Crack Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

can you overdose on crack

If you are in an area where an ambulance cannot reach you, try to get the person to the emergency department right away. There is no set amount of cocaine that will cause an overdose. What may cause one person to overdose might not for another. There are tolerance, metabolism, age, and overall health to consider when asking this question. Crack has a reputation as a highly abused drug due to the rapid onset of a high and the common pattern of binging and crashing.

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Along with the physical risks, cocaine use can affect your life in other ways. Chronic users may find it difficult to discontinue use and must seek professional help. Use of alcohol and other substance with cocaine must also be avoided. Some of the common life-threatening cardiovascular toxicities caused by cocaine include arrhythmias, what is ayahuasca stroke, myocarditis, aortic dissection, myocardial ischemia and infarction. Death may also be caused by hyperthermia and psychotic agitation (delirium accompanied by agitation involving fear, panic, violence) and subsequent respiratory arrest. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

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Asking for help is a huge and important step toward recovering from cocaine use disorder. They may refer you to a substance abuse counselor or recommend community-based programs. If you notice signs of a crack overdose in yourself or another, you should call 911 and provide emergency personnel with as much information as possible. Stay with the affected person and provide any care as instructed by the 911 operator until first responders arrive.

Crack Overdose Facts and Statistics

can you overdose on crack

Some report that cocaine use helps reduce the distress of flashbacks, intrusive thoughts and distressful memories, which occur in PTSD. Crack is a mixture of cocaine and other ingredients that make it smokable. The additives also ‘stretch’ the cocaine (induce a longer lasting high) and increase alcohol withdrawal a dealer’s profit. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. Please fill out your phone number and take the first step toward recovery today. Our treatment specialists can help you find the perfect treatment center in your area.

Crack Overdose Death

Fatalities can occur with all types of use including first time, infrequent, heavy and chronic use. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant.

These toll-free help lines can help you determine whether you’re addicted to cocaine and where to find treatment. When faced with a cocaine overdose, health professionals treat or try to prevent health complications such as stroke, respiratory failure or heart attack. To determine the effects of a cocaine overdose, they may run a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram to detect heart damage. They may also perform a CT scan to determine whether the brain has been injured. Treatment for a cocaine overdose usually involves breathing support, IV fluids and medications. If the overdose causes a heart attack, stroke or other types of internal injury, long-term medical care may be required.

  1. A crack overdose can occur regardless of the amount used, frequency of intake and the route of administration.
  2. What works for one person might not work for another, so be sure to discuss all options with a medical provider.
  3. Death may also be caused by hyperthermia and psychotic agitation (delirium accompanied by agitation involving fear, panic, violence) and subsequent respiratory arrest.

Drug use disorder, or addiction, is a complicated disease that involves changes to your brain structure. Many issues play a role, including other mental health disorders,  your background, and your environment. The most important part of any treatment plan is to give up the drug right away. Many people who are addicted to cocaine go through a phase called withdrawal when they first do this. Withdrawal can be difficult, so it may be best to do it with the help of a medical professional. Some of the side effects of cocaine depend on how you take the drug.

If you snort it, you might have nosebleeds, loss of smell, hoarseness, nasal irritation, runny nose, or trouble swallowing. Smoking crack can damage your lungs and worsen asthma symptoms. If you inject it, you could develop tracks (puncture marks on your arms) and infections, such as HIV or hepatitis C. Research suggests that certain communities may be more prone to using drugs, including cocaine.

But the most significant effect is how cocaine use changes people’s brains, setting the stage for cocaine addiction (cocaine use disorder). For continued addiction treatment, outpatient treatment programs are designed to keep the person away from using again while providing a supportive, judge-free environment. This option should follow a stay at an inpatient facility or after completing a higher level of care. If you suspect a loved one is addicted to crack, you might need to set up an intervention. Do not bombard the person with questions or pressure them to answer your questions.

In severe cases, a cocaine overdose can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, coma, and even death. Get Help Today Find a treatment https://sober-house.net/is-mixing-cymbalta-and-alcohol-safe/ center to help you with your crack addiction. Its ingredients are unknown to the user, as is their quantity and potential for toxicity.

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