take action in the event of a cocaine overdose. This article covers the early warning signs and symptoms of a cocaine overdose, emergency treatment, and other frequently asked questions.
As addiction recovery specialists, we have seen all forms of substance abuse, including the devastation cocaine specifically can cause. However, for those without the first-hand experience we have, it can be easy to mistake the drug as ‘harmless’.
We want to set the record straight – cocaine is incredibly harmful, with life-threatening consequences.
In fact, over 5,440 deaths in England and Wales were related to drug poisoning in 2023, according to government data. Knowing the signs of a cocaine overdose is crucial to getting life-saving treatment faster.
To help, we will go over the signs of a cocaine overdose, as well as the treatment that can help you recover.
Yes, you can overdose on cocaine, from taking too much of it or mixing it with other substances like cannabis, heroin, or alcohol.
As cocaine is an exceptionally powerful stimulant, it poses a real and significant risk of overdose, even to first-time users. Even a small amount can place immense strain on the cardiovascular system and, when taken in a large quantity, can end up being fatal.
Reach out to Gladstones Clinic for an obligation-free discussion on our clinics, treatment programmes, and how we help people permanently break free from cocaine addiction.
After cannabis, cocaine is the second most consumed illegal drug in the UK, despite data showing the potentially fatal consequences of the substance.
In 2024, the number of cocaine-related deaths reached 1,279 across the UK, a 14% increase on figures from the previous year and 11 times higher than in 2011. Of those deaths, around 76.8% were males and 23.2% were females.
Cocaine-related deaths are often caused by overdose, but there are other closely linked causes, including:
Deaths related to drug poisoning across England and Wales have been increasing over the years. Have a look at our tables below to see how drug-related deaths have changed between 1993 and 2023.
Many of the symptoms of a cocaine overdose are easily identifiable by bystanders. However, the early warning signs that a cocaine overdose might be imminent can be harder to spot.
For example, early signs of a cocaine overdose include agitation and restlessness, which can also be signs of someone who has just taken cocaine and is not necessarily about to overdose.
Other early signs of a potential cocaine overdose include:
If you see someone displaying these symptoms after ingesting cocaine, contact emergency services immediately to give them the best chance of avoiding an overdose.
Symptoms of a cocaine overdose are not always the same for everyone, but there are a few common ones to be aware of.
Depending on the individual’s use history, the strength of the cocaine ingested, and the effects of other substances taken, a person going into a cocaine overdose might display any combination of the following physical and psychological symptoms.
The symptoms of a cocaine overdose must not be ignored. If you notice these symptoms in someone contact medical services immediately.
There isn’t an exact amount that’s known to cause a cocaine overdose, as there are too many factors that can affect how the substance acts once ingested. However, some aspects that can make an overdose more likely include:
When someone is experiencing a cocaine overdose, it needs to be treated as an emergency to prevent fatal consequences. Treating someone after an overdose, who may still be struggling with addiction, involves different steps.
While treatment will look different for each person, you can take a look at the common ways to treat cocaine overdose and addiction below.
The best thing you can do for someone overdosing on cocaine is to contact emergency services immediately by dialling 999.
If you are at a festival, rave, or other large public event, immediately send someone to find a medical professional.
A person experiencing a cocaine overdose needs professional medical attention, as potentially life-saving medications such as anticonvulsants, antihypertensive agents, or antiarrhythmics will need to be administered to help.
Should you notice the person isn’t breathing or has a weak pulse while you are waiting for paramedics, you can administer first aid if you or someone nearby is trained:
Don’t cancel the emergency services, even if the person comes around before they arrive – they will still need medical attention.
When someone overdoses on cocaine, it can be a sign that addiction support is needed, especially if it isn’t the first health complication they have had from taking the substance.
If you or a loved one’s cocaine habit has grown to the point where an overdose has happened, entering a rehab programme as soon as possible gives you the best chance of recovery.
With cocaine rehab, you get around-the-clock care from addiction specialists who guide you through detox, recovery, therapy, and aftercare.
Over 169,542 adults entered drug and alcohol misuse services during the 2024/25 period. So, if you are considering cocaine rehab for yourself, you are not alone.
Gladstones Clinic is a leading UK cocaine rehab clinic with residential and outpatient clinics across major cities in the south.
With 20 years of experience in helping individuals overcome cocaine abuse, you can trust our treatment programmes to be safe, effective, and, most importantly, long-lasting.
We take an integrated and holistic approach to treating substance abuse to ensure all of our service users receive the right care for them. First, we take the time to understand each patient as a person before designing bespoke treatment schedules based on their needs.
If you or a loved one are struggling to overcome a cocaine addiction, please contact Gladstones Clinic for an obligation-free discussion. You can reach us on 0808 168 2433 or fill out the contact form below.
Five of the most common signs of an overdose include slow, erratic, or stopped pulse, clammy skin, irregular breathing, confusion, and dilated pupils. However, there are other signs to be aware of, such as vomiting, seizures, or bluish skin.
Overdoses happen when too much of a drug is ingested in one go, or a mixture of different substances is taken at the same time. As the body can’t process such high amounts of the drug, it can cause an overdose.
Cocaine withdrawal is what happens when a person starts to reduce or stop their intake of the drug. It can happen almost as soon as the substance leaves the system, with symptoms of withdrawal including agitation, anxiety, fatigue, and paranoia.
After an overdose, a person may seem unresponsive with slow, shallow, or erratic breathing. If you notice this, it’s important to call 999 immediately to ensure they get the medical care they need.
Contact Gladstones Clinic for an obligation-free discussion of how we can help you or a loved one permanently overcome cocaine addiction.
If you would like to request a callback from our support team, please fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible.
If you are in crisis and require urgent help, please call us directly on 0808 168 2433.
