Cocaine use has been on the decline since the early 2000s. While that’s good news, a decrease in the popularity of a drug may lead to the impression that it’s no longer dangerous. Regardless of how many people are using the substance, a cocaine overdose is still potentially fatal. Fortunately, cocaine addiction treatment is available at the outpatient treatment center at Northpoint Omaha.
Recognizing the signs of cocaine overdose could help you save a life. Call Northpoint Omaha today at 888.687.8014 if you or someone in your life needs life-saving cocaine addiction treatment.
The Dangerous Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose
The most important thing to know about signs of cocaine overdose is that they signal a medical emergency. Call 911 or take the person to a hospital immediately if you suspect they have overdosed on cocaine or any other substance. And never drive yourself or someone else to the emergency room if you are under the influence.
 The following symptoms especially indicate a health crisis:
- A high fever of 103℉ or more
- Inability to keep down fluids
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of consciousness
Be honest with emergency medical providers. Answer their questions truthfully, and provide as much information as you can about the circumstances related to the overdose, including any other substances that may have been used. Your honest answers could help save a life.
5 Cocaine Overdose Signs to Be Aware Of
Whether it is your first time experimenting with cocaine or you have a cocaine use disorder, anyone can suffer an overdose. Overdose happens when a person ingests more of the drug than their body can metabolize. Cocaine overdose symptoms may be physical, psychological, neurological, or a combination of all three.
1. Paranoia and Anxiety
Cocaine overdose can produce intense paranoia, even causing a person to have visual and auditory hallucinations. Acting confused and agitated or having an anxiety attack is part of experiencing paranoia.
2. Tremors
Shaking, muscle twitches, and movements you can’t control are cocaine overdose signs that often go unnoticed until they become severe. Even mild tremors should be viewed as a warning sign.
3. Cardiovascular Problems
Cocaine is a stimulant that causes the heart to beat faster. It can put a dangerous strain on the heart and lungs. If you or someone you know is having chest pain after using cocaine, call 911 immediately.
4. Respiratory Problems
Rapid breathing may be caused by an increase in heart rate or the feelings of anxiety that often accompany cocaine use. However, shallow breathing is also a sign of overdose. Any difficulty in breathing is a medical emergency.
5. Seizure
Experiencing a seizure from cocaine causes the blood vessels to narrow and increases an individual’s risk of stroke.
What to Do When You Recognize the Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose
In addition to getting emergency medical care, there are other steps you can take to help. First, do not leave the person alone. Stay with them until help arrives, and stay on the line with the 911 operator. The situation can worsen quickly, and you may need to provide CPR or other life-saving services.
Do your best to calm the person. Encourage them to take slow, deep breaths. Play calming music and speak in a soothing voice. Even if you feel anxious yourself, acting calm and confident can help ease the other person’s anxiety. After you see someone exhibit cocaine overdose symptoms, it’s crucial to encourage them to get treatment.
Start Your Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Recovery at Northpoint OmahaÂ
In a sense, the symptoms of cocaine overdose are also the symptoms of a cocaine use disorder. If you or someone you care about has overdosed on any substance, it may be a sign that their substance use is out of control.
Take charge of your recovery today by calling Northpoint Omaha at 888.687.8014 or using our online contact form to learn how our outpatient treatment services can help you find lasting recovery from substance use disorder.