5 Deadly Side Effects of Cocaine Overdose
Cocaine overdose is a very serious problem, and those who abuse this drug in high doses are putting themselves in danger of its deadly side effects. 5 of the most common and life-threatening effects of cocaine overdose are listed below. If you have experienced an overdose due to your substance abuse or believe you are in danger call 800-934-3781(Who Answers?) today to find a rehab center that can help you stop.
1. Dangerous Behavior
According to the Better Health Channel, “In high doses, cocaine can make a person feel extremely agitated, paranoid and aggressive.” These effects can, unfortunately, lead to dangerous behavior, which sometimes can be life threatening. Many individuals who overdose on cocaine (as well as other dangerous drugs of abuse) experience severe confusion, aggression, hostility, and other psychological issues that may cause them to do something harmful to themselves or someone else. Accidental fatalities, violence, homicide, and suicide are all possibilities during a cocaine overdose.
2. Stroke
A stroke occurs when the brain sustains serious damage because the blood flow to the brain has stopped. The brain cells will begin to die, and if the individual isn’t taken to the hospital immediately, the issue could become fatal. The reason why cocaine abuse can cause a stroke is still somewhat unclear, but according to a study from the Postgrad Medical Journal, “Since the development of alkaloidal crack cocaine in the 1980s, there has been a significant rise in the number of case reports describing both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke associated with cocaine use.”
3. Heart Attack
Regular cocaine abuse, or a cocaine overdose, can cause a heart attack.
A blockage of blood flow to the heart is what causes a heart attack. This is a common side effect of high level, prolonged abuse of cocaine as well as one-time overdose. Users of cocaine are at a much higher risk of experiencing a heart attack, as the drug puts a large amount of strain on the heart every time it is abused.
4. Respiratory Arrest
As stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens, “Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of the heart stopping (cardiac arrest) followed by stopped breathing.” Individuals who abuse cocaine along with other drugs (popular combinations being heroin and alcohol) are in more danger of overdosing and going into cardiac and respiratory arrest.
5. Seizures
A person who has taken a large amount of this drug also has a strong chance of experiencing a seizure, or abnormal brain cell activity that can be very dangerous. Often, an individual experiencing a seizure for the first time will not be able to breathe properly or will experience the respiratory arrest previously mentioned at the same time. Under certain circumstances, a seizure can be extremely dangerous and just as deadly as the other effects listed above.
Seek Treatment Now for Cocaine Abuse
If you are a frequent cocaine abuser, it is important to seek treatment right away. Call 800-934-3781(Who Answers?); we can help you find a rehab center that will cater to your needs as well as provide you with the options you require as a patient. This can help you avoid the possibility of an overdose. If you believe you or someone you know is currently undergoing a cocaine overdose, call 911 immediately.