Cocaine and crack cocaine are two substances people abuse to experience a rush of energy, increased focus, and euphoria. While the effects of cocaine are short-lived, the continued use of the drug can lead to a cocaine overdose. Understanding the signs and symptoms of an overdose from cocaine could potentially help save someone’s life. It can also help people determine when it is time to seek professional treatment for cocaine addiction.
Can You Overdose on Cocaine?
You can overdose on cocaine, even from small doses of the drug. The risks can be even higher when using crack cocaine. One of the contributing factors to overdosing on cocaine is the shortness of its effects. Even though the effects wear off quickly, the drug is still in the body.
Unfortunately, people will take more of the drug to restore euphoria and the pleasurable effects. When they do this, they are putting more and more cocaine into their system. Eventually, the repeated usage in a short period can lead to an overdose.
Another factor that can contribute to a cocaine overdose is when the drug is cut with fentanyl. Fentanyl is a lethal opioid that is being used more frequently to cut cocaine. It only takes as little as two milligrams of fentanyl to cause an overdose and death.
Additionally, some people drink while using cocaine. Alcohol is a depressant so it can offset the effects of cocaine. To restore energy and focus, people will use more cocaine. Again, this increases the amount of the drug in the body, which can lead to an overdose.
Signs & Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose
Cocaine is a stimulant drug, which means that the person usually remains conscious while having an overdose. The individual may not even be aware they are having an overdose. Some of the signs and symptoms that indicate a cocaine overdose include:
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Elevated body temperature
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Panic attack
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Overheating
- Chest pain or tightness
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Psychosis
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Teeth grinding
- Excessive energy and restlessness
How Much Cocaine Does It Take to Overdose?
The amount of cocaine it takes to overdose will vary from one person to another and on other factors, such as:
- The amount of cocaine used
- The frequency of cocaine use
- Whether the drug is mixed with other substances
- The person’s sensitivity to cocaine
- The person’s tolerance to cocaine
- How the drug was taken (snorted, smoked, injected)
- If fentanyl or other substances are used to cut cocaine
- The purity of the drug
As little as 30 mg could trigger an overdose in some people. For other people, who have built up tolerance to the drug, it could take 1 g or more of the drug before an overdose occurs.
Dangers of a Cocaine Overdose
Some of the dangers that can occur as a result of an overdose from cocaine are:
- Mental health issues, such as hallucinations, psychosis, and paranoia
- Erratic behaviors and elevated risk-taking that put the person and those around them in danger
- Elevated risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure
- Elevated risk of breathing difficulties and respiratory failure
- Elevated risk of stroke and seizures
Cocaine Overdose Risk Factors
The risk factors often associated with cocaine overdoses can include:
- Combining and mixing other substances with cocaine
- Directly injecting the drug into the bloodstream
- Repeated dosing to maintain the desired effects over an extended period
- Building up tolerance to cocaine, requiring larger doses to achieve the desired effects
- Previously overdosing on cocaine or another substance
- Developing a sensitivity to cocaine
- Overall physical health
- Age
What to Do If You or Someone You Know Is Overdosing on Cocaine?
If you suspect you or someone you know has overdosed on cocaine, it is imperative to act quickly by doing the following:
- Call 911 and request immediate medical care
- Provide as much detail about your drug and alcohol use, or that of the person
- Follow all instructions given by the 911 operator
- If you have access to naloxone, administer it if you suspect fentanyl or other opioids were used to cut the cocaine and are directed to do so by the 911 operator
- Turn the person on their side in case they vomit
- Use cool washcloths to help cool the body down
- Use ice packs wrapped in towels to speed cooling, but only use them for no more than 10 minutes
- Remove sharp and dangerous objects from around the person in case they have a seizure
- Try to help the person focus on their breathing and take slow and steady breaths
- Remain on the phone with the 911 operator and with the person until emergency responders arrive
How Is Cocaine Overdose Treated?
Treating an overdose from cocaine focuses on attempting to stabilize the individual and offset the effects of the drug. A sedative can help slow down the heart rate and lower their blood pressure. Emergency responders and ER staff will use various cooling methods to lower body temperature.
Once a person has been stabilized and the risk of overdose has passed, the hospital will recommend the individual start cocaine detox and addiction treatment at a drug rehab center. Otherwise, if they do not, they increase the risk of overdosing on cocaine again in the future.
Treat Cocaine Addiction at Renewal Health Group in Los Angeles, California
If you or someone you know overdosed on cocaine or is struggling with cocaine addiction, help is available at Renewal Health Group. Our Los Angeles treatment facility provides comprehensive and personalized cocaine detox and addiction treatment services. Contact us today for further information about our services or to start the admissions process to a brighter, drug-free future.
Published: 5/27/2025
