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 who have seen all forms of substance abuse and the devastation it can cause, it worries us that a significant proportion of people view cocaine as virtually harmless. Sure, when compared to heroin, fentanyl, crack, or crystal meth, cocaine might seem like a more reasonable option, however, we’d like to set the record straight on a question that we hear people ask all too often:
Yes, you can.
Cocaine is an exceptionally powerful stimulant that poses a real and significant risk of overdose, even to first-time users. When an individual takes too much cocaine or takes it alongside other substances, it can place immense strain on the cardiovascular system and, in some cases, 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.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of cocaine-related fatalities in the UK stands at 1,118 for 2023, up 30.5% from the previous year and nearly 10x higher than in 2011. In 2023, just under 80% of all cocaine-related deaths were accounted for by males, and cocaine remains the second most consumed illegal drug in the UK after cannabis.
Cocaine-related deaths are closely linked to:
Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales between 1993 and 2023. Office for National Statistics
Although many of the early signs of a cocaine overdose are apparent and easily identifiable by bystanders, the majority of the early signs that a cocaine overdose might be imminent are nothing more than exaggerated signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction. Prime examples of this phenomenon include agitation and restlessness—both signs that someone has used cocaine, but potentially also early signs of an overdose.
Other early signs of a potential cocaine overdose include:
If you see someone displaying these symptoms after ingesting cocaine, Gladstones Clinic strongly recommends contacting emergency services immediately. We understand that this is an incredibly big ask given the context in which cocaine is often used; however, these signs of potential cocaine OD, especially if the individual is complaining about chest pain and difficulty breathing, could soon devolve into symptoms of a cocaine overdose and a much more serious situation.
The symptoms of a cocaine overdose are less ambiguous than the signs, suggesting that a coke overdose may have already begun. Without exaggeration, recognising the symptoms of a coke overdose early on and taking decisive action can be the difference between life and death.
It’s also important to note that not everyone will necessarily display all of the symptoms of a cocaine overdose. Depending on the individual’s use history, the qualities of the cocaine ingested, and the effects of other substances, a person going into a coke OD might display any combination of the following physical and psychological symptoms, often in conjunction with or exaggerated versions of the signs of a coke OD described above:
The symptoms of a cocaine overdose must not be ignored. If you notice these symptoms in someone and you are sure that they have ingested cocaine and/or other substances, contact medical services immediately.
First of all, playing chicken with cocaine is a terrible idea for so many different reasons. Second, knowing how much coke it takes to overdose is almost impossible to calculate. There are simply too many factors to this equation, including:
For several reasons, Gladstones Clinic chooses not to go into too much detail about what you can do to treat a person going into a cocaine overdose.
The best thing you can do for someone overdosing on cocaine is to immediately contact emergency services. If you are at a festival, rave, or other large public event, immediately send someone to find a medical professional.
The reality is that without specialised medical training and access to potentially life-saving medications such as anticonvulsants, antihypertensive agents, or antiarrhythmics that directly mitigate the dangerous symptoms of a coke OD, there really isn’t much that a person can do other than the ABCs of first aid: check that their Airway is clear, they’re Breathing, and Circulation (heartbeat). If the person isn’t breathing or has no pulse, administer CPR while waiting for medical services to arrive. Even if the person ‘snaps out of it’, regains consciousness, or appears to be recovering, do not cancel medical services.
If ever there was a sign that someone is in desperate need of professional medical help in dealing with substance abuse issues, a cocaine overdose is it. Beyond the significant risk of the next OD being ‘the big one’, continuous cocaine abuse can cause serious and irreversible harm to one’s physical and mental health.
If your or someone you love’s cocaine habit has grown to the point where overdoses are part of the discussion, Gladstones Clinic strongly recommends seeing a physician and entering a rehab programme as soon as possible.
Gladstones Clinic is a leading UK cocaine rehab clinic with residential and outpatient clinics in major cities in the south. With 20 years of experience in helping individuals permanently overcome cocaine abuse, we’ve proven our treatment programmes to be safe, effective, and lasting.
Gladstones Clinic takes an integrated and holistic approach to treating substance abuse. We understand the need for personalised therapy, taking the time to understand each patient’s unique relationship with cocaine before designing bespoke treatment schedules based on their needs.
If you or a loved one are struggling to overcome a cocaine addiction that is heading towards an overdose, please contact Gladstones Clinic for an obligation-free discussion of our clinics, treatment programmes, and therapies.
Contact Gladstones Clinic for an obligation-free discussion of how we can help you or a loved one permanently overcome cocaine addiction.
